Performing Arts

College Musical 

The final weekend of College Musical produced many great highlights for cast, band and crew as well as the audience. The work students and staff undertook over the past five months resulted in a wonderfully energetic and entertaining show watched by over 1400 audience members.

Thanks in particular to the many staff who voluntarily helped out along the way, giving freely many hours after school, on evenings and weekends. Without them and the many students and parents who also assisted, this amazing community event would not have been possible. There were well over 100 individuals who were part of the production and our appreciation goes out to all, no matter how large or small their contributions were.

Our Musical Director, Ms Robyn Cole, together with music staff put together a rocking band who, each night, brought Queen’s music to life in unimaginable ways.

Our gratitude to Rhiannon Johnson of RPA Studios, who donated the time and services of one of her teachers, Josh Pagram, who did all of the choreography for the production. Josh became a valued friend and teacher of the cast and his involvement made the show as spectacular as it was. 

Our Theatre staff, Mr Dan Pedersen and Ms Rezzan Ufacikligil, went above and beyond once again. We are incredibly lucky to have two such dedicated staff, with immense industry knowledge between them. They made the dreams of the production come to life.

Dan’s technical know-how and knowledge of equipment allowed us to present a technically advanced production for a school and kept everyone safe.

The audio design that Rezz delivered was the best we think we’ve seen, or is that heard. A real Aitken success story as a past student of our Music and Theatre departments. But apart from audio design and operation, she built and painted much of the set, installed an array of audio, lighting and video technology and taught students the technical aspects they needed to make the show happen.

Mrs Gail Sims designed and made a plethora of amazing costumes that would rival any professional production. We hope our students know how lucky they were to be dressed in such style. The hours Gail put in were countless and adding to this, she cared for our cast, band and crew throughout the process.

A new lighting designer, Dave Campbell gave us the visuals that often ‘blew our minds’. Thank you Dave for your attention to detail.

The hair and make-up team, led by Mrs Sherry Sadler and Mrs Joanne Birchmore were given a monumental challenge and never shirked away from it.

The backstage crew of staff and students, led by Mrs Kelly Brennan, Ms Lisa Mililli and Ms Jacky Armstrong, made the show run absolutely seamlessly.

Our thanks to the library staff for the front of house display, the media staff who oversaw the filming on the production, the College admin and accounts staff who were always there to assist and our Parents and Friends  who provided assistance with catering and canteen. 

Our Head of Performing Arts, Ms Elise Zijai, oversaw the entire process and provided support as assistant director during the rehearsals.

Finally, the support of the College Leadership team cannot be underestimated. As well as appearing on stage, Mrs Crisara was there behind the scenes, even helping pull down the set on Saturday evening. 

Education is much more than what happens in the classroom. The Leadership Team have always seen the value in maintaining the College musical as a wonderful way of allowing our students an experience which fosters skills and confidence in them that they will take into later life. 

Mr Michael Cooper

Director of Community Engagement