The Drama Department

'Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to.'

Willem Dafoe

Once again, allow us to update you on the exciting work and initiatives students are undertaking, and showing leadership in, through the Drama Department. Given the strong focus on ownership in our college, it’s more important that you hear from the students rather than the teacher.

CATHERINE BAKER: MTC YEAR 11 STUDENT AMBASSADOR

Since you last heard from me I have had the delight of seeing two more MTC productions of Heisenberg and Storm Boy!

At our June meeting, we were introduced to Kerry who is a mechanical technician at MTC and he presented us with the explanation of many of the facets of their work. From creating revolving stages to falling of snow, the use of bubbles and more anddiscussed the technical and ethical issues they present. This was an enriching experience for the whole team, allowing us to understand further and consider more deeply the intricate and potentially dangerous nature of theatre, as well as develop a new found respect and appreciation for this department, which commonly goes without acknowledgement.

We also had a quick peak into the rehearsal for Shakespeare in Love which we will be seeing on Tuesday.

This presentation was followed by our viewing of Heisenberg, written by Simone Stephens who turned the novella The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time into the award winning play and starring Kat Stewart from Offspring. The show is named after German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg and attempts to employ his most famous theory. You cannot measure the position and the velocity of a particle at the same time. This drives the schema of the play. Georgie is constantly on the move and Alex stays still. He never gets anywhere and she isn’t getting nowhere fast.

This was followed by a short Q&A with the cast and stage-managers where we discussed the interpretation behind the ‘rehearsal room’ set and props design.

At our second meeting for Storm Boy, we enjoyed a lengthy and insightful discussion about the acting world with Katherine Tonkin, who play Ruth in Cosi. She was able to share her experience with the changes in theatre culture in means of employment. Fresh out of WAAPA, she was warned to be an actress and only an actress, as having capabilities in multiple facets would deem her ‘a nightmare to work with’. Now, quite the contrary has emerged and it has become desirable to have a multitude of talents, not only in means of employment, but in the way it affects the attitudes of those in the business towards other members. Additionally, we questioned how she has been affected by the new conversations in theatre and Hollywood in terms of ethical behaviour towards others. Similar to this, she was able to give us insight into how one can portray a character who may possess morals that contradict one’s own morals and extended her response to the cultural shift in safe and ethical entertainment.

Our evening came to a close with our viewing of Storm Boy, which in preparation to seeing we had all been given a design challenge. I created a mood board for the costuming of Storm Boy himself which is visible in the top of the image, second to the right. The performance was captivating with the simple puppetry and stage technology allowing the scenery to feel as if we were on the sea and on the beach side.

Photography by Nick Tranter for MTC.

PROJECT DIRECT: Isabella Toffolon (year 8)

Every two years, McClelland Colleges’ theatre department has an event called Project Direct. Project Direct gives students the opportunity to be a director, stage manager or actor in a student-run play. This year I was invited to be a director, in the past only students from year nine too twelve have had the opportunity to be a director, but this year the theatre department has a year eight in their midst.

I’m Isabella Toffolon and I’ve been surrounded by music and theatre from a young age, from seeing orchestras, musicals, singers and dancers to going behind the scenes and meeting and learning from conductors, instrumentalists, designers, directors and actors. I was approached early in the year by Mrs Sproule, who was looking for a co-director for a year nine student and I eagerly took the opportunity. By being a director this year, I hope to learn how to further develop my own directorial vision for a script and confidently go through the production process, to produce a successful performance.

At the moment in Project Direct we’ve begun rehearsing our plays, and so far this has been the cast and crews comments on the experience:

Stage Manager, Angus Archard (year 8) - “So far we are in the early production stages of the play, and so far the process is going comfortably.”

Co-director, Tyson Nicholls (year 9) - “I’m finding the Project Direct experience both fun and challenging.”

Actor Ruby Granger (year 7) - “So far it’s been an exciting and helpful experience.”

So far as a director I’m finding the experience both challenging and rewarding, the challenging side is constantly giving up time, chasing up set deadlines, sourcing set and costume, completing tasks and going to meetings, but the rewarding side is that you get to work with others who have a passion for theatre and the arts, others who are also willing to skilfully apply their knowledge to make a character shine on stage and work hard in every rehearsal no matter what challenges they may be facing in the production process.

I would like to thank the cast and crew for their constant enthusiasm, always striving to do their best and always being patient with me.

If you’re following Project Direct and wish to see the performances, they will be held at the PAC on the fifth of September. If you’re interested in getting involved with the theatre department go to McClelland College Performing Arts on Facebook.

WAKAKIRRI: Jordyn McKinnon (year 11)

WAKAKIRRI is an event in which schools can create a story through dance about a topic -of their choice, particularly one that they’re passionate about. This year we are creating our performance based the implications of climate change, especially on our generation, and the lack of action our country is taking regarding the crisis. With only a few weeks left until the show, we are now in the final stages of choreography and refinement. All the choreography is being done by the students, predominantly guided by our six leaders: Catherine Baker, Bella Dhiman, Charlie Gibbons, Kiara Martin-Pico, Lisa Sailer and me. Lisa and I have also been organising costumes for the group over the past week. The performance is on the 23rd of August and the Frankston Arts Centre so get online and get your tickets!!

NOTE from SPR: the students’ official story is:

An exploration of issues, predominantly environmental, concerning today’s youth. Feeling overlooked by decision-makers, they fear that the responsibility to enact change for the better is on their shoulders.

MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION MAP: Matilda Forsyth (year 8)

On October 16th the Musical Theatre MAP students will be performing our musical, Musical Mayhem. We are nearing the development stage of putting together this show, so all of the stagecraft areas have been working hard to help bring the vision to life. I am a part of the set and props team, as well as performing in the ensemble as a Thespian. Our little team works great together, and we try our hardest to fix issues as they arise and make everything well - so on the night it will run smoothly! The biggest skill I think is included in set and props is problem solving and cooperation, as we need to make sure whatever decisions we make work with other areas of stagecraft, as well as the actors that will be on stage. This helps prevent any issues like colour clashes, or lack of space to perform. Everyone in the MAP has been putting in their best effort to make this musical the best that it can be, so make sure to check it out!

NOTE from SPR: The plot for the musical, pitched by Hannah Mortimer, Chloe O’Connor and Lily Hosking and scripted by Catherine Baker is:

Musical Mayhem is about Grace and the dynamic duo Olivia and Oliver’s quest to undo a spell. Grace’s theatre mistress encrypted into her playbook a spell bringing the world to life as a musical. Despite setbacks, it is Olivia’s determination, Oliver’s courage and Grace’s impatience that transports them out of this world to stop the beat.

Check the college Staff, Students and Parents Facebook group for the full cast and crew.

EUROPE ARTS TOUR: Lauren Chitty & Katherine Curran (year 11)

The Europe Arts Tour has by far been one of my highlights for not only high school, but my life so far. I have been on the 2017 (as I was going into year 9) and 2019 (as I was going into year 11) Europe Trips with two completely different groups of people. I found myself leaving for Europe with one or two friends and returning home being friends with everyone on the trip, both times. It's not only an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and see sights you dreamed of visiting when you were younger, but it's also an opportunity to share this exceptional experience with a new group of friends you otherwise may not have met. One thing I will never forget is the endless inside jokes I shared with every single person in the group, from performing a dance to the song 'Pompeii' - choreographed by Ms. Sproule - in Pompeii itself, to a failed ice skating attempt on my part in London and even buying Team Sproule berets in Paris (which is by far the best team). Even if you're only slightly interested in attending the Europe Trip 2021, I would highly recommend contacting Ms. Sproule to attend the information night on the 20th of August as it's an opportunity you will never forget. - LAUREN CHITTY

I would highly recommend the Europe trip to any one even considering it. The experiences you have are like no other and the friends you make you will remember for the rest of your life. The vibe you get when you are in another country is like nothing I could ever explain, and the types of experiences you get to enjoy are super exciting. We got to visit Stratford upon Avon (an adorable little town where Shakespeare was born), London where we stayed for a week and drove out to Bath for a day. In London, we got to see plays and have backstage tours of the theatres we went to, we spent time shopping (I finally got to go to Primark) and just generally experienced the city. We experienced Italian history and culture when we went over and got to spend time in a country that is vastly different to our own. To me the best experience was Harry Potter studios and just being in England in general (because of the British accent) and going to Ireland (after the rest of the group went home) with my mum to see my family. Overall, I would recommend the trip to anyone who is interested in experiencing other countries and cultures and the overall activities of the trip. - KATHERINE CURRAN

NOTE from SPR: If any students or parents have questions about the tour before the Information night, they are welcome to come and visit me in my office in the PAC (students) or ring me on 9789 4544 (parents).

FROM THE CLASSROOM: Sarah Hamilton-Harrison

I decided to join 9/10 Drama & Theatre Studies this year, as I have already done (and continue to do) the Musical Theatre Production MAP and have now added VCE Theatre Studies and Project Direct; but I had always had a passion for drama, so I DID!!, when you join Drama the first thing you do is set up a goal so that you can have that as a focus throughout your work in the semester. This draws your focus not only to your drama work but the goal you want to achieve in it. So far this semester, we have: studied a famous playwright and one of his works (the Spanish playwright Federico Garcia Lorca and his play Blood Wedding), then used a Shaun Tan short story as a stimulus to hone our own non-naturalistic story-telling techniques and watched an amazing production at the Arts Centre (which included a backstage tour of the entire venue as well as Hamer Hall). Even though I am highly involved in the performing arts department, DRAMA is my favourite subject by far. It’s amazing how much I have learnt so much from it that I wouldn’t have thought I would learn; you get to build your confidence, communication skills and team building skills. I’ve also learned valuable acting skills. It is truly a great experience to be in drama and I highly recommend it. I’m pretty sad that I won’t get to do it next year, the time goes by so fast so don’t miss your chance.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM: Kiara Martin-Pico

Since March 2017 I have been working as an intern for Dionysus Theatre throughout their annual Areté festival, and their mainstage productions of Macbeth and Othello. As an intern, I have had the chance to take on many roles; I have had opportunities designing elements of shows, and working in front-of-house and as a member of the tech team. This experience has led to my nomination and presentation of an Adjudicator’s Award from the Victorian Drama League in 2017.

Working with the company has developed my leadership and organisational skills, which have been applicable to programs within the school such as the Musical Theatre Production MAP, Project Direct and Theatre Studies productions. I believe this involvement with the company has made me a better role model for younger students within the Drama Department, and has highlighted possible pathways following my completion of year 12.

TESTIMONIALS FROM DIONYSUS

Since 2016, Kiara has quickly become an integral part of the ‘Nymph’ intern program at Dionysus Theatre. During this time, she has taken part in furthering her skill set in design, dramaturgy, production management, backstage crew and learning the craft of stage management. It has been a real pleasure watching her grow into a confident student with a growing knowledge in various styles of theatrical productions. She is articulate in her ideas, works hard to be an effective part of a team, and always has a hands-on approach in learning to further her skill base in stagecraft and theatre management. The skills that Kiara has attained during her time in the ‘Nymph’ program, coupled with her determination to learn every facet of stagecraft, will aid her in a blossoming and extremely promising career in the Theatre industry.

MELANIE THOMAS

Vice-President

Dionysus Theatre

In the time since Kiara has come on board as a nymph with us at Dionysus, she has shown time and time again her resourcefulness and ability to tackle any task that lays before her. Over the last few years she has learned many things about the world of theatre, and continues to demonstrate her knowledge, both old and new. As a Stage-manager I couldn’t ask for better, and I know that she will take these lessons with her as she takes backstage by storm in the future, in a variety of other companies and productions.

STEVEN GORANITIS

Head of Production

Dionysus Theatre

NOTE from SPR: The Dionysus Nymph program (theatre internship) has involved over 16 students in the years since the company was established and please see SPR if you have any questions. If any student is interested in applying for the program they can do so online at: http://dionysustheatre.com.au/the-nymph-program/

FOCUS ON A DRAMA STUDENT: Rory Rouillon (year 10)

1. Introduce yourself and tell us something interesting about you
Hello I’m Rory, I can peel a banana with my feet, I can whistle without my lips and I’m a ginger.

2. What brought you to the McC Drama Department?

I chose Drama for my future. I aspire to be an actor and plus it’s just a great overall subject to learn. It can help with many things, such as ability to adapt to different situations, confidence, improvisation (thinking on the spot, even lying), problem-solving, communication and most importantly, building your confidence. All of this can help to expand your CV.

3. What are the highlights of your involvement in the department?

Creating some dramatic ensemble performances with people in my class. I enjoy being creative, getting to create my own work with other like-minded people. It’s a great experience to create a comfortable working environment with my peers, both those I know well and new faces. I also have enjoyed developing a deeper understanding of different types of theatre, for example, Greek Theatre, non-naturalism and Kabuki (Japanese).

4. What’s the best thing you’ve ever done on (or behind) stage?

I was a member of the props team for 2016’s College Musical, Little Shop of Horrors. It was great to see something I’d created and worked hard on come to life on stage and be an important part of the production as a whole.

5. What’s the best piece of live theatre you’ve ever seen and why?

I loved seeing the musical Matilda with the Musical Theatre Production MAP. I’d loved the story when I was a small child, even though it scared me and gave me nightmares, so it was awesome to see it at the theatre.

6. Why do you think Drama is valuable in today’s society, and why is it important to you?

For me, it's a way of getting out there, pushing myself outside outside of my comfort zone and learning new techniques. I also enjoy making things that people can enjoy. Doing theatre is also important to connect with others as well as a great means of exploring ideas and getting people to talk about various problems in society.