Drama & Production

It has been an exciting time in the Drama and Theatre department as we have finally been able to attend performances and rehearse in a relatively unrestricted manner for the first time in over 12 months. 

On the 10 March, the Year 12 Theatre Studies group, travelled to the Arts Centre in Southbank with Ms Bridget Day, Mr John Finn and myself, to see Liam Collins (class of 2020) perform at the Top Acts - Theatre Studies performance celebration (see pictured). Liam’s monologue was one of 11 on the day, which were chosen out of several thousands in the state last year. This is a huge honour for Liam and very well deserved. While I might be biased, I also think he was close to the best of the best on the day. Liam has also been asked by VCAA to be one of three payed panellists for an upcoming webinar about monologue preparation for this year’s Theatre Studies Unit 4 students. 

On Tuesday 16 March the Theatre Studies class also attended the first piece of theatre to be staged in the Shirley Burke Theatre (Parkdale) for nearly 13 months. They saw the critically acclaimed and VCAA listed play ‘Lamb’ by Jane Bodie and Mark Seymour. They will now analyse it and complete on Outcome on it. 

In Junior Drama we are all relieved to be back in the classroom and very much enjoying the live and immediate nature of our practical classes. Nothing like a live audience! 

Despite a somewhat uncertain start to the year and having a couple of hiccups with a lockdown and some restrictions, the Senior College Production of ‘Cosi’ is well on its way (see pictured). Personally, I think this year’s cast is extraordinarily strong and some fantastic ideas and characterisations have already been bouncing around in the rehearsal room. I expect this show to be an absolute must-see! Save the dates (16-19 June) and look out for booking info closer to the date. 

After a really difficult year for the Performing Arts, where just about everything was cancelled, not possible or forgotten, it is really heartening to know that there is a pulse at St Bede’s College, and it is strong. 

Jamie Parton

Drama Learning Area Leader

Productions Leaders