Performing Arts report June 17 2023
Dance, Drama, Entertainment and Music are the Performing Arts subjects offered for study at the College. Dance, Drama and Music are offered in Years 9 and 10 as electives and in Years 11 and 12 plus Entertainment. Entertainment is new this year and is really growing as students hear more about the fact that they will have a qualification when they complete the course as well as being able to use it for their HSC as a 2 unit subject. Our courses give students the opportunities to be creative but also to develop strong communication skills and collaborate successfully. Interestingly there is much academic study around what is called Transformational Learning and the 4 C’s. Briefly the 4 C’s are Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical reflection, in some university studies they are referred to as critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating; although thinking and reflection are different so our subjects include both in our programmes giving attention to all 4C’s and the variations that support thinking to deepen the reflection and then become renewed action and refinement.
Our College has used reflection not only as an Ignatian practice but as an academic assessment practice for many years. It was therefore incredibly exciting to have half a day at the Opera House working with their Educators to discuss how they approach learning and the exciting partnership we at St Vincent’s can have with them as our creative neighbours and also the premier live performance venue in the country, where their ‘house’ can become our ‘house’ with loads of experiential learning, as our learning styles aligned so synergistically. Sydney Opera House also has some award winning STEAM programmes that we are also looking at to see how they can be tailored to fit our students and our context. So I am really looking forward to our students benefiting from these new programmes we are creating and excursion opportunities in the near future.
Performing Arts staff Professional Development at the Opera House
Here we are, the Performing Arts team - discussing sound waves against the surfaces, tuning the organ, creating site specific dance and drama and the relationships of space, people and ephemeral nature of live performance. We followed up with what, where and how our students can benefit specifically from these rich resources and experiences - so stay posted!
Yr 11 Drama Play reminder
My Yr 11 Drama class has worked tirelessly to create their own play. They pitched it, voted for it, wrote it, auditioned for it, directed it, promoted it, created the set, costume, lighting and sound design for it and are acting in it. They are doing an amazing job juggling the acting with the production of a show so come and support them and see their labour and creativity in action live in the College Hall.
Trailer
Tickets
College Production - The Servant of Two Masters
A very exciting thing is happening in the Drama room over these last 2 weeks of term - the auditions for the College Production! The Servant of Two Masters is a comedy with loads of fun roles and chorus parts. Students from all year groups are auditioning and some are joining the chorus to learn and add their movement and singing skills to the ensemble cast. If your daughter has not auditioned but would like to be on stage or be part of the design team or crew please ask her to email me and ensure she has a permission note. With the College Productions, I endeavour to include all our students who wish to join in a way that suits their interests and talents - so all are welcome.
The Production will be performed - Wednesday 1 November 2023: 6:00pm, Thursday 2 November 2023: 6:00pm and Friday 3 November 2023: 6:00pm in the Caritas Christi courtyard.
Ms Catherine Johnson