English News 

Melbourne Theatre Company

On Monday 16 August I was fortunate enough to be a part of an amazing workshop, Backstage with MTC. In this workshop we covered what goes on backstage and behind the scenes that contribute to the final product, the show. We were taught new principles, terminology, and ideas so that we were more aware of how much work a show really takes. Most of us who were in the workshop are theatre kids, me included, so this workshop was so much fun for all of us. We were given the tools to help run productions in the future. With our newfound knowledge we can better help future productions and keep up the reputation of the Nossal theatre kids before us. 

Personally, I really enjoyed it because learning about something I love is one of my favourite things to do. The hosts showed us the amazing work of the backstage staff of MCT and showed us how and why planning and design is done a certain way. My favourite part was when we were given a scene description and we had to plan out how we would set the stage for it. This included props, lighting, sound as well as the logistics of it all. We then shared our ideas and were able to find out different ways the same scene could be displayed. 

My biggest take away is that a lot of work goes into the show whether it is onstage or offstage. A lot of preparation takes place beforehand and having the skills to prepare effectively and efficiently is incredibly important. This workshop showed and gave us these skills so that we can continue working on them and hopefully apply them to our very own school productions.

Backstage with Melbourne Theatre Company is part of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment series for high ability students in Years 9 and 10. 

Tiyanie Fernando

Year 9