Performing Arts

Tones and I - such a surprise!

Year 10 students, along with VCE Music Performance students, were treated to a SURPRISE performance by Tones and I several weeks ago. A one hour session included performance of existing hits and upcoming new releases, an inspiring talk, and finally a meet n' greet with the artist herself. Students really enjoyed the experience and we felt so lucky at Sandringham to be able to host such a successful music artist and provide a joyous experience for our students. We would have liked to extend this to other groups but unfortunately time available and audience caps in place meant this was not possible this time. Special thanks to our amazing Music Dept for organising this wonderful opportunity. 

High School Musical Postponed

The difficult decision has been made to postpone the production of High School Musical until 2022. Details about this have been posted on Compass so please read our communications about that and speak to Laura Washington if you have any questions pertaining to this. Whilst we are all disappointed, we have been overwhelmed by students’ understanding and kindness; we know that our community will support the show wholeheartedly when it is able to go ahead. 

VCE Season in Term 4

We plan to hold our season of VCE Performance nights for Unit 4 students to practise their exam material in front of a friendly audience of their peers and family members in the Holloway Theatre. Save the following dates:

• VCE Music Night -  Wednesday 6th October
• VCE Theatre Studies Monologue Night - Thursday 7th October
• VCE Dance Night -  Friday 8th October.

More details will be posted about this closer to the time. Audience capacity and COVID-19 safe procedures will be detailed based on current government health advice. 

MTC Ambassador - Dan Castle

When I applied for the MTC Ambassadorship Program, I was interested in the idea, but wasn’t too sure of my chances of succeeding. All I knew was that I was interested in the theatre, and was looking to pursue a career in the performance arts after school, so I thought: “Why not?”. Previously, I didn’t have a huge amount of interaction with the MTC before, only knowing its extended abbreviation (Melbourne Theatre Company), its location and some of its theatres, having been able to previously see one of its productions, “Astro Boy”, in 2018. So, I answered the questions on the application form, and two weeks later received the notification that I had been accepted. Then, two weeks after that, we had our first meeting, the day before the final day of Term 1. I didn’t really know what to expect, only that there were to be 14 other students from around the state, and Nick Tranter, the education coordinator of the MTC. In keeping with the current theme over the last 18 months, we met on Zoom (and have continued to do so since) and quite literally, discussed theatre: shows we enjoyed, shows we’d love to see and our involvement in the theatre. In our group of 15, we had actors, writers, directors, dramaturges, set designers, stage hands and costume designers. The program is not only limited to actors, and those on-stage, which is what I think makes the program really interesting and a fantastic opportunity for all. Not only that, but we all have experienced different methods of finding the theatre. Some, like myself, have been interested from an early age, and others have only recently found it, but have developed a deep passion quite quickly.

As a part of the MTC Ambassadorship Program, we’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to not only see productions created by the MTC (free of charge, I might add), but also meet the those associated with the productions themselves. For example, in our second meeting, we met co-star of one of the most recent productions, “Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes”, Izabella Yena, who discussed her experiences as a professional actor, her process when developing a character, and any advice she may have had for us. Since then, we have also met, Niklas Pajanta, lighting designer for “Berlin”, Petra Kalive, director of “Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Class” and “The Lifespan of a Fact”, Michael Wahr, co-star of “Berlin” and previously “Shakespeare in Love”, and Karl Richmond, co-star of “The Lifespan of a Fact”. With each meeting with those in the industry, they have the opportunity to discuss their career, previous credits and any lessons they have learned along the way, before answering any questions we have, often which are many. Being able to discuss the industry with directors such as Petra Kalive, who has a wealth of experience directing productions, or Karl Richmond, who auditioned for the VCA on four occasions after suddenly discovering his love for the theatre five years ago, has been invaluable for myself, and allowed me to understand lessons from the industry I may have only realised after years of professional experience. It’s been incredibly interesting to meet, and discuss, those who work in the performing arts industry, especially following the effects of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic. Whether it be stories of how Michael Wahr has returned to his first love, and begun writing poetry, or Niklas Pajanti designing the lighting plan for “Berlin” within the walls of his apartment, the MTC Ambassadorship Program has allowed me to not only learn more about the industry in which I wish to enter after secondary school, but has also rejuvenated and strengthened that desire to do so.

So, yes, when I was asked to write an article regarding my experience with the MTC Ambassadorship Program, I considered writing about what I’d learnt, or the “lifecycle” of a production, but that’s not necessarily it’s objective. Simply, what it is, is an opportunity for those who enjoy the theatre, whether as a performer, designer, or audience member, to discuss theatre with people just like you, and those who have been able to make it their careers. Now, while there is a competitive edge to the industry, the “magic” of the theatre is something many of us can appreciate. And while the fifteen students a part of the MTC Ambassadorship Program are but a handful of thousands of students throughout the state vying to be the next big “star” or land themselves a role in a professional production, there is never a sense of envy between us, because we all know that we’re not there to be “spotted” by the director of a production, or to get to know those in higher places in the industry. We’re there to spend 90 minutes per month discussing a shared love: the theatre. So, if you’re interested in the theatre, I would recommend this experience. If you’re not, apply anyway; you never know what you could find out about yourself…

“If you have a dream, or you know what you’d like to do with your life, don’t stop until you’re there. And when you’re there, keep on going, because there is nothing better than doing what you love for a living.”

- Michael Wahr: Co-star of Petra Kalive’s “Berlin” and previous MTC Production, “Shakespeare in Love”, poetry and Shakespeare enthusiast, and fellow theatre lover.