Wakakirri 2026

Wakakirri 2026 – A Day to Remember!

What a day! Our recent Wakakirri performance at the Frankston Arts Centre was an incredibly long, busy, exciting and rewarding day – one that our students, staff and families will remember for a very long time.

Our adventure began with a bus ride all the way to Frankston, where we were warmly welcomed by the wonderful Wakakirri team. We kicked off the afternoon with a team meeting, learning about the rules, expectations and theatre etiquette that would guide us throughout the day.

We then headed into “The Jungle” – the affectionate name given to the performers’ holding area – where we changed into our costumes and prepared for our dress rehearsal and technical run-through. Before long, we were ushered backstage for our stage rehearsal. This was an important opportunity for the students to become familiar with the theatre and their performance space, while Mrs Murray worked with the technical team to set and synchronise the lights, sound and projections ready for the evening performance.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was meeting our Wakakirri Ambassador, Joti Van Carlos Gore, an International Award-winning singer/songwriter, actor/director, dancer/choreographer, recording and voice-over artist, and author. Joti was incredibly warm and encouraging, and it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to meet and receive feedback from such an accomplished industry professional.

Throughout the afternoon, our performers also had the opportunity to meet students from other schools, watch some of the other performances rehearsing and soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful celebration of student creativity.

Back to “The Jungle” we went for the final preparations! Hair was done, make-up was applied and costumes were checked before we joined the Wakakirri Pep Up – Student Celebration. There were photos, plenty of fun and, eventually, dinner!

Then came lockdown – the moment when all performers needed to be backstage and ready to perform.

As the audience began to arrive, the nerves started to build. But our students remained calm, focused and professional. They channelled those butterflies into their performance skills and were ready to give it everything they had.

And they absolutely smashed it!

As the first school to perform, there was a huge sense of excitement and anticipation. The students performed with energy, confidence and commitment, and the audience responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause. It was an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved.

After our performance, we returned to “The Jungle” to relax, celebrate and watch the other schools take to the stage. The talent and creativity on display throughout the evening was incredible, and our students thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a wonderful event.

And then came the awards!

We were absolutely thrilled to receive five 'Show Awards':

🏆 Ensemble Award for Acting Performance

🏆 Production Award for Costumes

🏆 Ensemble Award for a Well-Performed Rehearsal

🏆 Ensemble Award for Group Dance

🏆 Production Award for Projection

We were also incredibly proud to receive some wonderful feedback from our Wakakirri Ambassador, Joti Van Carlos Gore. Joti praised the students’ storytelling, characterisation, dynamic movement, use of projections and music, group formations and their ability to extend their performance skills.

A HUGE thank you to the incredible teachers and parents who supported our students throughout the day. It was a massive day – long, exhausting, intense and at times very hot – but also incredibly rewarding. From the early bus trip to the final awards ceremony, your support, encouragement and willingness to jump in wherever needed made such a difference.

We simply couldn't have done it without you.

And finally, to our amazing Wakakirri performers – we are so incredibly proud of you! You represented our school beautifully, demonstrated our school values of Respect and Responsibility, supported one another and performed with confidence, enthusiasm and heart.

What a day. What a performance. What an achievement!

Congratulations, performers – you were absolutely spectacular! 🎭🌟