Dance and Drama Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Dance and Drama

Year 5 Excursion – Glen Street Theatre Ratburger

On Thursday 5th June, as part of their Dance and Drama performance unit, the Year 5 students attended a live stage production of Ratburger — a play by Maryam Master, based on the book by David Walliams. Described as “a hilarious, action-packed, and touching play about kindness and bravery,” this production offered a rich and engaging theatrical experience.

This excursion directly supported students’ current learning in Dance and Drama, as they prepare for their own stage performances. Watching a live production allowed students to step into the role of an audience member and observe the impact of strong characterisation and commitment to a role—key elements in successfully telling a story on stage.

Students also had the opportunity to see firsthand how movement and dance are used to enhance storytelling, adding energy, emotion, and clarity. In addition to performance, they explored other vital components of theatre, including set design, lighting, sound, music, costumes, digital screens, and even puppetry—broadening their understanding of how all these elements work together to bring a story to life.

We look forward to discussing this inspiring experience further in our upcoming Dance and Drama lessons!

Year 10 Accelerated Dance class -  Composition Development

The Year 10 Dance students are now halfway through their Preliminary year of the Stage 6 Dance course, and their enthusiasm is stronger than ever. During our early timetabled lesson this Wednesday, the dance room was buzzing with energy and creativity as most of their Composition Dancers attended their first session to begin learning and workshopping choreography.

As part of the Stage 6 Dance course, students are required to choreograph a solo dance work based on a concept of their choice and teach this to another dancer to perform. While this process can present challenges—particularly the task of translating artistic vision onto another performer—it is a valuable opportunity for collaboration across year groups. The younger dancers gain insight into the Stage 6 Dance Course, and the choreographers develop essential teaching and communication skills.

The Year 10 students are incredibly grateful to their dancers for volunteering their time and energy. As their teacher, it is wonderful to witness such a positive and creative atmosphere in the dance space. I’m excited to see how these works evolve in the coming weeks!

Year 9 Drama – Scripted Performance Preparation

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 9 Drama class as they continued work on their scripted performance pieces, which they are developing in pairs as part of their upcoming Assessment Task. This vibrant and artistic cohort brought great energy and focus to their rehearsal process—it was truly fabulous to see their ideas come to life on stage.

The students demonstrated strong collaboration, creativity, and commitment. They made thoughtful choices in blocking while working with a minimal set, and were actively rehearsing and refining their movement and vocal articulation to develop characterisation. It was also heartening to see students supporting one another by rehearsing lines together or offering constructive feedback through observation.

Many students in the class are also involved in our upcoming Major Production, Mamma Mia, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication. Balancing rehearsal for both the show and their curriculum work is no small feat, and their efforts are to be commended.

We hope to showcase some of these Duologues at our HSC Drama evening to be held on Thursday 26 June at 6pm in the Performing Arts Centre.

Senior Theatresports

Despite having a hiatus from the regular Tuesday after school training sessions due to Musical rehearsals, our talented Senior Theatresports team still took to the stage at Sydney Grammar School on Friday 16 May 2025 for the annual Impro Australia Schools Theatresports heat – the only competition of its kind in NSW, bringing together more than 150 schools for a fast-paced night of unscripted drama and comedy. 

Representing the Pittwater House school were CG11 students Liam, Tilly, Erica, Kayla and Parker. 

The team faced tough competition and with little preparation time, but still held their own in a thrilling, laughter filled night of improvisation. 

We are very proud of our students and for their courage, wit and will as well as their creativity and ability to think on their feet. 

Despite not getting through to the semi-finals, the students performed some entertaining scenes and were a strong, unified team on the stage. It was a fun and positive experience that they will forever remember. 

The Senior after school Drama Club will resume in Term 3, Week 2, Tuesday 3:30-4:30pm in the PAC.