The Power Of Drama – Jennifer Oaten
The Girl in the Hood is an engaging pantomime recently performed by 48 future actors in the Santa Maria College Middle Years Production. In this modern twist on a classic story, Red Riding Hood visits her Nana with her friend, Goldilocks. They find out that a wolf has swallowed Nana! Just as they plan a rescue, a forest ranger steps in, saying that wolves are a protected species. Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks decide to solve the problem themselves.
The performance was full of humour, interaction with the audience, and a strong message about taking control of your own destiny. Watching the students perform was pure joy! They were immersed in the story and demonstrated great confidence. This production reminded me of the real power of drama. It is much more than stepping onto a stage or memorising lines. Our students were not just telling a story; they develop qualities we work hard to nurture, resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community. It is about building skills that enable our young women to not only entertain an audience but to develop skills that will be with them for life.
The Show Must Go On
Drama teaches determination. Mistakes happen, lines are forgotten, and things can go wrong – but the show must go on. Our students learn to adapt quickly, handling setbacks with confidence. These moments help them build a strong mindset. Research shows that students in the performing arts often have better problem-solving skills both in school and beyond.
"I was privileged to witness the incredible development of the show through being a part of rehearsals, in which the cast engaged in processes such as learning their lines, body positions, line delivery, energy qualities, prop use and working with others. Throughout this process the girls required a huge amount of commitment and they had to overcome challenges. It was so magical seeing the show come together, especially during the final week of rehearsals."
Tip for Parents – Celebrate the journey, not just the final performance. Ask your daughter about any challenges she faced and how she solved them. This will help her see that growth comes from effort, not just results.
A Sense of Belonging
For many students, Drama is where they find their people – friends who share their love for performance. It is a place where they feel accepted and valued. Drama creates a strong sense of community, allowing students to be themselves and form deep friendships.
This sense of belonging helps boost confidence. Students feel supported by their peers, have a safe space to express themselves, and, through these shared experiences, find their place. Working together for the final performance is crucial.
“The Girl in the Hood was an incredible experience that has taught me so much about the importance of community connection and bonding over shared interests. I have met so many new people and made a lot of new friendships over the course of the production.”
“Being in the production was such an amazing experience that I will never forget. It has taught me the value of working with others and teamwork. This is because we needed to cooperate with others to put on the most engaging show for our audience”
"The production gave me heaps of new friends and ignited a stronger bond in old friendships."
Tip for Parents – Support your daughter’s interest in Drama, even if she feels nervous. Drama often helps students find their ‘tribe’ – friends who truly understand them.
Embracing Change with Confidence
In Drama, students often switch roles or improvise at a moment’s notice. One moment, they deliver a joke; the next, they are in a serious scene. This helps them learn to embrace change and think quickly – skills that are essential today. Employers often look for adaptability in future workers. Drama gives students many chances to try new things, change approaches, and handle surprises.
Amanda Huxtable, Head of Dance and Drama, said
“Productions offer students a range of benefits; however, the real magic happens when a Year 7 student improvises on stage to cover a late entrance or when a Year 8 student helps a cast member recover forgotten lines without the audience noticing. These moments teach students to trust their instincts and support their peers, as everyone works towards the same goal. The sense of achievement is clear, especially during the curtain call of our recent production.”
“Beyond the stage, students also work alongside professional theatre technicians, gaining hands-on experience in sound, lighting, and stage management. These roles not only align with their ATAR Drama coursework but also teach critical skills like negotiation, communication, quick thinking, and leadership – skills that build confidence and prepare students for success in any professional environment.”
Tip for Parents – Encourage your daughter to take on different roles, even if they seem challenging. This will help her feel comfortable with uncertainty and build a strong, positive attitude.
Walking in Someone Else's Shoes
Drama helps students develop empathy. By acting out different characters and stories, they learn to see the world from someone else’s perspective. This builds emotional intelligence and a greater awareness of others. Research shows that students in Drama have higher levels of empathy and social awareness. These are important skills for teamwork and leadership, fitting well with Santa Maria’s Learning for Life pillar.
"What I learned during the performance is the importance of energy. Energy is crucial because it grabs the audience's attention and makes the performance exciting and emotional."
Tip for Parents – After a performance, talk to your daughter about her character. Ask how it felt to play someone different and what she learned about people. These talks can help her grow her empathy and understanding of others.
A Stage for Growth
Drama at Santa Maria is more than an activity. It is where our young women find their voices, build self-confidence, and connect with others. They become part of a vibrant community where they can share their love for performance and lift each other up.
I am always amazed at the impact drama has on our students. It helps shape young women who have a presence, are confident, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent. Watching them take the stage with strength and a strong sense of self is a true privilege.
- Adaptability, Community Building, drama, Empathy, Featured, Life Skills, Performing Arts, Resilience, Santa Maria College
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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