Marvelous Matilda!

Emily Palekis

Director

What a joy!

Matilda Jnr brought together students across years 7, 8 and 9. The majority of the students involved had never participated in a BSC production before,  so for many this was their first experience of rehearsing, learning, creating, collaborating, problem-solving, and performing onstage or backstage. 

Throughout the rehearsal period the students have supported each other, grown friendships, developed new skills and had a lot of fun along the way. It was such a privilege to lead this group of students and to see the joy not only on their faces, but also on the faces of the audience members. 

The overwhelming audience response of excitement and amazement at the students performances gave me immense pride in the role that these productions play for students and their connection to the school. 

Thank you to the amazing Production Team who help make these shows come to life - Timothy Roach, Jennifer Simkus, and Lindsay Owen. I would also like to acknowledge Nathan Fistric for the work he did throughout production week to support the company. 

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the students in their performances. And finally thank you and congratulations to all the student cast and crew involved in Matilda Jnr!

Tayla Jarvis - Lavender

Year 8

I made many new, strong and lasting friendships and made memories that I'll always remember. I will definitely audition for future productions throughout high school!

Tom Wilkinson - Ensemble

Year 8

So good and a lot of fun I think People should do it next year 😃😀

Hannah Ryan - Band

Year 7

Working in the Matilda production was amazing. I was in the band, and everyone was so nice. We all chilled in the Performing Arts Room before the show, and it was like everyone was like a big family. When we got to the bows, I had a funny feeling in my stomach, a feeling that was amazing. I think it was pride! The audience was clapping and cheering for everyone and recognizing everyone for their effort. It was so much fun and so interesting to be a part of the Junior Production 2022.

Alexander Yiolitis - Rudolfo

Year 8

This year's Junior Production was an unforgettable experience for me. I made so many new connections with people on the way, while we put on a spectacular show. The role I played was a big honour for me, and I don't I could have played it better than those performances - I was truly 'in the zone'! I am so lucky to have worked with people like this to put on a fantastic show. It was very emotional at the end, but we all did so well, and can all be proud of what we achieved.

Emmanuel Johnston - Band

Year 8

I thought it was extremely fun even though I had my struggles!

Imogen Brain - Ensemble

Year 7

Matilda Jr has been the best experience I have had at BSC so far. I made so many new friends and had so much fun at all the rehearsals and especially on stage! I learned so much about performing to an audience and developed so many new skills that are going to be so useful to me for the rest of my school life. Everyone in the cast was so nice and I can't wait to audition for the next production!

Aiofe Martin - Miss Honey

Year 8

The production was so fun to be a part of. I have made so many new friends, and not just in Year 8! I also grew my knowledge of acting, and how to sing comfortably in front of a live audience. I found new ways to look small and shy, as my character  was often being intimidated my Miss Trunchbull. All the rehearsals were so fun and I am so privileged to have done it with Ms Palekis; she is such as great teacher and fun to be around.

Bond Fairbanks - Backstage

Year 8

I absolutely loved every second of [the production]. I went into it thinking I would not like it at all, but when we did the first rehearsal, I was amazed.  I loved the songs, the dancing, the writing and especially the acting . But now I feel kind of depressed that it is over! 

Claire Rubinic - Ensemble

Year 8

Participating in Matilda Jnr felt like a once in a lifetime experience. It took lots of hard work and dedication, but us as a team we made it work . I made connections and friendships that will last forever and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.

Ava Kee - Ensemble

Year 7

Matilda Jnr is one of the best things that I did this year! Rehearsing was an amazing experience. I loved listening to the songs and singing them with the cast. When the final bow came there was so many tears but it was one of the best parts of the entire show and experience. I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Emily Lynch - Matilda

Year 8

 So much fun! Matilda was such a great experience. I made so many great friends during rehearsals and we all had such a great time in the show. All the dances and  songs were so fun to learn. It was so exciting having a microphone and proper costumes and makeup! 

On opening night we were all buzzing with excitement, and we all had the best time. Afterwards we were all so proud of the work that we put in to make this show so awesome. I'm never going to forget this experience and the friends I made. I can't wait for the next one!

Chloe Italia

Year 7

 The production was so much fun! I loved meeting so many new people with similar interests as me, and everyone was so supportive. We created a sense of family and have lots of new friends in different year levels. I loved going into school on Thursdays knowing that we had rehearsals after school and we would get to see everyone. When it finally got to production week and performing in front of a live audience, it was breath taking and such a thrilling and fun experience! Thank you to everyone and all the teachers who helped for making my experience so enjoyable. I look forward to many more productions in future!

Juanita Myers

Year 9

Participating in the production was an amazing experience! I got to try so many things that I'd never done before and made connections and friendships with people who I had previously not known all that well. Making the decision to join the production was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I'm definitely looking forward to doing it again and being a part of more productions in the future!

Lindel Bell

Administration

Oh what a laugh! Congratulations to the entire company - what  a great show. The mix of drama and comedy was fabulous - and I especially enjoyed the Sergei the Escapoligist and Acrobatvignettes. Dan and Indiah did a really marvellous job bringing these quirky characters and their story to life! 

Click on the gallery to enlarge photos.

But it is not just about on-stage antics- the show cannot go on without a fabulous crew to support them.  The Band (hidden behind the scenes) blended beautifully into the soundscape, the   A/V Crew worked really hard to deliver fabulous results with the sound and lighting cues, and that Backstage Crew  were quick enough to beat their music and lighting cue deadlines! It is great to see these junior students learning these skills  in our own Performing Arts Theatre.

Click on the gallery to enlarge to see the movers and shakers behind the scenes!