Performing Arts

College Musical

Congratulations to the more than 70 people, both students and staff, who were involved in preparing and presenting 'The Addams Family'. We managed to present one show for photographic evidence, and invite you to take a look at the colour and fun that this show brought.  See this video link:  https://youtu.be/msbkus1SCe0

In particular, thank you to the main production team: Ms Beth Thomson, Director/Choreographer and Ms Robyn Cole, Musical Director, who managed to keep spirits high and prepare the show for an audience, even though that audience never came.

While performing in front of an audience is the main aim of a musical, there is also a great deal of learning which takes place for the students involved on-stage, in the band and backstage. Our students exhibited wonderful commitment, resilience and developed amazing creative and collaborative skills. This experience will strengthen their ability to engage in their schoolwork in the short term, and in many things they may choose to do beyond school.

All is not lost though…I am planning to include 2-3 of the scenes/musical numbers from The Addams Family in this year’s Director’s Choice Gala Concert on Thursday 28 October. Complete with costumes, staging and choreography from our original production, rehearsals will re-commence when we are permitted for those students who wish to be involved.

Farewell to our Year 12 Performing Arts Students

Each year in the musical program we also recognise our Year 12 students who are undertaking their last major performance in the College. Some of these students have been in the school since Prep and have been involved in many productions and concerts.

Emerging Performers Showcase

We were also unable to stage the Emerging Performers Showcase due to COVID Lockdown last week. We hope to find an opportunity to film items from this concert and stream it out later this term. Stay tuned!

VET Music Industry Night

Our annual event showcasing the work of our Year 11 and Year 12 VET Music students was scheduled for 2 June. 

We have managed to secure an alternative date on Monday 6 September at Brunswick Ballroom on Sydney Road. Families who had already purchased tickets for 2 June will have those tickets re-issued for the new date. And we once again cross our fingers that by then, we will be permitted to host an audience.

VCE Stagecraft Performance Night

Our VCE Theatre Studies students are deep into preparation for their major assessment, the Stagecraft (Monologue) Exam. As part of this, we will be hosting a mock assessment performance night on Thursday 9 September in the Chapel and Performing Arts Centre, commencing at 7.00pm. The three students in the Year 12 class will each present their 7-minute monologue performance, with a number of staff providing feedback on their assessment. The Year 11 class will also present a group performance, an excerpt from George Orwell’s "Animal Farm" as part of the night. All are welcome and no tickets are required. Those attending will still need to check-in using QR Codes in the foyer and follow other current health warnings regarding social distancing and wearing of masks.

No College Drama Production

With musical rehearsals and performances running later into the term and fears of further lockdowns before the year is out, we have decided to cancel the College Drama Production this year. We really do not want to risk putting students through months of rehearsal only to find we are unable to host an audience. It has now happened with four plays and two musicals over the past year. But we will re-group and instead mount some smaller classroom performances for students involved in Years 8-11 Drama and Theatre Studies.

Mr Michael Cooper

Director of Performing Arts