Drama Excursions
TOP CLASS DRAMA AND THEATRE EXCURSION
On Wednesday the 10th of March, Miss Jones and Mrs Quick took year 12 Drama and Theatre Students to the Arts Centre in Melbourne for the 2021 Top Class Concerts.
Top Class Drama and Theatre Studies present performances by inspirational students who received outstanding grades for their 2020 VCE performance exams. These entertaining and informative programs were hosted by the Chief Assessors for each study, who provided tips and advice along the way.
In 2020, the tickets were printed, the bags packed, and the excursion was cancelled the night before. We didn’t yet know how long we would find ourselves in remote learning. Whilst it was disheartening, we knew it was the right choice. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) were able to stream some of the best of the 2019 performances, which we were lucky to have access to.
The experience of seeing these solo and monologue performances live however is far superior in terms of the heightened level of engagement. On March 10th, we felt the moments of tension on the edge of our seat, we shared a laugh with the auditorium in appreciation of witty scriptwriting. We felt a lump in our throat when the emotional depth of a scene was presented artfully. Being back in the audience enabled our students to experience first-hand what can be achieved with hard work and determination in their unit 4 studies. It was a much more immersive experience that left us all feeling inspired, awed, a little intimidated if we are honest but also energised.
Perhaps a result of risk averse planning on behalf of VCAA, Mrs Quick noticed that all students on the program were representing Melbourne Schools. Perhaps 2022 will see one of our own representing regional students…
‘TWO GENTS’ Drama Excursion to Bendigo
The forecast was for a “mostly sunny” top of 23 in Bendigo, and indeed once we were clear of the Ballarat region, the clouds parted. On Monday 15th of March, Drama Students from year 10, 11 and 12 arrived at the ‘Garden For the Future’ in Bendigo to lush green lawns and blue skies. ‘That’s Classic’ Theatre Company kindly provided sunscreen for our students and we lay down picnic rugs and cushions before a bright green rotunda.
Their adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ was as vibrant and energetic as the bright green backdrop. A cast of five all played multiple roles, bringing plenty of humour and relatable characterisations to the show.
The cast’s training and experience was evident with some hilarious sequences, such as the two “fools” or “servants” Launce and Speed engaging in an exaggerated form of secret handshake.
The play concluded with a Q and A with the cast, where we were able to reflect how some of the themes remain as relevant now as they were in Shakespeare’s time.
Students were also able to bolster their appreciation for the Italian style of theatre: ‘Commedia Del Arte’ which was showcased in the production.
The cast kindly joined us for a happy snap before it was time to return on the bus.
Jess Quick
Drama-Theatre Studies