Schools on Stage

How To Write An Opera

Students across Australia can access an on-line program that teaches them how to write, compose, orchestrate and design their very own opera. The Victorian Opera’s Tim Ryan describes how the Beyond the Stage program brings the creativity of opera to classrooms.

I came across Beyond the Stage as a VCE Music and Drama teacher, trawling the internet for engaging resources during the dreaded COVID-19 lockdowns of 2021.

Mentally Sound

Image: Gundagai Public School hosted Cristian and Mark from the Backflips Against Bullying

Samwise Holmes from Action Education explains how one-hour shows help high school and primary school students navigate bullying and mental health.  

When we launched Backflips Against Bullying at the beginning of 2019, in New South Wales, it exploded with popularity, and we were completely floored.

All-Stars' Dot and the Kangaroo Triumph

Australian and New Zealand school students have won a special award at the Junior Theatre Festival in the United States.

Each year, the “Aussie All-Stars” and the “Kiwi All-Stars” take part in a program that includes Broadway musicals, workshops and a performance of their Broadway junior production after an intensive four-day rehearsal.

The Digital Stage

Tools that were once the preserve of professional theatres with substantial budgets are now available to educators and students alike

Director’s Diary – Little Women

Emmaus College took out five awards at the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Bruce Awards for its production of the musical Little Women.  The director, Elise Cavallo, describes the unique staging and choreography which made the production a success. 

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

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