ASPIRE News
ASPIRE 2024 – ‘Disconnected’
Could you survive with no access to the internet? The recent ‘CrowdStrike’ and Optus outages have proven – life as we know it STOPS!
'Hear ye, Hear ye, Singlebrook (see what Anna – ASPIRE Artistic Director – has done there?!) have decided they no longer need a town crier! Daniel is outraged when Quentin Wordsworth is fired as town crier but nobody else seems to care, all they want to do is stare at their phone screens….until the internet is mysteriously cut off. ‘Disconnected’ featured a great soundtrack of music that punctuated an original and highly relevant script, the 2024 Aspire production brought over 150 young creatives from our Diocesan schools to the stage of the Civic Theatre as they creatively performed to us the chaos that ensues as a town goes offline and young people bring back the art of town crying!'
Lula P (ASPIRE 2024 cast member) and Anna P (audience) reflect on their ‘Disconnected’ experience:
Lula:
Aspire is an original production written by Anna Kerrigan (ASPIRE Artistic Director) involving students from all around the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. Over 500 students audition for only 150 places - you can audition for dance, drama, singing and band. We work together for over six months to put together a spectacular show at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle. Aspire is a great way to form new connections with people you would never have otherwise met who share similar interests. I would recommend auditioning for Aspire 2025 as it is an incredible way to be a part of the creative arts and make great memories and friendships!
Anna:
As a student invested in the idea of performing arts, viewing the 2024 production of ASPIRE was extraordinary. Last Friday, Mrs Claire Dent, Mr Eric Villari, and Ms Laura Pegrum, had the opportunity to take 22 of our St Joseph’s students down to the Civic Theatre to watch the 2024 ASPIRE ‘DISCONNECTED’ production. Observing the show, many students acquired an interest in musical theatre. It was exceptionally captivating to have the opportunity of seeing some of the students from our very own school, show their talents. From singing and acting, to backstage designing, our school was lucky enough to have five students involved in the production - Daniel C, Jimmy D, Lula P, Megan L, and Trinity E. As well as those students, we were also lucky enough to have one of our very own CAPA teachers involved as a backstage technical assistant for mics, Mrs Bronwen Smith.
Throughout the show many emotions were expressed as the storyline progressed. The crowd at the Civic Theatre were in awe of the talent portrayed by young students, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats derived from the plot twists and stage presence. Each and every student that attended from our school was beyond proud of the work and effort put into this year’s production. A massive thank you to Mrs Claire Dent and Ms Laura Pegrum for organising this excursion, and to Mr Eric Villari for driving our bus down (and putting up with our loud music on the way back).
For future students, and parents of our school, take the opportunity to watch a future ASPIRE performance, you won’t regret it!
Any student who would like to audition for the ASPIRE 2025 production, or be involved in one of ASPIRE’s year-round programs (in Music, Drama, Dance or Art) – please come and speak with Mrs Bronwen Smith or speak to one of the Creative Arts teachers. Promotional flyers for all programs are also placed on Compass and around the school; ask questions, get involved and embrace your passion and potential!
