Schools on Stage

Young Australians Have Musical Theatre Experience of a Lifetime

75 lucky young Australians aged between 12 and 18 were chosen to take part in the ‘Super Bowl’ of musical theatre, the Junior Theatre Festival thanks to thanks to Travel Gang and Music Theatre International (Australasia).

Creating the Magic - The 2022 Schools Spectacular

On the 25th and 26th November, four thousand and seven hundred (4,700!) talented arts students from over 200 state schools right across NSW hit the stage to create the magic of  that was the 2022 Schools Spectacular at QDOS Arena. It was an “Extraordinary Magic” that took the audience on a music, dance, acrobatics, puppetry and musical theatre journey that was, in the words of the incredible Mary Poppins Tribute, that concluded the first act, simply … Supercalifragilisticexpialidoious!

Bell Shakespeare announces recipients of the 2024 John Bell Scholarship

Bell Shakespeare has announced the recipients of the 2024 John Bell Scholarship, offering four talented young actors from regional areas a life-changing opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most respected actors, directors, and educators.

Drama Changes Dumped

Controversial changes to the Higher School Certificate Drama curriculum have been dumped by the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Under the proposed changes it would have been possible for students to complete the entire course without being externally assessed.

A protest campaign against the changes led by Drama NSW and high profile actors culminated in forum held at the Seymour Centre on Monday (pictured above).

HSC Drama and Music Debate

Drama and Music Teachers in New South Wales are revolting against proposed changes to the Higher School Certificate, which will force students to do longer exams and fewer practical performances.

The changes were released by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) last month with teachers only given weeks to provide feedback.

In HSC Drama, ensemble group performances marked by external examiners now contribute 30 per cent of the HSC exam mark. Under the changes in future students would sit a 30-minute longer exam.

We Will Rock You - Young at Part

By Queen and Ben Elton. Aquinas College. Directed by Emma Leopardi. McAppion Theatre, Aquinas College, Salter Point, WA. Oct 23-25, 2024

We Will Rock You - Young at Part was presented by Year 7 to 9 students from Aquinas Middle School, with guest female performers from various schools. I was lucky enough to see this production with Aquinas’ Year 7 cohort who watched with rapt attention and gave the show a standing ovation. 

Mamma Mia!

By Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. St Mark’s Theatre Company, St Marks Anglican School. Directed by Chris McRae. Barbara Godwin Theatre, St Marks Anglican School, Hillarys, WA. Aug 7-10, 2024

St Mark’s Theatre Company embraced the joy of the Abba Musical, Mamma Mia! with a big production with high production values, that involved a plethora of people in the St Marks Anglican School community.

Schools Rock On Stage

Brentwood Secondary College in Melbourne staged Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock in 2023.

International Theatre Festival Arrives in Melbourne

The city of Melbourne is set to host its very first Junior Theatre Celebration Melbourne (JTC Melbourne) on July 27, 2024 at the Bunjil Place Theatre in Narre Warren. This event offers an opportunity for students and teachers passionate about musical theatre to come together, share their talents, and learn from industry professionals.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

By William Shakespeare. Holy Cross College Senior School Drama. Directed by Shelly Miller. New Norcia Building, Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook, WA. July 17-20, 2024

Holy Cross College Senior School Drama present A Midsummer Night’s Dream in their nicely appointed black box theatre. The Bard is a challenge for actors of any age, and these young performers approach the task with enthusiasm and gusto.