The new dedicated facility for the performing arts at Emmanuel College was officially opened at the end of 2018.
The name of the facility – The STAGE – was suggested by 2017 Year 10 student Caitlin Garner after a call for suggestions was made to students, staff, parents, alumni, and the wider community. The STAGE stands for Student Theatre for Arts and Growth at Emmanuel.
Within the STAGE is: a 250-seat theatre (The Wyton Theatre) with professional lighting and sound, a band room, (which doubles as a green room during performances), a new recording studio, dance studio, large classroom, multiple studios for individual and small and medium group tuition, staff offices and toilet and changing facilities.
The STAGE will support the rapid growth of the performing arts, particularly music, at Emmanuel College well into the future.
Guests were entertained during the opening event with: a stunning musical performance by the Emmanuel College Senior Concert Band, a superb dance presentation by Keela Moloney-Smith, a dramatic monologue from Romeo and Juliet performed by Ruby Conlan, and well-known songs performed by the Emmanuel Singers and the cast of Footloose.
The centrepiece of The STAGE, the Wyton Theatre, is named after Wyton House, the original property on which the school is built. Wyton House was purchased from Captain John Martin Ardlie by the Sisters of Mercy in 1872, and the school opened on July 1 that year with Catholic Education happening continuously on this site since that time. Descendants of Captain Ardlie were in the audience and we appreciated their endorsement of the theatre’s name.
The STAGE will support the rapid growth of the performing arts, particularly music, at Emmanuel College well into the future. Take a 3D tour of The STAGE by linking here.
The facilities within The STAGE include: The Wyton Theatre - A 250 seat theatre with tiered seating A professional standard recording studio Band rehearsal areas Studios for individual tuition, small group tuition and ensembles Large, multi-purpose classroom Storage for instruments and costumes Dance studio A performing arts administration office and staff areas
Creation of Creativity is a tactile and interactive assemblage combining various materials, bringing the past into the present.
There is a vibrant history of performance at Emmanuel College: a creativity that has evolved in strength over 130 years. The installation of Creation of Creativity in the Wyton Theatre is a visual interpretation of the Performing Arts and its aspirations for student learning and involvement into the future.
Using parquetry flooring from the original building blended with warm glass, ceramics and digital lighting, artists Megan Cullum and Philby have created an interactive installation which greets those entering the Theatre inviting them to touch, read and engage with the piece. The various elements explore music, dance, drama and voice, all aspects of performance. The use of light and colour enhances the experience, but more importantly, leads the viewer through the installation, from the inception or creation of an idea, to its canon like response resulting in the creative interpretation: Performance.
