Performing Arts
Magical Melbourne: The 2018 Performing Arts Tour.
It was a year in the planning, and on the first day of the June/July school holidays, 29 performing arts students together with 4 members of staff embarked on an exciting 7-day Performing Arts Tour to Melbourne. Levels of anticipation and enthusiasm were high, as the week ahead promised wonderful performance opportunities, workshops with industry professionals, amazing professional productions and backstage tours.After settling into accommodation in Collins Street in the hub of Melbourne’s CBD, we set off to the theatre to see either The Australian Ballet production of “Verve” or the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Mid-Season Gala. The ballet was absolutely stunning with its contemporary production design and choreography whilst the orchestral performance amazed the students and staff that were thrilled to attend.
Day 2 saw students up early for five hours of dance, vocal and musical theatre workshops at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. After the workshops it was back to the theatre to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of the “The Wizard of Oz”.The following morning, students headed straight back to the theatre to see Bernadette Robinson at the stunning Harmer Hall. Then, as one of the highlights of the trip, the students experienced a 3-hour Federation Bells workshop, where budding composers got to compose their own arrangement and hear them played on the bells, for all of Melbourne to hear!
Students had their first performance of the tour, performing on the iconic red stair amphitheatre at Queensbridge Square. Packed with dance, instrumental and choral repertoire, the 60-minute set was a roaring success. It was then off to Old Melbourne Gaol where everyone got to experience first-hand what it was like to be locked up during the Watch House tour and take part in the Ned Kelly courtroom trial.
Day 5 of the tour saw students take part in a morning of acting and vocal workshops which gave them invaluable insight into the performing arts industry. Then it was time to brave the cold and hit the Victorian Night Markets.An obvious ‘Melbourne’ priority for Year 12 girls and certainly for Ms Smith and Mrs Breen, was the opportunity for a bit of shopping, so during a little down time on Day 6, students and staff set off for Bourke Street and a little retail therapy. This was after touring the beautiful Melbourne Arts Centre during morning and discovering the secrets of their incredible theatres. The day finished off with a fantastic end-of-tour dinner to celebrate the success of the tour, the friendships that were made and the incredible experiences had along the way.
On the final day our touring party were warmly welcomed by a sister Lutheran school, Luther College. After attending their chapel, the students performed for the College. That afternoon, students were thrilled to visit the APO Arts Academy, where they were challenged with either an Advanced Vocal Workshop or Advanced Hip Hop Dance Class. After dinner, Year 11 and 12 students enjoyed front row seats at Melbourne Theatre Company to watch the play “Gloria” staring the four- time Gold Logie Award winner Lisa McCune. Most definitely a highlight for many students!
Thank you to the staff who gave up part of their holidays to supervise the students and congratulations to our students for being exceptional ambassadors for our College. Memories made on this incredible tour will last a lifetime.
