Performing Arts

Auditions for The 39 Steps

Calling all Year 7 - 10 students!  We are holding auditions for our production of The 39 Steps on Friday 19 August and Monday 22 August from 3.30 pm - 4.45 pm in the Sarto Centre.

We will also be looking for technical crews for lighting and sound as well as stage managers and costume assistants.

For more information, please see Ms Lindley or email at plindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Performing Arts  Matters

The term continues to fly by and I hope everyone is holding on!  This week we start auditions for next year's production “The 39 Steps”. This production will take place at the Zenith Theatre on 4 and 6 April, 2023. This is an exciting development for the Performing Arts at SPX and follows on from the great success of our 85th Anniversary Concert. Break a leg to all involved.

Next week we return to our live Splinters, Splashes, Stage and Sound event showcasing the work of our HSC classes in Visual Arts, DT, Drama and Music. Come along to hear/see our HSC students' work.

On Friday 2 September we have our Farewell to Seniors' Twilight Concert in the Gym at 5.30 pm. We have allocated some more time at this concert to showcase our senior students and we have included some junior groups as a way of inspiring them to greater success. We will have a presentation, and this will be Mr Couani’s last time hearing these Year 12 students. Come along and say goodbye to these talented Performing Artists.

Next term sees the return of our SPX Music Festival where our students will be performing in our own band room as soloists, duos, trios and more. This will be in Week 4. Keep tuned for details.

Well done to Michael Krizan who has been awarded with work experience at the STC. Over 120 students applied and Michael was one the lucky few recipients. Well done to Michael, Ms Lindley and SPX Drama. Whist on the subject of achievements congratulations to Isaac Donlevy for his achievement as being part of the next Sydney Youth Musical Theatre production of Big Fish. This is not Isaac's first musical with this group.  Well done Isaac.

Mr Anthony Timmins - Performing Arts Coordinator

Drama Matters

We are having a busy time in the Drama Department over the next couple of weeks. Workshops, play performances, HSC practical examinations and our yearly Splinters, Splashes, Sound & Stage 2022. Also please remember to book your FREE ticket for the upcoming Climate Movie showcase on 19 September so we can get an idea for catering. 

Sydney Theatre Company work experience

Michael Krizan has been selected by STC to be part of their 2022 work experience program. This is a wonderful achievement for Michael as over 120 students applied and only a small group are selected!  He was chosen based on his outstanding ability to demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm and a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities of working in a theatre company. 

The work experience will be over five days and include a mixture of panels, discussions, presentations and interactive, creative workshops that explore all facets of the theatre company – from directing and acting to marketing and design to scriptwriting and technical production. Well done to Michael for his enthusiasm and creativity.

Year 9 Shakespeare incursion

This week Year 9 students will be taking part in an incursion on Thursday during Periods 2 and 3. The workshop will be led by actor, teacher, and Drama facilitator Christopher Tomkinson. Chris works extensively for Sport for Jove Theatre Company as an actor and also leads their Shakespeare Carnival each year. He has taught workshops in schools for ATYP and as a freelance artist as well as directing, producing, and writing in theatre, radio, TV & Film. This will be an invaluable opportunity for the Year 9 students to extend their practical skills and learn more about speaking Shakespeare’s lines.

Year 8 Performance Monday Week 6

On Monday 22 August the Year 8 students will be watching a performance of the acclaimed play The Stones by Zeal Theatre Company. This will run over Periods 1 and 2 in the Sarto Centre and give students the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the performance. 

Two boys, aged 13 and 15, are charged with manslaughter after kicking rocks off a freeway overpass and killing a motorist. THE STONES is about risk-taking behaviour and the pain of guilt when things go too far. The play places the audience in the position of a jury where they must consider whether the boys are responsible for their actions, or too young to know what they were doing. THE STONES, written and performed by Tom Lycos and Stefo Nantsou, is a tour de force of physical theatre by two of Australia's most experienced performers for young audiences and has earned a worldwide reputation of being one of the most successful plays for teenagers. Since its premiere in 1996 the original production has been performed over 1200 times including seasons at the National Theatre in London and The Duke on 42nd Street in New York, as well as having been translated and performed in over 30 countries.

"...the performers have the tight spontaneous timing of a jazz duo."- New York Times

"Acting and storytelling at its finest..."- The Vancouver Globe

"...an urgent and intense two hander..."-London Time Out

Year 10 & 11 Elective Drama

Year 10 and 11 Elective Drama will be attending The Sydney Theatre Company's acclaimed production of 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' on Wednesday 31 August commencing at 7.30 pm at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Walsh Bay.

Please see the attached permission note for further details. Please would students return the permission note by tomorrow.

Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Coordinator