Schools on Stage

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

By Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams. Directed by Jo-Anne Palmer and Melissa Kelly. Caroline Payne Theatre, Corpus Christ College, Bateman, WA. Apr 23-27, 2024

Brainstorming For a Better Future

Clinical psychologist Dr Ameika Johnson explains how live theatre can help young people tackle online exploitation and bullying.

The internet is a complex and rapidly changing space. Technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality and the metaverse have the potential for great benefit but also carry the risk of great harm, for children and young people.

Live theatre provides a platform to explore these opportunities and challenges and empower students to take positive action in the digital world.

Sport For Jove

Image: Romeo & Juliet. Photographer: Seiya Taguchi

Damien Ryan, the Artistic Director of Sport for Jove, outlines his company’s 2024 educational program.

Hail all NSW teachers, we herald and congratulate you for another outstanding year of leadership and inspiration – in your classrooms, at your marking centres, with your preparations, your results and through your guidance.

HSC Theatre at Actors Centre Australia

The ACA Company has unveiled a specially crafted program for high school audiences featuring talented graduates of Actors Centre Australia.

This builds upon the success of the ACA Company’s inaugural 2023 season. Pictured above is a scene from The Laramie Project.  

Zen Zen Zo’s The Tempest

By William Shakespeare, adapted by Lynne. Bradley. Directed by Josh Lang. Marist Theatre, Newman College, Churchlands, WA. April 22-24, 2024

Newman College’s production of Zen Zen Zo’s The Tempest was selected as it is one of this year’s set texts for Year 12 ATAR students. Featuring a cast and crew with students from Year 8 to 12, it was an immersive production that was well produced and performed. 

Spamalot - School Edition

Book & Lyrics by Eric Idle. Music by John du Prez & Eric Idle. Perth Youth Theatre. Venue 360. Friday, 12th April 2024

The Devil of the Second Stairs

Presbyterian Ladies' College, Perth. 

By George Herman. Directed by Carli Edwards. Hazel Day Drama Centre, Presbyterian Ladies' College, Perth. Mar 21-23. 2024

Horror is an unusual genre for theatre, especially for youth theatre, and even more for a girls’ school, but this young cast from Presbyterian Ladies' College appeared to be relishing the opportunity to perform The Devil of the Second Stairs, set in an isolated convent in the United States during the 1960s. 

SPARK2024

The 2024 School Performing Arts Resource Kit (SPARK) is out now.

The free on-line magazine includes a comprehensive national guide to shows that are available for school students for excursion and incursion.

Plus specials features to assist teachers staging a show with chapters on Sound and Light, Choosing a Show, Costumes, Props and Sets.

SPARK is available year round at www.stagewhispers.com.au/spark

Features include a guide to the best digital tools for school productions.

Shrek The Musical Jr

By David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori. Excelsior Primary School. Directed by Tara Oorjitham. City of Gosnells, Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Thornlie, WA. September 20, 2023

The Laramie Project

By Moisés Kaufman and the Members of the Tectonic Theatre. Directed by Stefan Brand. Willetton Senior High School, WA. Sep 13, 2023

The Laramie Project as presented by Willetton Senior High School’s Year 11 Drama Students in a Brechtian style ensemble production, with cohesion and outstanding teamwork. Although I had the pleasure of viewing a preview evening, the production itself featured food supplied by Certificate 2 Hospitality Students, who always supply outstanding quality fare.