Performing Arts
Music Matters
Welcome back!
2025 promises a year filled with fabulous performance opportunities for our musicians and actors.
Clipboard will be up and running very soon and you will be notified when you can enrol your son/s in the following Performing Arts programs:
Private Tuition (only required for those new to lessons in 2025)
Instrument Hire (all instruments except piano, guitar, drums)
Performing Arts levy payment ($350) which covers all cocurricular (ensemble) activities
Ensemble selection – Music and Drama ensembles (please note: some ensembles require an audition so students may be moved).
Please read the terms and conditions very carefully as it is difficult to refund for incorrect choices.
All Music Ensemble rehearsals will begin next week (Week 2). All students are invited to attend rehearsals in Week 2 as we are aware there have been issues with Clipboard and it may not have been possible for you to sign your son up yet. Students are also welcome to come and trial an ensemble before committing to an ensemble. A Rehearsal schedule is attached below.
Ensemble rehearsals for 2025 are as follows:
Students continuing in Private Tuition will also begin their lessons in Week 2, although some new students might not begin until Week 3. Students will be contacted by their ensemble director and private tutor.
Hired instruments: Students who are hiring an instrument from the school and have applied via Clipboard will be given their instrument in their first lesson with their private tutor. All instruments were serviced over the holidays.
Performing Arts Parent Information evening: Parents and carers are invited to attend an information evening concerning all things Performing Arts at the College. This will be held on Tuesday 11 February (Week 3) commencing at 6:00 pm in the Band Room . This will give parents an opportunity to ask questions and meet some of our private music tutors and ensemble directors.
This meeting will be followed by the Performing Arts Parents Association (PAPA) AGM. All parents and caregivers are warmly encouraged to attend and support our amazing Performing Arts community! Refreshments provided.
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Oliver Twist Holiday Workshops
During the two-day holiday workshop, we worked with Chris Tomkinson, an actor, teacher, and drama facilitator. Students focused on ensemble techniques and acting skills. We examined life in London, its energy and dynamism, and the heightened characterisation needed to perform Dickens appropriately. Using contrasting physicality, students explored dynamic ways to stage the main events and ideas from the play. Everyone left with a complete understanding of the story and the reasons why Dickens wrote it. Each actor aimed to deepen their character and make decisions about their motivations and goals on stage.
At lunch, we ate together, fostering a strong bond of friendship. It was wonderful to see young people dropping their guards and working together comfortably.
Oliver Twist Rehearsal Schedule
Upcoming rehearsals
Drama Co-curricular Ensembles
The college offers a variety of Drama Ensembles tailored to different age groups and abilities:
Junior Drama Ensemble: Open to all students in the Junior School (Years 5-6). Join us for a fun and friendly drama session!
Intermediate Ensemble: Students in Years 7-8/9 are encouraged to participate and explore their acting skills.
Senior Drama Ensemble: For older students, this ensemble will resume in Term 2 on Mondays after school due to ongoing play rehearsals.
Important Note: Students who were in Year 8 last year and part of the Intermediate Drama Ensemble should continue in their Intermediate Ensemble slot on Thursdays until invited to join the Senior Drama Ensemble.
Ensembles for this term are as follows and are all taking part in the Sarto Centre:
Junior Ensemble (Years 5-6): Friday Morning 7:30 am - 8:30 am Weeks 2 - 11
Intermediate Drama Ensemble (Years 7-8/9) Thursday Afternoon 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Weeks 4 - 8
Senior Drama Ensemble (Years 9-12) begins Week 2, Term 2.
Upcoming events
Oliver Twist Rehearsals: Start again for ALL CAST Sunday 2 February 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday 12 February: 7:00 pm OnSTAGE @ The Seymour Centre for Years 10 & 12 Elective Drama
Wednesday 19 March: Periods 1 - 6 Picnic at Hanging Rock @ Sydney Theatre Company at The Drama Theatre, Opera House for Years 9 - 12 Elective Drama
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama