Drama and Dance

Day of Drama

We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent 11 ATAR/APEx Drama Day. It was a day filled with creativity, learning, and plenty of laughs! The event provided an incredible opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a variety of drama techniques and gain valuable insights into character development, script analysis, improvisation, and stage combat. Throughout the day, students were guided through workshops that focused on:

• Improvisation
• Script Analysis
• Character Development
• Character Movement and Stage Combat

Students were given the chance to explore their creativity in new ways, develop their performance skills, and learn from experienced instructors. The sessions were interactive, engaging, and tailored to help each student grow as an artist.

One standout moment came during the Character Development workshop. Students were encouraged to build characters through movement, which led to some truly creative and insightful performances. A highlight from this session was the ‘Hot Seat’ activity, where students were dragged around by different parts of their bodies (belly, knees, or head) and had to continue their character development while answering questions. One of our students created a character who was frightened and confused, and it was fascinating to see how different students interpreted the same movement in unique ways.

Juliette Andrews shared her reflection, stating that the workshop on character development was particularly impactful. She explained how starting with movement to build a character, followed by creating a backstory, helped her understand and portray her characters more authentically.

We are already looking ahead to future events that will continue to inspire and challenge our students. The 11 ATAR/APEx Drama Day was an incredible success, and we can’t wait to offer even more opportunities like this one.

Solo Intensive Workshop 

Our Year 11 ATAR and APEx Dance students recently engaged in an intensive Set Solo Workshop, collaborating with Mercedes College and learning from recent WAAPA graduate and esteemed peripatetic teacher Matt Lawler. This invaluable opportunity allowed students to immerse themselves in professional dance training while developing their technical and expressive performance skills.

During the workshop, students focused on learning Sections 1 & 2 of the Set Solo, refining their movement quality. They explored intricate choreography, honed their technique, and worked towards mastering the nuances of the solo piece. The workshop not only strengthened their understanding of the choreography but also deepened their appreciation for performance precision and storytelling through movement.

Drama:  State Theatre Centre

Last Thursday evening, our Year 10-12 Drama students attended a performance of August: Osage County by Black Swan Company at the Black Swan State Theatre. This production left a lasting impact on our students, who engaged deeply with the show’s complex themes, masterful performances, and stunning staging & lighting.

Throughout the evening, students were eagerly taking notes and analysing the performance in real-time, demonstrating their dedication to the course and written work. During the interval, creative discussions filled the theatre foyer as they unpacked character motivations, dramatic techniques, and production elements, already preparing insightful reviews for their upcoming assessments. Their enthusiasm and analytical engagement showcased their commitment to developing a critical eye for live theatre.

A special thank you to our students and their guardians for their patience and understanding regarding the unforeseen late finishing time. Your support and flexibility were truly appreciated. Our students responded to the experience with maturity, enthusiasm, and insightful reflections, making the evening an incredible success.

Dance: King St Arts Centre

Our Year 10-12 Dance students have begun their assessment preparation at the prestigious King Street Arts Centre, making use of its exceptional studio facilities to refine their technique and performance skills. This ongoing experience provides them with a professional setting to develop their artistry, work on their choreography, and deepen their understanding of dance as they progress towards their assessments.

From the first session, students have shown outstanding commitment, focus, and enthusiasm. Their engagement in the space has been exceptional, and they continue to approach each rehearsal with professionalism and a strong work ethic. As they make the most of this invaluable opportunity, we look forward to seeing their growth and progress in the coming weeks.

Miss Jessica McGaw & Miss Maisy Watson

Dance and Drama Teachers