A New Chapter in Santa Maria’s Cultural Story
In 1986, Santa Maria College opened the Drama Centre, bringing the theatre, dressing rooms and green room to life for the very first time. It was here that students stepped into a space made for performance, creativity and courage.
That same year, Theatre Arts was introduced as a Year 12 subject, opening the door to every part of the stage experience, from lighting and sound to costume and design.
Since then, the Drama Centre has held decades of productions, rehearsals, opening nights and quiet moments behind the curtain that have shaped generations of students and become part of Santa Maria’s cultural story.
From the Drama Centre to the Cultural Centre
Next term, Santa Maria College will open its new Cultural Centre, a place that will shape the experience of future generations in much the same way the Drama Centre did in 1986.
This purpose-built space brings together Dance, Drama and Music under one roof, featuring a 642-seat theatre, black box theatre, dance studio and flexible learning spaces, along with welcoming areas for connection and community.
For some students, it will be the place they first step onto a stage. For others, it will be where they find confidence in the wings, in the lighting and sound booth, or during rehearsals after school.
However they arrive, this is where many girls will discover their voice.
A Strong Start to Take Your Seat
That sense of connection is already being felt.
Last Wednesday, we officially launched the Take Your Seat campaign and have already received 128 seat dedications in the new Cultural Centre. This early response reflects the strong and enduring connection our alumni have with the College.
The seats have now arrived in the theatre and are ready for their plaques, marking an exciting milestone as this remarkable space begins to take shape.
Every Seat Holds a Story
A dedicated seat is more than a name on a plaque. It is a quiet marker of belonging.
For alumni, it is a way to honour your own Santa Maria story, or to recognise someone who made that story possible. A friend. A teacher. A daughter. A mother. Someone whose connection to this community deserves a place in the room.
Be Part of What Comes Next
The new Cultural Centre will open next term, but its legacy is already being written.
If you have not yet dedicated a seat, we invite you to be part of this next chapter by including your name, or the name of someone special, in time for the unveiling.
Thank you for continuing to be part of the Santa Maria story.
- Alumni Engagement, college history and heritage, cultural story, drama and performing arts, Santa Maria College alumni, Santa Maria Community, Santa maria cultural centre, seat dedication, Take Your Seat campaign
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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