Schools on Stage

Disney Moana Jr.

Music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina. Book adapted by Susan Soon He Stanton. Music and Orchestrations adapted and arranged by Ian Weinberger. Gosnells Primary School. Directed by Grace Johnson. Nov 2-4, 2021

Gosnells Primary School’s biannual production features four classes of Yr 5 and 6 students, working beautifully as a team to present this Disney favourite. 

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

By C.S. Lewis. Willeton Senior High School. Directed by Stefan Brand. Willeton SHS, Willeton, WA. Aug 26-28, 2021

In a way, seeing a production at Willeton Senior High School is like entering a magical world. From the moment that you enter the school you are embraced by its inhabitants - a huge team of smiling and welcoming Front of House staff who make you feel welcome and valued. This continues throughout the evening, and is especially noticeable in this production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Disney’s Freaky Friday The Musical (One Act Version)

By Bridget Carpenter, Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, from the novel by Mary Rodgers. Directed by Celeste Koukoulis. Cecil Andrews College, Seville Grove, WA. Aug 6-8, 2021

Cecil Andrews College’s whole school production of Freaky Friday is a vibrant and exciting production that deserves its warm reception.

Annie

By Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. Mercedes’ College. Directed by Kathleen Cocks. The Regal Theatre, Subiaco, WA. Jul 30-Aug 1, 2021

Mercedes’ College’s Annie is a big, beautiful production, bursting with joy, energy and enthusiasm. Top notch production values, expert stagecraft, and excellent teamwork - this was an outstanding return to the Regal for Mercedes, who sadly lost their 2020 production due to shut-down and restrictions.

Legally Blonde

By Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach. Directed by Sharon Kiely. Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre, St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, Mosman Park, WA, June 17-19, 2021

Disney The Little Mermaid Jr

Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. Book by Doug Wright. St James’ Anglican School. Directed by David Johnson. Allan Shaw Centre, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, Mindarie, WA. 8 May, 2021

Mamma Mia!

Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson. directed by Zoe Parker. Centre for Performing Arts, All Saints College, Bull Creek, WA. Apr 21 - 24, 2021

All Saints College’s Hothouse Company presented this popular musical to capacity audiences, in a season sadly interrupted by Perth’s latest COVID lockdown. A highly energetic, keen and focused young company, this was an innovative production that was very well received.

NIDA Creative Schools Programs

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) offers performing arts educational activities to support learning for both school students and schoolteachers. This includes specialist training, access to industry professionals, guest artists and resources.

Reflective of NIDA’s world-renowned approach to education and training, developed over 60 years, the programs are carefully designed to provide engaging skills development to enhance the early childhood, primary and secondary syllabuses.

The Visit

By Friedrich Dürrenmatt. Willeton Senior High School, WA. Directed by Isla Simeoni, Cooper Jefferyes, Emily Kirk, Mihir Pareek, Ollie Kopcyzk, Rameen Asad, Sara Zulaikha, Aaron James, Vaness Bona, Shenal Constantine, Sukhchain Singh. Mar 31 - Apr 1, 2021.

Willeton Senior High School’s ATAR Drama students and Certificate II Hospitality students have joined forces to create a very engaging piece of dinner theatre, that entertained and engaged the audience and left them very gastronomically satisfied.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

By Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Linda Woolverton. Iona Presentation College. Directed by Joshua Brant. Regal Theatre, Hay St, Subiaco. Mar 25-28, 2021

After a year-long wait Iona Presentation College’s production finally hit the stage at the Regal Theatre, and this warm, well-presented production was absolutely worth the wait.