Having access to outstanding facilities is a privilege for both teachers and students but the true value of these facilities can only be truly realised when paired with committed, energetic staff members and programs.
With the Music Program at Emmanuel College now well-established and flourishing, the Emmanuel College Performing Arts Faculty members have turned their attention towards investigating how the new performing arts centre – The STAGE – can be used to provide a much greater range of performance opportunities to students of all year levels.
Having a professional performance facility at the College means that productions throughout the year are more affordable without the need to pay for rehearsal spaces, staffing and staging of public performances. This can be organised with less disruption and no need for transporting students off-site.
Having a professional performance facility at the College means that productions throughout the year are more affordable without the need to pay for rehearsal spaces, staffing and staging of public performances.
The Performing Arts Faculty, led by Mr Ian Leonard, is developing a three-year plan and calendar of drama and musical productions that can be staged within the centre. The big school musicals will still be scheduled biennially at the Lighthouse Theatre but for alternate years, the teachers are looking at offering a range of other productions including: non-musical plays, one-act plays, musical storytelling evenings, soirees, a dual-cast junior musical and original shows that are written in-house. This plan also allows great opportunities for students and young alumni to direct productions and to receive theatre training in lighting, sound and backstage management.
With a dance studio and spacious stage in the facility, the College is also able to offer Dance as a subject through the curriculum, including VCE. This will be offered for the first time (subject to demand) in 2020. We look forward to providing updates as the plan develops further.
