Production News

GREASE 2020 – It’s still happening!

The Production Team for ‘Grease’ have been working hard behind the scenes, and we want to assure the school community that the production will still be going ahead this year. A number of changes have been made to our usual schedule, and while we still cannot confirm many of the details we can share some information about our plans for moving forward.

With all the challenges that remote learning has thrown our way, the students have proved to be fantastic at staying positive. A number of online rehearsals took place during remote learning, with the principal cast doing regular Wednesday rehearsals, running lines and developing character, and our ensemble cast participating in some dance and singing rehearsals. We also ran weekly competitions for the cast, giving them various challenges to demonstrate some of their skills in singing, dancing, hair, make-up and costume. And members of the band have been practising and learning the songs of the show.

It is a difficult climate in which to make any concrete decisions, so we must emphasise the fact that the information below may be subject to change, but here are the important details we wish to communicate to students, parents and the wider school community regarding the show:

Rehearsals for the Ensemble and Principal Cast will run during Term 3 during the usual days and times. Whole Cast will be every Wednesday, 3.30pm-6.00pm. Principal Cast and Dancers every Thursday, 3.30pm-6.00pm.
We are aiming to perform the show either in the last week of Term 3, or the first week of Term 4. This is subject to change.
Band Rehearsals are running in Term 2, during the school holidays, and in Term 3. Band members will be informed of their specific rehearsal times and dates by Mr Andrew Van Gemert via email.
Production Crew numbers will be limited this year, but sign-ups for those roles will be happening during Term 3. Interested students should check Compass news feed for sign-up information.

We are unable to make any decisions yet about exactly when we will perform, how many shows we intend to perform, nor can we make any calls regarding audience and ticketing. Those decisions will be made later once we have more information from the Department of Education and we know more about the easing of restrictions for COVID-19.

We understand that these changes may affect some of the students in the cast, particularly in their availability for rehearsals, or the performances themselves. If this is the case, or if you have any concerns or queries please contact Ms Caitlin Brown via caitlin.brown@education.vic.gov.au.

Band members should direct their queries to Mr Andrew Van Gemert.

Thank you to everyone for their patience and continued support of the production. We believe that the production is so important for the well-being of the students and the sense of community it brings. The students have already demonstrated amazing resilience with the challenges we have faced so far, and this truly shows where the value of the Performing Arts lies.

“The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. It’s to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives.” – Kelly Pollock

Caitlin Brown

Co-Producer