Drama Music Musical Dance Ticketed Open to Event Public
TERM 1
8–10 February Student Production (Years 10–12)
3 March House Drama Festival (Years 7–12)
16 March Music Soiree (Years 10–12)
20 March Music Soiree (Prep – Year 6)
30 March Twilight Music Festival (Years 4–12) Free
TERM 2
27 April Autumn Concert (Years 10–12)
4–6 May Musical (Years 10–12) The Wiz
5–7 May Generations in Jazz – Mt Gambier (Years 10–12)
10 May Music Soiree (Years 7–9)
18 May Music Soiree (Prep – Year 6)
29 May Music Soiree (Prep – Year 5)
1 June Jazz Night (Years 6–12) Free
8 June Music Celebration Concert (Prep – Year 2)
21 June Winter Music (Years 6–9)
TERM 3
20–22 July Dance Project (Years 6–12) Picturesque
26–29 July Play (Years 10–12) The Importance of Being Earnest
9 August Music Soiree (Prep – Year 4)
14 August Music at the Centre (Years 4–12)
30 August Instrumental Music Celebration (Year 3)
1 September House Music Festival (Years 7–12)
7–9 September Musical (Year 6) High School Musical Jr
13 September Music Soiree (Years 7–9)
13 September Choral Concert (Years 7–12) Free
TERM 4
12–14 October Musical (Years 7–9)
13 October Year 12 Farewell Concert
18–21 October Play (Years 7–9)
26 October Music Soiree (Years 10–12)
2 November Music Soiree (Prep – Year 6)
15 November Spring Concert (Prep – Year 6)
6 December Family Christmas Service Free
Calendar
Most events, excluding Music Soirees and House Festivals, are open to the general public. Please see individual listings for more details.
There’s nothing quite like the learning opportunities offered through the performing arts. The finished products that we delight in presenting to our audiences are the culmination of many weeks of collaboration, skill and diligence, and our diverse program offers opportunities for all St Michael’s students to find an outlet for their individual interests and passions.
2017 is shaping up to be another exceptional year in Performing Arts, as you will clearly see upon perusal of this program. From our musicals and drama productions to our spectacular Dance Project and vibrant collection of ensemble music and choral offerings, the calibre of performance and creativity is sure to further reinforce our outstanding reputation as a school of choice for excellence in the performing arts.
Furthermore, as we transition fully to a genuine K–12 Performing Arts faculty, we are excited to continue our unique commitment to providing authentic cross-age opportunities for team-building, role-modelling and student leadership within the program.
Of course, we welcome your enquiries and are happy to assist with further information or advice at any time. Please refer to our Key Contacts section at the back of this booklet.
I look forward to meeting you at one of our many events in 2017.
Mr Ben Moody Director of Performing Arts
Performing Arts Overview
Every year, the Performing Arts department at St Michael’s stages an absorbing range of dramatic works. In this spirit, the 2017 program features another challenging and adventurous collection of drama, music and dance.
The Years 10–12 play for 2017 is The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s witty satire of polite society’s hypocrisies. Featuring rapid-fire dialogue and multi-layered wordplay, The Importance of Being Earnest is an enduringly hilarious work of barbed social commentary.
The Years 10–12 musical, The Wiz, inventively transports The Wizard of Oz to an urban setting. Poignant and exuberant, this classic story of enduring friendship presents an unconventional homecoming journey to remember.
Dance Project: Picturesque places our students’ physical talents on full display in a blaze of colour and movement. Every scene in Picturesque is inspired by a masterpiece of art, brought vividly to life by our dedicated students under the guidance of professional choreographers.
Since commencing at St Michael’s in 2000, I have had the privilege of experiencing many years of unique artistic output across all areas of the performing arts. In my concluding year at the School, it is inspiring to again see such a rich array of creativity on offer.
Mr Simon Gipson Head of the School
Written by Klaus BanadinovichStruck Twelve
And The Clock
A young heiress and her husband host a dinner party for old friends in their London mansion. When a storm traps the guests for the night, things quickly spiral out of control. Death and deceit ensue.
In the tradition of the great Agatha Christie whodunit, this year’s Student Production is an original creation that is once again entirely mounted by the talented senior students of St Michael’s. The annual Student Production is a highly prized opportunity for senior students to take the reins and demonstrate the range of skills they have mastered in their journey through the School’s Performing Arts program.
Years 10–12 Student Production – And The Clock Struck Twelve
Writer Klaus Banadinovich
Directors Stella Carroll and Klaus Banadinovich
Dates Wednesday 8 February – Friday 10 February
Time 7.30pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Rating – Experimental
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
Director Ms Annie Fiume
Dates Wednesday 26 July – Saturday 29 July
Time 7.30pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Years 10–12 Play – The Importance of Being Earnest
Director Ms Hannah Liddeaux
Dates Wednesday 18 October – Saturday 21 October
Time 7.30pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Years 7–9 Play
The Years 7–9 Play provides opportunities for younger actors to grapple with complex characters and hone their stagecraft, ably supported, as always, by a dedicated team of staff and students in the essential background roles. Stay tuned to our website for details of the play selection closer to the time.
Described by Wilde as ‘A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,’ Earnest was first performed in 1895 at the St James’s Theatre in London. It is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious identities to escape burdensome social obligations. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde’s most enduringly popular play.
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
Rating – Experimental
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
DR AMA PRODUCTIONS
The Years 10–12 Musical is the flagship production in the Performing Arts program at St Michael’s, bringing together over 100 students, staff, designers, costume makers and technical staff.
St Michael’s has often been recognised for excellence by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria and 2016 was no exception, with the School winning an award for Junior Male in a Supporting Role.
The Wiz is an urbanised retelling of the classic tale, The Wizard of Oz. Its vibrant characters and soulful song list are sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.
Years 10–12 Musical – The Wiz
Director Ms Natalie Calia
Musical Director Mr Ben Moody
Dates Thursday 4 May – Saturday 6 May
Times 7.30pm (4–5 May), 1.30pm & 6.30pm (6 May)
Tickets $35 Adult, $18 Concession, $88 Family (plus booking fee)
Venue The National Theatre Melbourne 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
The Year 6 Musical is seen as a ‘rite of passage’ for the entire year level and involves all Year 6 students in either an onstage or a technical/support role.
Year 6 Musical – High School Musical Jr Director Mr Emmet Nichols
Musical Director Ms Grace Nicastro
Dates Thursday 7 September – Saturday 9 September
Times 7.30pm (7–8 Sep), 3.30pm & 6.30pm (9 Sep)
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Following the success of last year’s highly acclaimed production of The Lion King Jr, the Years 7–9 Musical returns to the Drama Studio in 2017 and promises once again to provide high quality theatrical performances by our middle years students. Don’t miss this chance to see our future stars of the senior musical in action as they hone their craft in one of musical theatre’s favourite junior themed shows.
Years 7–9 Musical Director Mr Ben Moody
Dates Thursday 12 October – Saturday 14 October
Times 7.30pm (12–13 Oct), 3pm & 6.30pm (14 Oct)
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS
St Michael’s has a well-deserved reputation in the field of innovation in dance, with many highly regarded choreographers actively seeking to work with our talented students.
Mrs Tara Teakle will lead a team of choreographers who will challenge, extend and engage students and audiences.
Years 6–12 Dance Project – Picturesque
Artistic Director Mrs Tara Teakle
Dates Thursday 20 July – Saturday 22 July
Times 7.30pm (20–21 July), 3pm & 6.30pm (22 July)
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue Gasworks Theatre 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
The annual House Drama Festival brings students together under the banners of the five Houses, with each House responsible for rehearsing and presenting its own short play. This is a valuable opportunity for cross-age interaction and the celebration of House identity in a fun and supportive performance environment.
Years 7–12 House Drama FestivalDate Friday 3 March
Time 7pm
Tickets Free; collection from Heads of House
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
The annual House Music Festival gathers students from the five Houses for an afternoon of singing and music performance in the historic Astor Theatre. The House Music Festival is an adjudicated competition, with highly sought-after bragging rights on offer!
Years 7–12 House Music FestivalDate Friday 1 September
Time 2pm – 3.30pm
Cost Free; collection from Heads of House
Venue The Astor Theatre 1 Chapel Street, St Kilda
HOUSE PERFORMANCES
Celebrating its 10th year, the Twilight Music Festival is a wonderful way to end Term 1 with performances by choirs and bands from across the School, involving students from Years 4–12. This event will feature the Years 5–6 Chamber Choir, the St Michael’s School of Rock, the Stage Band and Big Band, the Grigoryan Orchestra and Grigoryan Strings, and everything in between. Food and refreshments are also available to purchase in a relaxing festival environment.
Years 4–12 Twilight Music FestivalDirector Dr Chris McGillen
Date Thursday 30 March
Time 5pm – 8.30pm
Cost Free
Venue The Gipson Commons & The Quad 25 Chapel Street, St Kilda
This year’s Autumn Concert will feature our talented students in a range of Years 10–12 ensembles: the Harrison Choir, Chamber Choir, Grigoryan Strings, Grigoryan Orchestra, Big Band and Chamber Winds, as well as a group of highly talented soloists who will be performing solo items accompanied by the large ensembles. Solo works from composers Rachmaninov, Mozart and Shostakovich will feature in the program.
Years 10–12 Autumn ConcertDirector Dr Chris McGillen
Date Thursday 27 April
Time 7pm – 8.30pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue Deakin Edge, Federation Square Cnr Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne
Rating – Family-friendly
Open to Public
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
MUSIC CONCERTS
The annual Jazz Night has been a feature of the program for over five years, and highlights our Stage Band, Big Band and special guest soloists.
Years 6–12 Jazz NightMusic Directors Mr Adam Donaldson & Mr Corey Hall
Date Thursday 1 June
Time 7pm – 8.30pm
Cost Free
Venue Wilma Hannah Hall 25 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Emerging from the curricular music program, this concert is a wonderful opportunity for some of our youngest students to demonstrate their learning and apply their developing skills in music performance.
Prep – Year 2 Music Celebration ConcertDate Thursday 8 June
Time 4pm – 5pm
Cost Free
Venue Wilma Hannah Hall 25 Chapel Street, St Kilda
The Winter Music Concert features students from Years 6 to 9 in a range of ensembles, from the Scholastica Band and Gabrielle Strings through to the Years 7–9 Harrison Choir and Stage Band. Deakin Edge at Federation Square has become almost like a second home, and we certainly enjoy performing at this iconic Melbourne venue.
Years 6–9 Winter Music ConcertMusic Director Dr Chris McGillen
Date Wednesday 21 June
Time 7pm – 8.45pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue Deakin Edge, Federation Square Cnr Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne
Rating – Family-friendly
Open to Public
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
The theme for this year’s Music at the Centre is Around the World in 80 Minutes, which promises to take audience members on a truly global musical journey. Once again, this highlight event in the music calendar will feature more than 350 performers from across the School. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Years 4–12 Music at the Centre – Around the World in 80 MinutesDirectors Dr Chris McGillen and Mr Adam Donaldson
Date Monday 14 August
Time 7pm
Cost $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue Melbourne Recital Centre Cnr Southbank Boulevard & Sturt Street, Southbank
The Year 3 Instrumental Music Program provides a unique opportunity for all students to learn an instrument and participate in a structured ensemble program. The impressive results of their progress throughout the year are on display at this showcase concert, which is a fitting celebration of the fun of learning music!
Year 3 Instrumental Music CelebrationDate Wednesday 30 August
Time 4pm – 5.15pm
Cost Free
Venue St George’s Church 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
The choral program at St Michael’s is the envy of most schools, with a highly developed sequential structure. This event focuses on the Years 7–12 choral program, with a varied selection of works for large and small ensembles.
Years 7–12 Choral ConcertDirector Dr Gary Ekkel
Date Wednesday 13 September
Time 7pm
Cost Free
Venue All Saints Anglican Church 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Rating – Family-friendly
Open to Public
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
The growth in music in Prep to Year 6 has been remarkable over the past five years. From very humble beginnings in the former Vicars Foote Hall, the Spring Concert features nearly 370 performers in the grand setting of Robert Blackwood Hall. Performances from the bands, choral and string programs showcase the talents of our dedicated students and staff.
Prep – Year 6 Spring Concert
Date Wednesday 15 November
Time 7pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession, $50 Family
Venue Robert Blackwood Hall Monash University Ring Road E, Clayton
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 choirs of St Michael’s leading our community in uplifting and celebratory carols.
Family Christmas Service
Date Wednesday 6 December
Time 5pm
Cost Free
Venue All Saints Anglican Church 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Rating – Family-friendly
Open to Public
Rating – Family-friendly
Ticketed Event
Open to Public
Mr Ben Moody Director of Performing Arts [email protected] +61 3 8530 3305
Ms Grace Nicastro Head of Music [email protected] +61 3 8530 3301
Dr Chris McGillen Director of Ensembles [email protected] +61 3 8530 3301
Dr Gary Ekkel Director of Choral [email protected] +61 3 9944 3474
Ms Anita Narayan Performing Arts Administration Manager [email protected] +61 3 8530 3207
KEY CONTACTS
Ms Annie Fiume Head of Dance and Drama [email protected] +61 3 8530 3258
Mrs Tara Teakle Dance Coordinator [email protected] +61 3 9944 3426
Ms Lauren Taylor Production and Events Manager [email protected] +61 3 8530 3283
Mrs Susie Baksheev Creative Production Assistant [email protected] +61 3 8530 3283
Ms Susan Warner Performing Arts Administrator [email protected] +61 3 8530 3251
Booking informationVisit the website for full and current listings as well as ticket bookings: www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/events
Performance start timesPlease check the website for start times, as some performances may be subject to lockout.
Tickets must be collected at the venue no later than 15 minutes prior to the commencement of each performance.
All details correct at time of print.
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