Hitting the stage That’s entertainment!
Photographs: Tony Kennedy
Stepping out on stage – singing, dancing and acting – students from the Secondary School Musical Singin’ in the Rain and the DMTA Showcase productions have conquered the challenges they faced to produce two amazing productions in Term 3. Performing in one production is a big enough task, let alone backing up two weeks later for another musical production.
will find that they can manage to succeed in all areas, co-curricular and academically and have a bit of fun on the way!’’ Mrs Kennedy said.
Talented RGS students were outstanding in the RGS Secondary School Musical, Singin’ in the Rain, on 20, 21, 22 August and were soon back on the Pilbeam Theatre stage on 4 September for the RGS Dance and Musical Theatre Academy’s (DMTA) Showcase production.
The final outcomes are worth the countless hours of commitment to these productions.
Head of DMTA Mr Michael Robertson said students involved in the RGS theatre productions whether they be primary, secondary or the DMTA, have enormous dedication to what we are trying to achieve as a creative team. “They commit to many months of rehearsals which not only involves rehearsing at School but they also put in amazing amounts of personal hours rehearsing their lines, songs and dance moves,’’ Mr Robertson said. “I also find our theatre students learn organisational skills as they need to juggle their academic studies, sporting commitments and personal/family life around these cultural pursuits. They are very well-rounded individuals.” RGS Secondary Musical Director Mrs Jan Kennedy said even though some students are not involved in every scene they are still required to rehearse the big dance numbers or work on their acting skills to help push the storyline along. “This can be difficult to manage when juggling assessment however if they task it out, they
Mr Robertson said he was immensely proud and humbled by what the students bring to the stage on the actual performance night. “You see such a change and development in each performer from their audition piece or initial rehearsals to when they take the stage for their performance,’’ Mr Robertson said. Mrs Kennedy said to see the final product, after months of preparation behind the scenes, is one of the scariest but rewarding moments of the musical journey. “To see how much the students evolve from shy and unsure young people to become confident and polished characters creating magic for an audience is amazing. The hardest part for me is to let go on opening night because it becomes their show, they own it! I sit in the audience and panic!’’ Mrs Kennedy said. It’s no easy task stepping onto a stage, but both Mr Robertson and Mrs Kennedy encourage others to give it a go. “The experience gained working in a large team, learning how to express oneself through the magic of theatre is a gift that keeps on giving,’’ Mrs Kennedy said.
“I hear so many students say, ‘I can’t sing, dance or act so I can’t do it’. I say, ‘ it doesn’t matter, you will by the time you leave’. Therefore they should join, to learn and experience the wonderful skills of the theatre and to make lifelong friendships. Musical Theatre is the greatest gift to audiences worldwide!”
“ To see how much the students evolve from shy and unsure young people to become confident and polished characters creating magic for an audience is amazing” Mrs Kennedy Mr Robertson echoed these thoughts . “Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. As our High School Musical Jr show was all about- don’t stick to the status quo,’’ Mr Robertson said. “You don’t just need to be involved on stage either. Be part of the musical orchestra/band, help out with backstage, followspotting or even assisting with bump in and bump out at the theatre. It is a true team effort involving every one at every level.”
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 3
