From the Directors

When we first sat around the staff room table with members of staff who thought they might be interested in being a part of the East Ayr State School musical, we were so excited by how many of our team were keen on making this opportunity a reality for our students. From that first meeting, they have jumped on board with every wild and wacky idea that we have thrown at them to create this show that we are so very proud of. Furthermore, it was always with smiles on their faces and a, “Is there anything else we can do?”

The East Ayr State School community is so fortunate to have so many wonderful staff, parents and caregivers that have such different talents, different skillsets and have as much as passion as we do to create these wonderful opportunities for our students. Even the teachers, who are not directly involved in the musical, have supported its success. Whether it be taking on extra playground duties or sacrificing their students to mid-lesson singing rehearsals, nothing has ever been too much trouble. Also, a big thanks to our school leadership team who have wholeheartedly supported this musical from day dot. We also cannot thank the unsung heroes, our parents and caregivers, enough for their commitment to this production. Making sure the children are at all rehearsals and have all the things they require is often a thankless job. But we thank you!

It’s not often that we get to fully involve the whole school and the wider community into our learning but when we do, as with this production, it makes our little people grow with such confidence and creativity. It has been so exciting to see the kids’ skills grow and how quickly they have taken ownership of their characters, providing thoughtful offers in rehearsals and being fully invested in learning more about their stagecraft. We aspire, as grown adults, to take direction as immediately and impressively as these kids have since we began rehearsals. As this show has evolved and transformed into the musical you see today, it has been a privilege to see the kids’ confidence grow in their creativity, their bravery with expressing new ideas, and ultimately their stage presence grow too.

But what has become one of the most special things to watch is the extent of the relationships that have developed with their peers. The kids have met new friends in different grades, found common interests, and enjoyed each other’s company. What an amazing opportunity for our students!

This is what makes theatre so special to us, and why we wanted to share it with the students of East Ayr State School. The relationships you form and the memories you make last a life time. This production has been no small feat, so many hands have made relatively light work, which is why the kids have heard us say, eleventy billion times, “This is the best team sport you’ll ever play!” Shhh! Don’t tell Mr Wicks we said that!