Performing Arts

2020 Celebration of Success

As much as we are forward planning and excited about 2021, it's important to also take time to reflect on the year that was, and to celebrate some of our alumni achievements.     

This term, several of our Class of 2020 VCE Theatre Studies students auditioned for the VCAA Top Class series, a huge achievement in itself, as students must have received an A+ for their performance examination to be invited to attend. We are so proud that Archie Beaumont was selected. He presented his interpretation of the monologue from Boy Girl Wall by Lucas Stibbard and Matthew Ryan on Wednesday 9th March at the Arts Centre. His piece contained comedic acting skills, clever direction and highly imaginative concepts, so it was no wonder that he elicited lots of laughter from the audience and earned himself a very large round of applause.  Congratulations, Archie, on such fantastic work.

Maria England is also to be commended  achieving a perfect study score of 50 in VCE Theatre Studies. Speaking on the theatre podcast, The Aside, Maria England reflected on her experience and provided advice to students undertaking the course this year. She spoke passionately about making effective use of the learning materials provided, working collaboratively to learn from her peers and playing to one's strengths but she also emphasised the importance of taking time to  enjoy the process along the way. Maria stated "There's always something more to learn." Maria England will be continuing her performing arts education by undertaking industry training at Howard Fine's Acting Studio this year and we wish her all the best for her future. 

Kael D'Alterio is also congratulated for being accepted into NIDA - the highly prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney - to commence his Musical Theatre course with a view to enter the industry. We cannot wait to see where the musical path takes you, Kael. 

A final note on 2020: 

We have so many success stories from last year and are so thrilled that so many of the cohort were offered places in fantastic tertiary institutions and have chosen to continue their studies in the Performing Arts. 

Congratulations to ALL of the dancers, musicians, actors, directors and designers from the class of 2020.

Now for exciting 2021 news...

2021 Mid-Year Dance Showcase

Our mid-year Dance Showcase is approaching fast. We are excited to be working towards this well anticipated event. As the live showcases were cancelled last year due to Covid, we have decided to make up for lost time and base this showcase on a theme. The mid-year showcase has been themed as 'Back to the 80's'. 

We know this theme is a classic and one that all will thoroughly enjoy. Dance Academy, VET Dance, VCE Dance and Year 7 Sport Dance classes are all working on their routines for the showcase and the pieces are already looking amazing. This showcase will not want to be missed so make sure you stay connected to the school website and compass for updates on ticket sales and event information. 

EVENT DETAILS 

Friday 4 June, 2021 7pm 

Sunday 6 June, 2021 2pm 

Capacity of theatre will be dependent on COVID restrictions and will be communicated in Term 2. We look forward to seeing you there.

Prue Slingsby and Kristina Hardner

Spy thriller meets organised chaos in VCE production for 2021! 

VCE Theatre Studies work on our VCE production this year, The 39 Steps by Patrick Barow, has begun. Eighteen excited students  are busily working away, planning for the production that draws on the Hitchcock classic spy / thriller but adds a twist of clowning, parody and plenty of meta-theatre to entertain audiences.  Students have been researching the styles and contexts of the play, sketching designs and preparing for rehearsals. A Clowning workshop with a professional practitioner, Anna Thomson, was particularly illuminating, as students engaged in highly practical play-making and understood how theoretical ideas can be transported to our stage. 

Comments from the class included:

"A sort of collaborative joy came over the ensemble: we were all aware of how silly we were being but felt safe enough to do so anyway.     " - Lucy Tomov

"It was funny watching everyone respond to her [Anna's] cues and working together to create moments of clowning    " - Charlotte Poore

"I really enjoyed playing with physicality and expanding small moments into their extreme forms."  - Ellen McNeil 

College Musical Announced – High School Musical!

The College Musical is set to go ahead in 2021 and it's safe to say that both staff and students are very excited. A teaser campaign created laughter and frustration in equal measure for students, alumni, and even some staff members who wanted to be 'in the know.' 

Key information and audition packs will be disseminated at the end of Term 1, with auditions occurring in Term 2. Stay tuned to Compass. 

Introducing the DANCE CAPTAINS!

The Dance Program at Sandringham Collage are Proud to introduce our Dance Leaders of 2021. 

This year at senior campus we have Lucy Robertson of Year 12. On junior campus we have Rosealie Smith and Tara Raymond of Year 9. We are very lucky to have these three dedicated young people supporting the dance program this year. We hope you enjoy reading about them and their connection to Sandringham College Dance. 

Lucy Robertson 

"The Sandringham College Dance Program is an incredibly supportive and uplifting community where I have formed many friendships through the shared love and passion for dance. The teachers within the dance community are equally as enthusiastic and passionate about the program, making it an exciting and motivating workspace. Jazz would have to be my favourite style of dance as it is so energetic and dynamic, involving a lot of sass and animated character. The environment is fun and lively allowing dancers to really tap into their confident, sassy side. Within the Dance program this term, the senior dance students have been working hard to learn new routines for the upcoming showcase as well as continuing technique classes to further excel their abilities. The mid-year dance showcase is an upcoming event that is creating huge excitement for the community and one I'm looking forward to partaking in. Through performing in events such as dance showcases my confidence in not only my abilities as a dancer but as a person has grown as I continue to step out of my comfort zone, challenging myself to be the best I can be. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of the dance community. The students and teachers involved create an amazing atmosphere that encourages and pushes individuals to be incredible dancers and supportive, creative and friendly individuals."

Rosalie Smith

"I love dancing at Sandy College because of the joy it brings me, and how I can improve on my dance technique, while also having fun with my friends! The encouraging environment between the dancers in the academy makes me feel super welcomed and pushes to be better. Jazz is my favourite style of dance, I love how sharp and energetic the movements are, I also like putting a lot of expression into my performances. In Dance Academy classes this term, we have been working really hard on our technique and are starting to piece together our dances for the Winter Showcase in June. This semester I’m looking forward to seeing all the new year 6s at the auditions for Dance Academy next year, and of course, the Winter Showcase!"

Tara Raymond 

"I love to dance at Sandringham College because I enjoy having the opportunity to learn and progress in all styles of dance. My favourite style of dance is contemporary because it can be slow or fast and is a great way to express yourself. In classes this term we have mainly been focusing on getting our technique back and learning our routines for the Winter Showcase. This semester, I am looking forward to dancing during open night and showing the tours what Dance Academy at Sandringham College is really like."

Year 10 Comedy Capers

Year 10 Theatre studies students have been having lots of fun exploring Commedia dell’Arte characters and physical comedy. In groups students have been improvising and devising comedy scenes using stock characters and crazy lazzi!

Students presented these scenes to family and friends on Mon 29 March at 8.30pm in the College Theatre.