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School Grounds Become Shakespeare Set

The Middle School Production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, took place over four nights with two incredible casts: Magic and Mischief, each cast performing in two shows. We also had a crew of approximately 30 students involved in sound, lighting, props, ushering, publicity and hair and makeup.

View the full cast and crew list here.

Director and Drama teacher Kathy La Brooy said her vision for any production begins with the music. “With the idea of magic and mischief, the only logical choice was a 70s disco vibe.” This was evident in the pulsating soundtrack and dance numbers wonderfully choreographed by Dance and Drama teacher Emily Hunt. The production also included magnificent costumes, beautifully designed and made by the talented Louise Arcus, Costume and Wardrobe Coordinator.

“Santa Maria College has the most beautiful grounds, which I felt were conducive to the magical atmosphere we wanted to create”, Kathy said. “I decided to stage the play in an outside promenade style which meant audience members moved to different locations for different scenes.

“Shakespeare’s language is so rich, so vivid, and so full of wonderful imagery. Every character and every scene teaches us something about ourselves as human beings, as well as about the craft of the playwright who created them. It has been a huge honour to be able to play his words.”

Congratulations to the students involved in the production. “They had so much fun rehearsing the show. The girls formed new friendships, deepened their understanding of Shakespeare, and learnt a lot of 70s dance moves!

Kathy extends her thanks to the dedicated cast and crew, her two excellent and energetic assistant directors, Kaylee Benson and Alice Leavy, the wonderful stage managers, Matilda Reid and Gaby Gavranic, and Jessica Wynn, Head of Dance & Drama and Emily Hunt for all their organisation and dedication.

Cast & Crew Reflections

I loved having a character I can relate to. At some points, I wasn’t sure if I could continue acting in my role, but I always had the support of Mrs La Brooy & Ms Hunt when I felt down. I am grateful for the experience I got when doing this play because I gained new friends, and I loved seeing all the amazing sets and costumes! Every aspect of A Midsummer Night’s Dream rehearsals and production was fantastic! Ava Caputi, Year 7 (Snug – Magic Cast)

I absolutely loved being involved in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I looked forward to rehearsals all week. This show was fabulously put together by our amazing crew, who made this experience 10 times better. I had such a fun time playing Oberon, and I loved working with the whole cast. Learning to work with Shakespeare’s writing was challenging, but I have grown to love and appreciate his work. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is such a complicated story that is just hilarious to watch and star in. This opportunity created so many happy memories for me, and I look forward to working in the cast in years to come. One thing I will always remember is my incredible costume made by the lovely Miss Louise. I looked amazing. Thank you, Ms La Brooy, for an amazing production experience.

Bronte Tholet, Year 9 (Oberon – Mischief Cast)

It was really wonderful to get involved in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I’m very grateful to have worked with such wonderful people on the set. Getting to work with the crew and helping Miss Louise with props was an amazing opportunity. I learnt a lot about what goes on behind the scenes of the play. Being a part of that was really rewarding. It was a fantastic experience getting to watch the show come to life. I can’t wait to get involved with the crew again next year. Libby Markham, Year 9 (Crew – Props & Ushering)

I am so glad that I got to be part of this incredible experience. Getting to learn and act in a Shakespearian play was difficult at first, but it has taught me a lot. I loved playing Helena and getting to practise with both casts. Thank you so much to all the people involved who made this experience so special! I had the best time, and I can’t wait to learn even more in the future. Libby Fris, Year 9 (Helena – Mischief cast)

Thank you so much for this experience. I have learnt a lot, and it was really enjoyable working together with other people I know and don’t know. Playing a fairy was fun because I could add my own personal touch to it. A Midsummers Night’s Dream has created many memories I will look back on in the future. The cast and crew were absolutely amazing, and they put so much effort into it, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you so much Ms La Brooy, Ms Louise, Miss Hunt, and Mrs Hunt. Lyla Deeks, Year 7 (Cobweb – Mischief cast)

I have loved working on production. It was exciting, fun, creative and amazing. I loved all the friends I made in Years 7, 8 and 9. Even if it was on the weekend, I still was excited to see my friends and experience the acting, singing, and dancing. I’m so grateful to play Peaseblossom, as I did lots of things like talking and acting with different emotions. I made so funny memories with friends that I can look back at and laugh for hours. Thank you so much for putting so much effort and time into us. I really appreciate it. Capri Pittorino, Year 7 (Peaseblossom – Magic cast)

I have loved doing A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It has been such a fun and lovely experience for me. I’ve made so many amazing new memories with more friends. I’ve loved working with everyone and all the sets and props. It’s been so cool! I loved being Moth, I could add personal touches to my character as a fairy, and I loved doing all the dances, singing, and acting. The whole experience has been wonderful! I loved doing the performances. It was so exciting. I am sad that it’s finished, but I have a lot to take away from this show, and I’ll definitely re-live the brilliant experience by doing production again next year. Thank you so much to all the staff, cast and crew who helped make all this happen and be an amazing event for everyone to enjoy! Nitya Chowdhary, Year 8 (Moth – Magic cast)

I am so grateful to have been an assistant director for the middle school production! Teaching and working with students from younger years was a fun experience, and I loved forming connections with new people who shared my passion for drama. I’m so proud of everyone for their hard work and improvement throughout the rehearsal time. Being able to work alongside the amazing Ms La Brooy and Ms Hunt and learning from their pearls of wisdom. Alice Leavy, Year 11 (Assistant Director)

What A Term! So Many Opportunities – Jennifer Oaten

As I look back on the past nine weeks, I am so grateful for who we are as a community and what we have achieved. Through the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, we have established new connections, immersed ourselves in opportunities and worked through challenges.

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