Performing Arts Handbook 2025 by St Michael's Grammar School

Performing Arts Program 2025

Calendar of Major Events

Term 1 21 March House Drama (7–12) (Free)

29 March Community Festival – Entertainment!

Term 2 2-6 May Musical (10–12) – GREASE The Musical

2–4 May Generations in Jazz Tour, Mt Gambier (Student Tour) Student Tour

19 May Choral Concert Free

31 May The St George's Soirée Festival (5–12) Free

11 June Junior School Soirée Free

26 June Virtuoso Solo Performance Concert (11–12)

Term 3 23–26 July Dance Project (7–12)

30 July –2 August Play (10–12) – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (High School Edition)

15 August Music at the Centre (4–12)

17–18 September Year 6 Musical – The Addams Family

Term 4 8–11 October Musical (7–9) – Chicago (High School Edition)

29–31 October Play (7–9) – Rhinoceros

11 November Spring Concert (P–6)

1 December Celebrating St Michael’s

4 December St Michael’s Christmas Celebrations

A closed audience consists of students, staff and parents who are members of the school community.

In addition to the major events above, students from Years 9 to 12 also participate in a range of curriculumbased performance evenings in Music, Drama, Theatre Studies and Dance. Students of all ages who learn

instruments will prepare solo performances for Music Soirées at regular intervals throughout the year. Smaller ensembles also participate in a variety of additional small concerts in different settings. For the latest updates, please visit the Performing Arts Events page on SchoL: https://learning.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/homepage/12334

Performing Arts Welcome

As St Michael’s Grammar School marks 130 years of educational excellence, the Performing Arts shine as a cornerstone of this extraordinary legacy. 2025 will be a landmark year and whilst the Performing Arts have been an integral part of our school’s fabric, our thriving creative community, has been shaped by extraordinary students, staff and individuals working together to foster our renowned reputation for artistic excellence.

As St Michael’s marks 130 years of educational excellence, the performing arts shine as a cornerstone of this extraordinary legacy. The performing arts have been an integral part of our School’s narrative and our thriving creative community has been shaped by extraordinary students, staff and individuals working together to foster our renowned reputation for artistic excellence. 2025 will be a landmark year.

This year our performing arts program will continue to provide students with opportunities to explore, create, and flourish in an inclusive and dynamic environment. Whether you are an aspiring actor, dancer, musician or someone passionate about behind-the-scenes roles, there is a place for you to grow and succeed. In this milestone year, we celebrate progress and are invited to honour the legacy of those who came before us while embracing the responsibility of shaping what comes next. While some things remain constant – such as our unwavering focus on student engagement and success – our program continues to evolve, supporting students in their learning journey. From those exploring the performing arts as a space to experiment and belong, to those who are advancing towards professional pathways; our dedicated Faculty remains committed to guiding every student on their artistic journey, nurturing their unique talents and encouraging them to unleash their creative potential.

This year’s calendar is filled with an array of captivating performances, inter-year-level collaborations, and

thought-provoking projects that reflect our commitment to excellence in the creative space. From instrumental and choral showcases to innovative theatrical events, our students will be challenged to think deeply and perform boldly, inspiring both their peers and the wider community. In 2025, we celebrate not just the achievements of our current students but also the enduring contributions of our alumni and wider community. A key highlight of the year will be our spectacular 130 Years: Music at the Centre Concert, taking place in August and promises to be a remarkable showcase of talent and be a tribute to our vibrant musical traditions. Adding to the excitement, our Years 10–12 Musical, GREASE, will offer a dazzling celebration of school life, while our Years 10–12 Play will see St Michael’s as one of the first schools across Australia to pilot Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in a youth setting, bringing magic to the stage in what will be a truly unforgettable production.

This year promises to be a proud statement of who we are: a creative, curious and ambitious community, where the human spirit is at the centre of all we do. Together, as we honour the past and embrace the future, 2025 will be a year of extraordinary artistic exploration and heartfelt celebration. Join us as we continue to shape a colourful legacy for generations to come.

Tyler Hess Director of Performing Arts

Productions

10–12 MUSICAL

GREASE The Musical

Director Mr Tyler Hess

Assisted by Miss Chloe Hancock

Choreography Ms Tasha Esteves

Musical Directors Mr Ben Moody and Mr Geoff Scarlett

Dates Friday 2 May – Tuesday 6 May

Time 7.30 pm

Tickets $46 Adult, $36 Concession

Venue The National Theatre, 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

In terms of sheer longevity, prominence and popularity, GREASE was, is and will remain ‘the word’ when it comes to musical blockbusters! It’s one of the world’s most iconic and loved musicals and promises to be an electrifying celebration for our School’s 130th year. We look forward to turning back the clock, heading back to Rydell High and creating yet another magical musical theatre experience for our students, who will be singing a medley of unforgettable hits that defined a generation! In 130 years, this will be the first time GREASE has been staged by St Michael’s, bringing all the hallmarks we need to present a uniquely creative and very special production!

10–12

PLAY

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child High School Edition

Director Mr Rory Godbold

Assisted by Mr Tyler Hess

Dates Wednesday 30 July – Saturday 2 August

Time 7.00 pm (6.00 pm Saturday)

Tickets $30 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Suitable for Secondary School and above

Nineteen years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure–this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (High School Edition) is a special adaptation of the beloved worldwide hit, with St Michael’s being one of the first in Australia to perform this title in a school setting.

7–9 MUSICAL CHICAGO High School Edition

Director Ms Emma McDonald

Choreography Ms Tasha Esteves

Dates Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 October

Times 7.00 pm (6.00 pm Saturday)

Tickets $30 Adult, $25 Concession

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

Adapted in collaboration with writers Kander & Ebb, the legendary and award-winning musical about fame, fortune and acquittal has been re-imagined for a secondary school audience and performed by young people across the world. In roaring twenties Chicago, chorus hopeful Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her husband, Amos, to take the rap. Roxie’s plan doesn’t work for long and she finds herself convicted and sent to prison where she is met by the murderesses in the Cook Country Jail, including Velma Kelly. The stars vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the ‘American Dream: fame, fortune, and acquittal!

7–9 PLAY Rhinoceros

Director Mr Luke Matthews

Dates Wednesday 29 October – Friday 31 October

Time 7.00 pm

Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

Rhinoceros by Eugène Ionesco is a captivating absurdist play that explores the fragile nature of identity and societal conformity. When a small town is slowly overtaken by people turning into rhinoceroses, one man struggles to remain human in a world slipping into madness. With sharp wit and dark humour, the play is a provocative meditation on individuality, peer pressure, and the dangers of blind obedience.

YEAR

6

MUSICAL

The Addams Family: Young@Part

Production Team Mr Tyler Hess, Ms Tasha Esteves, Ms Grace Nicastro Hall, and Mr David Haywood

Dates Wednesday 17 September – Thursday 18 September

Times 2 shows each night: 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm

Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams Family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel warm is to feel cold, and pain and suffering are the stuff of joyful dreams. Nonetheless, this quirky family still find themselves navigating the same challenges faced by any other family – children growing up! Our Year 6 performers will transform themselves into the spooky community of ancestors and invite us to be a spider on the wall during one hilarious, not-so-normal night in the macabre Addams Family mansion when secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change!

YEARS 7–12

Dance Project

Artistic Director Mr James Shannon

Dates Wednesday 23 July – Saturday 26 July

Times 7.00 pm (6.00 pm Saturday)

Tickets $30 Adult, $25 Concession

Venue Drama Studio, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

Our annual spectacular Dance Project returns for another season of live performances from students in Years 7 to 12. Students will engage with professional choreographers from a range of dance backgrounds to bring together a conceptual theme to be announced early 2025. It is a season not to be missed

Music Events

Choral Concert Virtuoso Solo Performance Concert

Date Monday 19 May

Times 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm

Tickets Free

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Free Rating: Family Friendly

This year’s Choral Concert showcases the work of our choirs from Year 1 through to Year 12 in the beautiful ambience of the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s. Due to the large number of student performers performing in this concert, ticket bookings are essential and are capped at two per family.

Date Thursday 26 June

Times 7.00 pm

Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Free Rating: Family Friendly

Virtuoso celebrates excellence among our students of Years 11 and 12, with a range of solo performers bringing to the stage outstanding skills and virtues in music performance, technical mastery and artistic creativity. This concert provides an opportunity for outstanding solo performers to present prepared movements or works, accompanied by a specially convened chamber orchestra. To secure a place on the program, students will be required to audition during Term 1.

The St George’s Soirée Festival

Date Saturday 31 May

Time 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Tickets Free

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Free Rating: Family Friendly

The St George's Soirée Festival showcases Year 5–12 students as instrumental soloists, celebrating the musical growth of students learning in our Private Music Program as well as those learning in contexts outside of program. The Performing Arts precinct comes alive with multiple performance spaces, creating an inspiring day, sharing music with each other and our community.

Music at the Centre

Date Friday 15 August

Time 7.00 pm

Tickets $30 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Melbourne Recital Centre, Cnr Southbank Bvd & Sturt Street, Southbank

Rating: Family Friendly

Music at the Centre is designed to highlight exactly that: the centrality of music to the heart of St Michael’s and its dedicated students and staff. This year we celebrate 130 years of St Michael’s and will come together in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for our annual celebration of student work across many of our larger ensembles and choirs, as well as specially convened, combined ensembles.

Spring Concert

Date Tuesday 11 November

Time 6.00 pm

Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession

Venue

Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

The Spring Concert remains the annual performance pinnacle for all ensembles and choirs across the Prep to 6 year levels at St Michael’s. Bursting with enthusiasm, commitment and talent, these young students always finish the year on a high, singing and playing in a range of groups to a very large, supportive and appreciative audience.

The St Michael’s Christmas Festival

Date Tuesday 4 December

Time 5.00 pm

Tickets Free

Venue

Free

Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

The annual Family Christmas Service provides an opportunity for the St Michael’s community to come together and reflect upon the Christmas message, celebrate all that is good about our School, and think of those less fortunate. The centrepiece is the Year 1 Nativity Play, supported by the Junior School choirs leading our community in uplifting and celebratory carols. The Senior School choirs and musicians of our School will then continue to launch the festive season with a traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Ensemble Music Program – Junior Years

Marlton Strings

A core learning ensemble for all string players in Prep to Year 6. Specific guidance about an individual student’s readiness to join the ensemble should be sought by the relevant Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.

Ensemble Directors: Ms Hannah Church-Edwards and Miss Olivia Thorne

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 12.40 pm to 1.10 pm in Wilma Hannah Hall

Junior Band

A core learning ensemble for band instrument players (brass, woodwind and percussion) from the Junior School. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.

Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday before school, from 7.30 am to 8.20 am in Emily Hall

Junior Guitar Ensemble

A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the Junior School. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.

Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 12.40 pm to 1.10 pm in Emily Hall

Junior Clarinet Ensemble

An extension learning ensemble for clarinet students from Years 4 to 6. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director. This ensemble will commence in Semester 2.

Prerequisite: Students must also be members of Junior Band.

Ensemble Director: Mr Andrew East

Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday lunchtime, from 12.40 pm to 1.10 pm in Wilma Hannah Hall

Choral Program – Junior Years

Harrison Choir (Prep–2)

An open-entry choir for any interested students in Prep to Year 2. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group. Note that Prep students will be able to commence in the choir from Term 2.

Ensemble Directors: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall and Mr David Haywood

Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7.50am to 8.20am in Emily Hall

Harrison Choir (3–4)

An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 3 and 4. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group.

Ensemble Director: Ms Iris Zavou

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.20 am in Wilma Hannah Hall

Harrison Choir (5–6)

An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 5 and 6. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire and elements of student choice, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group.

Ensemble Director: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40am to 8.20am in the Chapel

Chamber Choir (3–6)

An auditioned choir for students in Years 3 to 6. Students in Chamber Choirs will work on a variety of repertoire and develop their skills as music readers and choral singers, whilst still having lots of fun singing together.

Prerequisite: Audition.

Students must also be members of the Harrison Choir.

Ensemble Director: Ms Iris Zavou

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.20 am in Wilma Hannah Hall

Ensemble Music Program – Senior Years

Grigoryan Strings

A core learning ensemble for all string players in Years 7 to 12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning a stringed instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.

Ensemble Director: Ms Hannah Church-Edwards

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.40 am in MC1

Grigoryan Quartet

An extension ensemble for string students in Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Mr Ross Henderson

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday lunchtime, from 1.45 pm to 2.20 pm in MC1

Scholastica Band

A core learning ensemble for all band instrument students (brass, woodwind, percussion) in Years 7 to 12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning such an instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.

Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.40 am in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium

Big Band

An auditioned, extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 9 to 12, for players of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and percussion.

Prerequisite: Audition. Brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band.

Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: To commence mid Term 2. Monday after school, from 3.40 pm to 5.10 pm in MC1

Musical Orchestra (10–12 Musical) (Term 1 Only)

An auditioned, extension ensembles for students in Years 8 to 12, with the purpose of forming the pit orchestra for the 10–12 Musical at the National Theatre in May. As such, the requirements of these ensemble will change from year to year, depending on the productions selected. Students will be invited to join, and rehearsals will begin in Term 1.

Prerequisite: Participation is by invitation or audition, with expressions of interest also considered from interested students. Only students who are participating in other core St Michael’s ensembles will ordinarily be considered.

Ensemble Directors: Mr Ben Moody and Mr Geoff Scarlett Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday after school, from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm in MC3

St Michael’s Orchestra

A core learning ensemble for all string players, and an extension ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion students in Years 7 to 12.

Prerequisite: Audition is required for woodwind, brass and percussion students. Expressions of interest will be considered from interested students.

Ensemble Directors: Dr Gary Ekkel and Ms Frances Walker Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school 3.40 pm to 5.00 pm in Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium. To commence mid-May.

Stage Band

An extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 7 to 12. This ensemble will have a flexible line-up to enable participation by a broader range of interested students. For players of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and percussion.

Prerequisite: Audition is not required, but any brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band.

Ensemble Directors: Mr Andrew East and Mr Matthew Trigge

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, from 3.40 pm to 5.10 pm in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium

School of Rock

A rock band program with emphasis on performance, song writing and recording. Suitable for guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players and vocalists.

Ensemble Directors: Mr Jeremy Alsop, Mr Adam Donaldson and Mr Joseph Batrouney

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday, Wednesday or Thursday after school, from 3.40 pm to 5.10 pm. Bands will be formed and allocated to a specific day and venue during Term 1.

Senior Saxophone Ensemble

An extension ensemble for saxophone students in Years 8 to 12.

Prerequisite: All players must also be a member of Scholastica Band

Ensemble Director: Mr Andrew East

Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday lunchtime, from 1.35 pm to 2.15 pm in MC1

Wind Ensemble

An ensemble for woodwind students in Years 7 to 12.

Prerequisite: All players must also be a member of Scholastica Band

Ensemble Directors: Mrs Kate Bergen, Ms Amelia Barden and Mr Andrew East

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.40 am in MC1

Percussion Ensemble

Extension ensemble for percussion students in Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Mr Joseph Batrouney

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday lunchtime from 1.35 pm to 2.15 pm in the Performing Arts Centre, St George's Auditorium

Senior Guitar Ensemble

A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the senior years.

Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday lunchtime, from 1.35 pm to 2.15 pm in MC1

Chamber Brass

An optional extension ensemble for brass students from Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.40 am in MC3

Cello Choir

An extension ensemble for cello students in Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Miss Olivia Thorne

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.40 am in MC2

Choral Program – Senior Years

Harrison Choir (7–9 and 10–12)

Open-entry choirs for interested students from Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12. These choirs will function as two separate groups but combine for some special performance opportunities. The Harrison Choir seeks to engage students by providing exposure to a wide range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire.

Choir Directors: Mr Daniel Brinsmead (Years 7–9) and Ms Stefanie Dingnis (Years 10–12)

Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.40 am in MC1 and in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium

Chamber Choir (7–12)

An auditioned, extension choral program for senior students. The focus is on high quality performance, excellent choral technique and exposure to a diverse range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire. This choir will sing in a range of School performances and at School Eucharists.

Prerequisite: Audition.

Students must also be members of the Harrison Choir.

Choir Directors: Dr Gary Ekkel and Ms Jennifer Gillan

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.40 am in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium