Performing Arts
with Mrs Sarah Bailey
Precious Puppets Perform
We have concluded our Puppet Unit with some very special performances and photo-shoots. Grades 3–4 students designed and constructed their own sock puppets this term. They drew inspiration from master puppeteer Jim Hensonand rehearsed and presented short plays to each other, showcasing their hand-made puppets' features and personalities. It's such a joy to watch students engage in creative storytelling and imaginative play together.
Grade 5/6 students presented a class item in Assembly with a collaborative "Sports" themed performance, sharing their Paper Puppet choreographed movement pieces to orchestral music compositions - John William's Superman Theme Song and the main theme of Chariots of Fire. Students worked as a team to bring their puppet onto the stage and then depicted different activities in organised sequences (eg hiking, swimming, weight lifting, taekwondo, gymnastics, polevaulting) using breath, focus, weight and slowed movements. Shout out to the Assembly Tech crew and Miss Buzzini who added spotlights and blue-based lighting for extra dramatic flair!
Aladdin Jr - 6 weeks away!
With Gavin D Andrew at the helm again, our 2026 Production is looking nearly as magical as a Flying Carpet. Check out the sets! - largely build by "Grandpa Rob" who has put in enormous hours and creativity to make them so special. During our "Aladdin Day" last week, almost all students were able to be fitted and rehearse with their main costume on (Thanks Jacqui and Steph) - a very exciting part of the process for children to help them step into their character and role. A BIG congratulations to our cast who performed at the Warrandyte Festival last Saturday! In your purple T-shirts and authentically Middle Eastern costumes, you braved cold rain, a few nerves and some tricky microphone feedback to carry on and provide the audience with a rich taster of what is in store for us on 15-17 May. We can't wait for more!
HOLIDAY REHEARSALS - if students are available
Saturday 18 April - Principal cast - Selected times throughout the day 9-4pm - as I've communicated today via email to cast (no techies required)
Sunday 19 April - Whole cast and crew 1-5pm. (techies required)
COSTUME BASE - As communicated via email to Aladdin cast today. Please wear on 18-19th rehearsal if you have it.
MUSIC - To ensure we continue building strong momentum, all cast members should have their song lyrics and lines memorised by end of school holidays. Knowing material confidently allows us to focus on performance quality, character development and stage presence during rehearsals.
Grade 1+2 Ensemble mix: Arabian Nights, Friend Like Me, Prince Ali and Finale
Grade 3-6 (+ G2 guards) Ensemble mix: as above, plus High Adventure, One Jump, BOAK
Please practise these like mad for the holidays. In car trips (with or without headphones), wake up music, chillin' music, "The Voice" performances with friends, "Guess next lyric" games, Sing-a-longs etc etc. Be creative but get lyrics, tune and timing memorised really really well.
Production Dropbox is full of useful lyrics etc for students to help them rehearse: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2uh24zb6op7csqbud3jed/AE1SLydRGsO_cGP6nYU4pv8?rlkey=e3qh0eqomaamieatbgjqmjsht&e=1&dl=0
WISH LIST:
Items - donations are welcome!
- Fake Fruit (Or real fruit if required)
- Fake Snake for Snake Charmer and basket
- Baskets for the markets
- Tea trolley x2
- Marketplace items - jewellery, middle eastern themed clothes and items for shopkeepers
Please drop items at the office. Please clearly name your items if you want them returned.
"People Power"
- Set painters and decorators on Monday 13 April: 9-12noon
- 4 flagpoles to be made
- Cleaning crew - after each performance
- Bump out crew post production - heavy lifting, hand people, remove sets from theatre
Please email Sarah Bailey if you can help with "people power" Sarah.Bailey2@education.vic.gov.au
Have a safe holiday as you celebrate Easter with your family and friends. Keep singing Aladdin songs on your holiday drives and quiet days at home, organise a play date to practise lyrics together, create sock puppet songs and theatre shows with cousins/siblings/friends and find other creative outlets to explore. Keep observing the incredible world around you for inspiration!
Sarah Bailey
Sarah.Bailey2@education.vic.gov.au
(Work days: Tuesday and Thursdays)