Secondary Life

VCE Drama

Nic Frame - Secondary Drama Teacher

Congratulations to Joel Molyneux (Class of 2023), whose VCE Drama solo performance has been selected in the 2024 VCE Season of Excellence. The season comprises twelve concerts, including the Top Class concerts, which feature outstanding VCE performing arts students. 

Joel's solo centred on the character of the Court Attendant who, assigned with the task of finding new contestants in the competition to be King Henry VIII’s next wife, reluctantly auditioned prospective ladies-in-waiting, and tried to warn them of the perils and pitfalls of becoming involved with the King. Featuring witty dialogue, tap dancing, and clever reworkings of songs by Gloria Gaynor ('They Don't Survive') and Taylor Swift ('Cut It Off'), Joel's self-devised performance showcased his engaging stage presence and his skill in playing multiple characters. 

The Top Class concert series will be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre in May, and we wish Joel all the best for his performances and beyond!

Earlier this term, James Thorn visited the VCE Drama class to discuss acting and faith. James will be well known to staff and families who attend Trinity Presbyterian Church; he graduated from Camberwell Grammar in 2020, began his tertiary study of acting at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) in Perth, and is now about to begin his second year of acting at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts) in Sydney.

James participated in a Q & A session with the class and shared his insights into how secondary school can equip students for further experiences in the performing arts. He discussed the importance of developing strong collaboration skills, seizing every opportunity to expand comfort zones, and how to prepare for auditions. 

He passionately described how faith should not be separate from performance, and how to navigate being a Christian in a largely secular industry. It was a great encouragement and reminder to our students that God has a plan despite the knockbacks that will be encountered, and that they're doing so well in their journey thus far!