As this goes to the presses, the cast and crew are finally getting back to normal after completely transforming the Performing Arts Centre into small town Bomont for a week. In a first-ever for Chelt, all 3 shows were a complete sellout!! This was an amazing feeling for a cast and crew that had worked hard for 8 months to bring the broadway and cinematic smash ‘Footloose’ to the stage. The depth of talent and size of the cast (65) are a testament to how hard the Arts faculty has worked over the last 7 years and the commitment, ability and enthusiasm of the students.

We would like to thank the Cheltenham community; in particular the administration and teaching staff for their support and work in staffing shows and rehearsals. The Senior and Intermediate VCAL classes who were behind the scenes heroes to us. Finally to the parents and carers of the cast- your support is incredible. Thank you.

The Production Team

Student Reflections

When I was told of the school production on orientation day I knew instantly I wanted to do it. Me and a few of my friends were going to do it together, but none of them showed up on the first day. It was just me. I sat with a kid in my football team but I didn’t know him all that well. Mum had already paid and I was scared I didn’t want to do this anymore. It was the people that made me stay. Every single one of them were so nice. They helped me through all my troubles. They became my second family. For nearly a year we practiced together. At the end of it all we performed three sold out shows. On the last night came the half happy tears. What we had worked towards for most of the year was over. I wouldn’t get to hang out with my drama family once every week at rehearsal. A big gaping hole was left in my life and it can only be filled with the next production. It was one of the best decisions I ever made signing up for this production and I cannot wait for the next one.

Ethan Rees Year 7

We all stood in two big circles, eyes closed, hand on the adjacent person's shoulder. You could feel the adrenaline pumping through the air and through our bodies. We had spent eight long months working for this. Long Tuesday nights and lots of extra practices. It all boiled down to these three nights.

And those nights were amazing. Sold out on each night and each and every cast member putting on the best show they could. It will be an experience none of us will ever forget. The adrenaline, the excitement and the friendships. It was incredible to see so many enthusiastic people from all year levels come together to put on a brilliant show and to be part of it at as a younger student was an exhilarating experience.

Everyone that was part of it did a spectacular job, and a huge thank you to Miss Samec, Mrs Knox and Mr Rice for giving us all this wonderful opportunity.

Jasmine Hall Year 8

When auditions began late last year, I didn’t have to think twice about joining what was soon to be the tight-bonded Footloose family. It was a busy and often tiring roller coaster from that point onwards, full of its ups and downs, with rehearsals to be attended, homework to be caught up on, dances to go over, and singing parts to learn. Nevertheless, I never lost sight of the big goal - to make sure that we were ready to put on three wonderful shows that would hopefully sell out. Despite everything being over now, with all our goals and expectations surpassed, I’m very happy because Footloose brought into my life heaps of new friends, amazing memories, and really catchy songs that I’m not likely to forget anytime soon. I can say with utmost certainty that I haven’t once regretted my decision of taking part in this year’s musical and I already know you’ll see me in the next.

Mary Mironova Year 9

After having an amazing time in Rock of Ages I immediately knew I wanted to be apart the next production. I was sceptical at first since I only knew the basic plot of Footloose but as soon as I met the amazing cast I knew it was meant to be. Being a dancer in Footloose was a wonderful experience. Learning all of Rachel and Libby’s amazing choreography, which I still find myself doing at random times during the day, making friends across many year levels and having 13 awesome girls to support me made rehearsals that much more fun. If you love singing, dancing and acting I think you should definitely sign up for the musical in 2021 as it is a totally awesome experience.

Emily Reeve Year 10

PARKING AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AROUND SCHOOLS