Aitken College Newsletter

Performing Arts

College Middle School Play

Last week’s Middle School Play, Peter Pan or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, proved to be a great success for the 25 Year 7-9 students involved, along with the 12 Year 11 Theatre Studies students. In a highly colourful and entertaining show, the students learnt a great deal about creativity, collaboration and working under pressure. They were wonderfully supportive of each other, including a last-minute cast change and one student in a leading role, fracturing his wrist a few hours before opening night. I encourage all students in Dunhelen to put their hand up for the Middle School Play next year. Particular thanks to a number of staff who assisted: Ms Beth Thomson, Miss Rezz Ufacikligil, Mr Dan Pedersen, Ms Jacqueline Flood, Ms Jacquelyne Armstrong, Ms Stephanie Opasinis, Miss Steph Chen, Mr Luciano Bernes, Dr Adele Hudson, Mrs Rhonda Edmonds and Ms Annamaria Meszaros.

 

Some feedback from the students involved:

 

Being in the Middle School Play was an amazing experience for me. I think it’s really fun to be surrounded by people who enjoy the same thing as you. It’s a really great way to make new friends and by the end of it you have created an incredible performance that you then get to show to everyone in an amazing and fun way. Alyssa B, Year 7

 

Being involved in the play was a great experience for my first ever play. It was a great way to make friends and be involved in something. It’s not as scary as people think. It’s also a great drama event and awesome to be a part of. Tamsyn H, Year 7

 

It was a blast, I had so much fun and met new people from different year levels while having an exciting and exhilarating time. Mustapha Z, Year 9

 

This was my first ever performance in front of an audience, it was stressful, hectic and even a little chaotic, but with all that, I had so much fun. I made so many new friends. It is definitely one of the highlights of 2021 for me. Brennyn I, Year 9

 

The Middle School Play was a great opportunity and allowed me to meet new people, take part in new experiences, learn new skills and have an altogether awesome time preparing and doing the play, all thanks to Mr Cooper and all the Year 11 students. Misha W, Year 8

 

Having a friend encourage me to do the Middle School Play was a great idea. I was nervous at the time but it turned out to be a jolly good ride, making new friends and having fun new memories. It was amazing being able to be behind the scenes to put on a great show. Rhiannon P, Year 9

 

The play is a fun way to get over your fears. Talking on stage in front of people may be scary but once you go on you forget all about it and just have fun. It’s a brilliant way to make new friends and meet new people. Merola M, Year 9

 

The Middle School Play was a great chance for me to meet and work with others in Years 7, 8, 9 and 11. Taking part in the Middle School Play gave me the chance to boost my confidence in speaking and performing in front of others as well as making long lasting friendships with both the cast and crew. It was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend taking part in the Middle School Play next year. Amaya C Year 8

College VCE Theatre Studies Play

Proving the old adage, no rest for the wicked… this year’s Theatre Studies Production, “boy girl wall’ is into its final rehearsals. All three VCE Theatre Studies students will appear on stage, essentially playing one character, “a narrator”, who through changes in voice, action, puppetry or costume, create additional characters. Thom and Alethea are living a lonely existence on either side of the wall that divides their two apartments. The wall decides that it is time to bring them together and calls on all the forces of the cosmos to do so. There are three performances: 7.30pm Wednesday 26 May, 7.30pm Thursday 27 May and 3.30pm Friday 28 May.  Tickets are on sale now. 

“boy girl wall” contains adult themes and some coarse language.

https://www.trybooking.com/BPUYM

VET Music Industry Night

Our Year 11 and Year 12 Music classes will take to the stage of the wonderfully refurbished Brunswick Ballroom on Tuesday 1 June for a two-hour showcase of their Semester One work. Students have developed solo and group repertoire across this semester which will be presented in a restaurant style setting. Tickets are $18 for individuals or you can save by booking a small table group of 4 ($15 per ticket), a medium table of 6 ($13 per ticket) or or a large table of 8 ($12 per ticket). Food and drink will be available for purchase at the venue. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.  https://www.trybooking.com/BQEYQ

Winter Music Soiree and Emerging Performers Showcase

The mid-year concerts are also upon us. These are wonderful celebrations of what has been going on in classes this semester, in ensemble groups and in private instrumental lessons. Students across almost all year levels who have been taking lessons will be showcased in two concerts, on Tuesday 8 June at 7.30pm for the Winter Music Soiree and then a week later, on Tuesday 15 June from 3.30pm for the Emerging Performers Showcase. Students will be asked to perform in these shows over the coming weeks, but all are welcome to attend. There is no charge for either of these shows, but tickets still need to be booked for COVID-tracing purposes.

Mr Michael Cooper

Director of Performing Arts