Where are they now?
Past Students
The talent pool of Arts students at Cheltenham Secondary never ceases to amaze. Like all of our teachers, our Arts Faculty challenge and champion their students to put themselves in the spotlight and to aim and reach their full potential. At Chelt' we encourage and support students far beyond the classroom, here are some former Cheltenham Students doing great things in the arts world.
Evan Lawson
Who are you?
My name is Evan J Lawson, I am a composer and conductor of contemporary classical music. I am also the artistic director of Forest Collective, a multi-arts artist collective dedicated to unique contemporary performance experiences.
Where are you based now?
I live in North Melbourne having been based for a time in Sydney and spending my 20s zipping around the world for gigs.
What year did you graduate from Cheltenham S/C?
I completed year 12 in 2006.
What was your favourite ARTs subject?
During my time at Chelt I participated in many parts of the arts program, however my love was always drama and music. In the music department I participated in the school choir, played clarinet in the school band, and I had oboe, clarinet, singing and piano lessons. I was also lucky enough to be afforded a number of conducting and curating opportunities with the school ensembles, which was the beginning of my conducting practice. I was the drama captain, and have many fond memories performing in the school productions and presenting student theatre shows. After I left Chelt I spent two years coming back to the school to run the music and theatre sports teams for the Windsor Gardens Exchange.
What is your best memory about being a student learning in that subject? You can reflect on any time from year 7 -12.
I have two memories that immediately come to mind - performing in the school productions, which aside from being really fun were great places to explore and experiment with ideas and creative options and conducting my own piece of music with the school band in year 12.
What do you do now?
I work as a freelance composer and conductor, primarily working with my ensemble Forest Collective to present a number of projects a year. I do need to supplement my income with a day job - which is in marketing for Victorian Opera. I also work on a few other project based producing jobs for various arts festivals and classical music organisations.
Why did you choose a career in the ARTs?
For me there really wasn’t any other choice, it is what I’ve always put most of my energy into. I enjoyed other aspects of life, but really most of my life revolves around the arts in some way and always has. As I mentioned above, I can’t make my whole living on creative work, so I work a number of freelance roles with major cultural organisations. This work isn’t always the most creative, however it’s always wonderful to know I’m working with and for artists.
What's a career highlight so far?
Naturally, I am an artist who loves to talk about themselves so I can name a few; 1. The premiere of my new dance-opera Orpheus back in 2019. I then took this work to a company in Texas, USA. 2. Earlier this year I worked with a number of amazing artists as part of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence in the south of France on a new micro opera that received a limited premiere. You can watch the piece here. 3. Having my music performed by professional, historic orchestras, such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Tonkunstler Orchestra.
What’s a dream for the future?
To be able to maintain a portion of my income from my creative work. It’s always a struggle hustling for gigs and funding for projects, so I hope I can maintain this energy throughout my professional life.
What would you say to your student self, if you could leave a message from the future?
Keep going, keep doing what you love, don’t listen to the people that don’t understand and maybe just occasionally slow down and take a rest for a moment.
Where can we learn more about you? evanjlawson.com has all the info about my work. I also have a number of videos of my work, and introductions to aspects of contemporary classical music available on my YouTube.
Cat or Dog? I must admit that I love both! However my living arrangement means I can’t own either...but I do have 9 fish!
Teacher Reflection
I remember Evan being a standout performer in both Drama classes and as 'Fagan' in the school production of 'Oliver' . Evan always knew he simply had to be part of the performing arts. It was clear, upon talking with Evan, that he possessed a rare drive and intellect and it is no surprise to witness the success of 'Forest Collective' thus far
Sarah Migliaccio (Kardos)
Who are you?
Sarah Migliaccio (but I was Sarah Kardos in my Chelt days)
Where are you based now?
I live in Frankston South
What year did you graduate from Cheltenham S/C?
I graduated in 2003
What was your favourite ARTs subject?
I loved all of my Art subjects but my favourite was Studio Art
What is your best memory about being a student learning in that subject? You can reflect on any time from year 7 -12.
My best memory of Studio Art was always feeling very valued there. You could explore your own ideas in your own style with amazing guidance and support. I would wait (impatiently) for those timetable spots every week! Honestly the best part of studying Art over the years at Chelt was my teacher. I watched her create and share her own artwork with passion and that was very inspiring to me! It still is. My teacher made me feel like I was worth it and at the same time pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ll always be grateful.
What do you do now?
I have a small business selling original paintings, prints and other products featuring my artwork. I sell online and frequent markets. I have also been teaching Visual Arts for a number of years now. Sharing my passion with kids has been a lot of fun.
Why did you choose a career in the ARTs?
Art is like my identity and what makes me unique. It’s where I feel like the best version of myself. It’s just always been there and is my path. It is a hard path to carve out, you have to back yourself hard and figure a lot of things out on your own. You have to fail and get back up a lot. But the hard work is so worth it, I am doing what I love and it feels great.
What's a career highlight so far?
The day I sold 4 paintings within 3 minutes of putting them up online was a really great day. It blew me away. Learning the ropes of doing art markets has been a fantastic challenge. In my Art teaching, I had a very talented student who created a business and sold her paintings at our school Arts Festival. I felt so proud to support her in that venture.
What’s a dream for the future?
I am working hard towards being able to work full time as an artist. I would love to have a studio/gallery space on my property where people could visit and do workshops. I’d like to do the Finders Keepers market.
What would you say to your student self, if you could leave a message from the future?
It’s worth it and it can be done. The starving artist is a myth and you are in control of your own game. Learn as much as you can from those you admire. Stay focused. Work hard. Be patient, but at the same time do something every day towards your goals. Do as much as you can to gain/keep perspective.
Where can we learn more about you?
Cat or Dog? Both! Russian blue cat, almost 17, Lilia. Australian Shepherd dog, almost 3, Ruby.
Teacher Reflection I remember meeting this vibrant young woman in Yr10, she challenged me from day one, to teach her something new and exciting and kept me on my toes from then on. It was very clear from the outset that Sarah had a passion and skill for drawing animals. Their eyes were always so soulful and wide. Watching her develop the painting and illustration skills, so evident in her practice now, was a complete delight. I'm now so impressed to see her, sharing her art works with the wider community, her animal portraits have not lost their soulful, textural and colourful flair. Sarah is an artist to watch
Cameron Parke
Who are you?
Cameron Parke
Where are you based now?
Melbourne
What year did you graduate from Cheltenham S/C?
2011
What was your favourite ARTs subject?
Media and Theatre
What is your best memory about being a student learning in that subject? You can reflect on any time from year 7 -12.
To be honest, being in the creative subjects at school was the defining moment of my young life. The moment I walked into the Media classroom and saw the video camera and the iMac’s my eyes lit up. My best memory would have to be going to the Brighton Cinema for the media doco awards night where my team and I won an achievement award. This was in year 10. Ironically also in Year 10 I was a part of the school production Archimedes which was also a personal highlight. What do you do now? Now I am a News Cameraman for Channel 7.
Why did you choose a career in the ARTs?
I chose this career path because I believe that unless you’re working in a field or career that you are passionate about you’re wasting your time. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Never settle to do something because somebody else wants you to. I literally moved all around the country to make this dream this career achievable. If you’re willing to sacrifice something to make your dream a reality then that’s what you must do.
What's a career highlight so far?
There’s been several from working on Totally Wild, to standing in flood waters or bushfires, to chasing people on A Current Affair. To be honest it’s the people I’ve gotten to meet and the stories I’ve had the chance to listen to which has been the best part for me.
What’s a dream for the future?
A dream for me would be to run my own company shooting productions that I’m truly passionate about.
What would you say to your student self, if you could leave a message from the future?
Dream big. Don’t settle for second best and take chances. Seek out those who have done or are doing what you want to do and learn from them. The best grades in the world is one thing, but knowing where you’re going and having an aim, a goal and a purpose will help guide you further.
Where can we learn more about you?
Follow me on Instagram and if you turn on the News there’s every chance you’re watching what I’ve seen through the lens.
Cat or Dog Dog
Teacher Reflection
'Parkey' would easily win the award for the most likeable and positive person in any organisation, but he goes much deeper than that. At Chelt, Cam was always participating; school productions, media competitions, and a wonderful performance in the school’s only foray into the ‘Rock Eisteddfod' way back in 2008. Cam always gave 110% to anything he tackled at school and it is this sheer force of will that has seen him make a complete success out of his life so far
Stephanie Osztreicher
Who are you?
Stephanie Osztreicher
Where are you based now?
London
What year did you graduate from Cheltenham S/C?
2005
What was your favourite ARTs subject?
Drama / Studio Art (can’t choose)
What is your best memory about being a student learning in that subject? You can reflect on any time from year 7 -12.
I always knew that I wanted to work in the performing arts. When I was introduced to Drama at Cheltenham in year 7, right from the beginning it was an exciting world that made sense to me. I didn’t feel like I was just ‘taught’ drama, it was more like I was able to experience and explore all the many possibilities and directions it can take. I remember vivid conversations I would have with my Drama teacher after class when I was wanting to soak up as much information as I could. I began to shape the practice I continue today in these classes. Also, working on my year 12 Studio art folio and final pieces was a completely, all consuming activity. My Art teacher kept me on my toes with honest provocations and support. I was always thankful that she trusted me to get the work done in my own way. I never felt extra pressure to fit into a defined syllabus. I learnt about work ethic, trusting and challenging a vision in this class.
What do you do now?
I am an actor and theatre practitioner specialising in movement direction and teaching. In recent years I have also been working as an art model. During lockdown I have developed ‘drawing movement’ workshops which combine my two artistic loves!
Why did you choose a career in the ARTs?
The urge to create, be expressive and to tell stories has always followed me and my love for experiencing art is just as big. The arts are a place where your voice can be heard, beauty can be shared, perspectives shifted and communities brought together. The value of art exists beyond $$. The instability of income and where the next job is coming from can be exhausting, it’s true, BUT, the rewards that come from connecting with people through my work is worth all the struggles.
What's a career highlight so far?
Playing Frida Kahlo and Lola Montez in The Living Museum of Erotic Women (2015) was a turning point for me. The show was an immersive performance experience that shared stories about some of the most influential, powerful and game changing women in history. The event incorporated theatre, dance, art installations and more. It also had an inspiring all female cast and direction team. I truly think I learnt from the team and characters in the show how to own who I am on and off the stage.
What’s a dream for the future?
I have a dream of opening my own small arts centre that will serve as a place for not just performance and exhibitions, but will be a meeting place for creative minds, provide resources and workshops. Also, it will provide good coffee because you can take the girl out of Melbourne but not Melbourne out of the girl ;)
What would you say to your student self, if you could leave a message from the future?
Don’t get ahead of yourself. There is so much time to get to where you want to be. Be ambitious and work hard but most of all use the time you have at school to make mistakes, have fun and find your voice in the work. The rest will come… be patient.
Where can we learn more about you?
You can follow my Instagram @stephanie.osztreicher.movement find me on Facebook at Stephanie Osztreicher Movement or see my website https://sosztreicher.wixsite.com/performance
Cat or Dog? I was always a dog person but I got my first cat during lockdown (Puck) and I am head over heels!!
Teacher Reflection
Even now, all these years later, I remember Steph's absolute passion and enthusiasm for physical theatre. I remember her input into how the witches should move for our school production of Macbeth. I also remember just how relentlessly she pursued performing both at school and outside of school and that her quest for knowledge was evident in the way she never settled for the first answer you gave her. A true artist
Wai Keat Cheong
Who are you?
Hi I’m Wai Keat Cheong
Where are you based now? Keysborough
What year did you graduate from Cheltenham S/C?
2011 a.k.a the best year
What was your favourite ARTs subject?
Ceramics
What is your best memory about being a student learning in that subject? You can reflect on any time from year 7 -12.
It was one of my first classes to be more “hands-on learning” and I loved being able to work with clay which we turned into ceramic heads.
What do you do now?
Architectural Graduate at Rothelowman Architects
Why did you choose a career in the ARTs?
I always liked helping people and I’ve found a career in architecture allows me to do so in a creative and constructive manner. There is always a challenge and something new to learn - it’s never boring.
What's a career highlight so far?
Seeing the first project (a double story townhouse) I worked on constructed. It was a very proud and exciting moment to see something I worked on come to life.
What’s a dream for the future? To be able to work on projects that are meaningful to society and bring a sense of excitement and joy to people.
What would you say to your student self, if you could leave a message from the future?
Don’t be afraid to fail and get things wrong. Explore and experiment to find what gives you fulfillment in life and work at it. Stay positive. Work smart and not hard.
Where can we learn more about you?
https://au.linkedin.com/in/wkcheong
Cat or Dog?
Catdog the TV show but dogs for sure.
Teacher Reflection
I remember teaching Wai Keat in Yr 7 Ceramics, his enthusiasm for clay and making with his hands was evident from very early on. As Wai Keat continued with his studies, his passion for Architecture and Model building became apparent. His V.C.E Visual communication folio was based on a residential home design, it included highly skilled technical drawings and a scale model. I was very proud to hear that he had secured a place at University to study Architecture, with this folio. Wai Keat has a solid future ahead of him
Tess Speldewinde
Who are you?
Tess Speldewinde
Where are you based now?
Living my best life in lockdown 6.0 in Melbourne!
What year did you graduate from Cheltenham S/C?
2008
What was your favourite ARTs subject?
That is a tough one, Vis Comm' was my favourite, followed by media studies
as a close second. Also a special mention to Ms. Taylor's (back then it was Miss Smith) ceramics class in year 7 or 8 (my memory is failing me) so much fun! I still have the evil nurse I made.
What is your best memory about being a student learning in that subject? You can reflect on any time from year 7 -12.
The final year of Vis Comm was really enjoyable. I really loved being in a class with incredibly talented and inspiring peers. Some of my best friendships were developed in these classes. We were given the chance to explore our own creative freedoms and inspire each other. Unlike Maths or Science, there was no right or wrong answer. Now that I look back it was almost like a therapy session, sitting around drawing and chatting with your best mates!
What do you do now?
I am an Interior Designer for a studio that designs hospitality venues such as cocktail bars, pubs and restaurants.
Why did you choose a career in the ARTs?
I was never going to be a brain surgeon but my calling was to save the world from poor design! There is something really rewarding about designing a space that becomes an enjoyable experience for others and seeing your ideas become a reality. Also, I think it's best that we leave the brain surgery to someone who doesn't use their fingers to count!
What's a career highlight so far?
This year has been the most enjoyable and creative year of my career. I've found my feet within a company that allows me to take creative control. I feel like my voice is being heard, as a designer this such a humbiling feeling! A project I worked on also won an award in the Melbourne Driven X Design Awards so I guess that's pretty cool!
What’s a dream for the future?
I would love to do a stint over in Palm Springs, California restoring mid-century homes.
What would you say to your student self, if you could leave a message from the future?
Take the pathways even if you think they're the long way around, it will pay off in the end. Also, stop cutting your fringe with your sewing scissors and over plucking your eyebrows!!!
Where can we learn more about you?
I don't have a personal website however you can check out the studio I work for
Cat or Dog?
I think I will always be a dog person, but apartment living has introduced me to the weird and wonderful world of cats!
Teacher Reflection
I could tell Tess had a special flair for Art & Design early on, it's rare to see such individualism in someone so young.
I was thrilled to hear that Tess had followed the Design path after school and to see the projects she works on now, it was the best choice.