Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Year 9 & 10 Drama Excursion
“A life-affirming night of pure theatrical escapism.” The Australian
On Monday night, Ms Loughman and I took 30 students to see the much-acclaimed ‘Fangirls’ at the Seymour Centre. This is a Belvoir Street Theatre production which sold out during its run last year. We were thoroughly entertained by this exceptional modern musical. Without malice or mockery, ‘Fangirls’ satirises the intensity of young women while celebrating their passions, interests, and obsessions. For further details please read the review below and if you can grab a ticket, then do.
Review of Fan Girls:
It is wonderful to be back at the theatre with the students. Last year all of our excursions were cancelled. This is the first live theatre our Year 10 Drama students have seen since starting their studies in 2020.
The Cultural Learning Alliance has evidence to prove that participation in arts activities can increase cognitive abilities by 17%. Students who take part in such activities at home during their early years are ahead in reading and maths at the age of nine (Lyn Gardner, The Stage, Feb 8, 2021).
We are lucky to be in a school where the arts are taken seriously as a subject option as well as a co-curricular activity. The class of 2020 Drama cohort all obtained excellent HSC results of 80% or above.
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Teacher
Music Matters
As our Ensembles stir into action it was great to have a small but enthusiastic group of students singing. I hope as restrictions begin to ease we will be able to expand singing later this year.
Junior Drama Ensemble
We are very excited to have an ex-St Pius Drama student, Sam Schyvens teaching our Junior Ensemble from Friday 12 February. He is presently at Drama School and is looking forward to teaching the younger boys some drama skills. This class will run from 7.30 am – 8.30 am in the Drama Room.
Sam was a talented drama student in his time at the College and will now bring his enthusiasm and knowledge gained as an acting student at university. Welcome Sam.
Our Term 1 Drama Project saw auditions from our Year 7 and 8 students last Friday. Wow, the talent on display was fantastic! Rehearsals and preparations began last Monday and will continue on Thursdays until the realisation of the project.
Mr Primrose-Heaney (Ensembles) and Mr Cummins (Tuition) have been working to finalise student lists. Please contact them if there are any problems concerning your son's tuition or involvement in ensembles. The program is quite extensive and we don’t want to “lose” students in the system.
Further to the last point, please maintain good communication especially if your son is unable to attend lessons or ensembles. Directors and tutors have the school calendar but it does not always give the full picture as to what is happening at the College. We also need to know about student absence due to sickness etc.
Mr Primrose-Heaney's email: nprimrose-heaney@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Mr Cummins' email: scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Congratulations to Isaac Donlevy (Year 8) on his selection as part of the cast of Sydney Youth Musical Theatre's production of The Addams Family. Fantastic representation of SPX in the Performing Arts!
Mr Anthony Timmins - Performing Arts Coordinator
Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule
We have a very busy schedule of Ensemble Rehearsals at the College. For details on when and where the Ensembles rehearse please see the attached document.
Mr Nathanael Primrose-Heaney - Ensemble Program Coordinator