Performing Arts
Music Matters
Performing Arts Cultural Tour
It was an absolute privilege to accompany 28 passionate Music and Drama students from Years 9–12 on our inaugural Performing Arts Cultural Tour to London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Vienna and Salzburg. The tour provided an extraordinary blend of artistic inspiration, cultural immersion and personal growth, and I have no doubt it will remain one of the defining experiences of these students' school years.
Throughout the tour, students experienced an outstanding range of live performances, including the West End productions of Beetlejuice, Les Misérables, Hamilton and Hadestown, and well-known plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream, War Horse and The Mousetrap. They also enjoyed a chamber music concert in Salzburg's historic Fortress, an orchestral performance of the music of Mozart and Strauss in Vienna's magnificent Musikverein, and the rare opportunity to hear all five organs of Salzburg Cathedral performed one after the other in a spectacular pipe organ recital.
Beyond the theatre and concert hall, students explored some of Europe's most significant cultural and historical landmarks. Highlights included a behind-the-scenes tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and The Royal Albert Hall in London, complete with a visit to the Royal Box and waiting rooms; river cruises along the Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Danube in Vienna, walks through the historic colleges of Oxford, the breathtaking gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, the postcard-perfect village of Hallstatt and the charming streets of Berchtesgaden in Germany. They also ventured high into the mountains, visiting the spectacular Five Fingers viewing platform on Krippenstein and the historic Eagle's Nest in Bavaria.
The educational opportunities extended well beyond sightseeing. Students participated in professional drama workshops, developed greater independence by navigating public transport systems across multiple countries, and quickly became experts at handwashing clothes in hotel rooms! One of the most memorable activities was our London scavenger hunt, which combined teamwork, problem-solving and exploration, culminating in a surprise ride on the London Eye. A visit to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour was another undisputed highlight for both students and a certain staff member; much to everyone's relief, every wand purchased made it through airport security successfully!
The tour was an overwhelming success, due in no small part to the outstanding manner in which our students represented the College. They embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, maturity and curiosity, demonstrating respect for the other cultures they encountered whilst forging new friendships and strengthening existing ones. Despite an extremely full itinerary - and even enduring some of London's summer heatwave - they remained positive, resilient and appreciative throughout. I could not be prouder of the exemplary way they conducted themselves.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my fellow tour leaders. Mr Andrew Saar's exceptional organisation of our daily operations and nightly updates to parents were invaluable to the smooth running of the tour. My heartfelt thanks also go to Mr Matt Stearn for his outstanding support, flexibility and unwavering commitment to the care and wellbeing of our students throughout the journey. Their professionalism, good humour and teamwork were instrumental in making this inaugural Performing Arts Cultural Tour such an outstanding success.
The Concert Club - Concert #2 – Thursday, 30 July 7:00 pm, Sydney Opera House. Book your tickets now!
We are pleased to offer a second Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) concert to our Concert Club line up and have a limited number of free tickets available for our Performing Arts students, courtesy of PAPA.
This concert features renowned cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who catapulted to stardom after his performance at the royal wedding of Harry and Meghan. However, it’s his superb musicianship that has led him to work with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors, including the SSO’s own Chief Conductor Simone Young.
Students will travel independently to and from the Opera House and will be supervised by Mrs Westhoff throughout the concert.
Arrival at the Opera House: 6:30 pm. Meeting point is at the Cloakroom (to the left of the internal stairs on Level 1). Concert commences at 7:00 pm sharp.
Dress: smart casual.
Concert end/pick up: 9:00 pm
Cost: free, courtesy of PAPA
Program: https://www.sydneysymphony.com/events/simone-young-sheku-kanneh-mason
Secure your free student ticket via Clipboard: Activity Selection → Performing Arts 2026 → Concert Club #2
New singing teacher: We are very excited to have Arlo Sim join our department whilst our singing teacher, Leah Berry is overseas for the next seven weeks. Arlo was a finalist (runner-up!) on ‘The Voice’ in 2021 and brings a wealth of performance and teaching experience to our students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZc8mI1IwzM
Term 3 Performing Arts dates:
Term 3 promises to be another busy one for our Performing Arts students. Please see the dates below and check your emails from Ensemble Directors for detailed information regarding these events:
As always, please check the Performing Arts section of Woodchatta each week and feel free to reach out to our helpful Performing Arts staff if you have further enquiries:
Cocurricular / Performing Arts Admin assistant: Ms Merryn Dodd,
Private Tuition Coordinator: Mr Stephen Cummins, scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Ensembles Program Coordinator: Mr Andrew Saar, asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Leader of Learning, Drama: Ms Penny Lindley, plindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Head of Performing Arts: Mrs Annabel Westhoff, awesthoff@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
TREASURE ISLAND
Information session: Friday 24 July at 3:20 pm in the Sarto Centre (Week 1, Term 3)
We are seeking actors, musicians and backstage crew members and musicians to be involved in the production. Students will be given a draft rehearsal schedule and a short monologue to learn. This is an opportunity for students to ask questions.
Students currently in Years 7–11 are eligible to audition and participate in the play.
Audition Dates (CHOOSE ONE SESSION TO ATTEND)
Friday 14 August, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday 16 August, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Students will be provided with a short monologue to prepare and will also participate in a workshop involving drama activities and performance exercises inspired by the style and themes of the play.
Rehearsals will begin Week 1 of Term 4.
Cocurricular Showcase
An email has been sent home with information on our showcase. Please see the attached letters for the intermediate and senior ensembles for this information. The letter covers costume and rehearsal information.
Upcoming DRAMA events for Term 3:
(Week 1) Thursday 23 July: Intermediate Drama Ensemble begins.
(Week 1) Friday 24 July at 3:20 pm: Information session in Sarto Centre for the play: Treasure Island.
(Week 2) Wednesday 29 July at 12:00 noon: Elective Drama students go to STC Wharf 1 to see Bennelong in London.
(Week 3) Sunday 9 August 10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Intermediate Drama Ensemble will rehearse their scenes. Each group will be given a timeslot.
(Week 4) Thursday 13 August 5:00 pm: Intermediate & Senior Drama Ensemble Showcase. All students involved should stay behind after school to rehearse. Ms Lindley will send home an email regarding costume that can be brought from home to wear.
(Week 4) Friday 14 August 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Treasure Island audition #1
(Week 4) Sunday 16 August 10:00 am - 11:30 am: Treasure Island audition #2
(Week 9) Wednesday 16 September 10:00 am: Elective Drama students go to Belvoir Street Theatre to see The Book of Everything.
(Week 10) Monday 21 September 3:20 pm - 5:00 pm: Treasure Island cast meet up, workshop and costume measurements taken.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama
From PAPA
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday 17 October 2026
PAPA Comedy Night Annual Fundraiser. More details to come.
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President - papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au