Whole School Movie Production

Dreams Under the Big Top

What an exciting time we spent together Friday 12 November as the whole school gathered for the filming of our Production, Dreams Under the Big Top. To say it was action packed is an understatement. The videographer arrived at 7.15am, with lights and sets being installed in the days prior. There was a real buzz around the school as costumes were put on and make-up applied. Naturally there were nerves but the students encouraged me to keep going and persevere. It was an interesting day weather wise too and sadly we couldn’t find even a moment to get outside and film outdoors in our new playground as planned.

A special mention must go to the Prep class who spent all their time rehearsing outside on the playground using the slide and other equipment, but due to the rain, ended up having to change it all to be indoors with a trampoline!  We had lots of other funny things go wrong, such as one of the lights not working properly from 12 noon onwards, no audience to laugh and applaud and for the actors to feed off, we forgot to get popcorn as an essential prop for the last scene (so look out for the ‘popcorn substitute’ in the video!), and we would have loved the chance to film some scenes again, but time got away from us.

A special thanks to our parent helpers on the day: Gabi, Sarah, Hannah, Jackie, Joelle and Carlie. They did a wonderful job of applying makeup, taking photos, organising costumes and supporting the students and staff.

At 3.20pm, when we finally called ‘cut’ it was with an immense sense of pride that I was able to look back on the day and smile. What we achieved in only eight school days onsite, and more than ten weeks of learning from home, is something we should all be proud of.  Parents, teachers and students have combined to work together and I am so grateful for all that we achieved.  It would have been easy to cancel the show and not do it at all but I hope the students are pleased we didn't and should now have some lasting memories of a very different type of Covid style production for 2021. I have been lucky enough to see the draft version of the movie and encourage you all to buy a copy, sit back with your real popcorn and enjoy the show, for as PT Barnum did say….. “The show must go on”…..

Ms Lou Devoy

ldevoy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au