Drama News

On Stage Excursion

On Friday 13 February, the Year 11 and 12 Drama class attended OnSTAGE at the Seymour Centre's York Theatre. OnSTAGE is an annual event that showcases exemplary individual and group projects from the previous year's Higher School Certificate (HSC) Drama students.

The program featured a variety of performances, including a video drama and a moved reading of a script, written by our very own Ruby Archer (2025 Stella Maris alumni). These pieces were selected for their excellence in execution and artistic vision. The students had the chance to experience a wide range of work, gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse approaches to Drama within the HSC.

In addition to the performances, the OnSTAGE exhibition displayed a range of projects such as costume and set designs, promotional materials, and theatre reviews. It was inspiring to see how the students expressed their creativity beyond performance, showcasing their skills in multiple aspects of theatre production.

Attending OnSTAGE allowed the students to gain valuable insights into the level of work expected at the HSC level. It also provided them with the opportunity to learn from the success of other students and find inspiration for their own future drama projects.

Ensembles

A reminder that there will be two Drama ensembles, Year 7 (currently full) and Year 8. Both will be led by Paul Ceasar who has worked alongside school drama departments for over 20 years running curricular and extra-curricular workshops on acting, devising theatre and film making.

Year 8/9 Drama Ensemble

When: Thursday Mornings (7:30am-8:30am)
Where: G303
When does it start? Week 4, Thursday 19 February
How do I sign up? Complete this FORM

Year 7 students can also join the Stella Musical for 2026, The Addams Family. Students can do this by signing up on the sheet outside the Drama Studio (K104).

Music News

Mistyz @ Brookie Skate Jam

On Saturday 14 February, ‘Mistyz’ (Mia C, Maya H, Ripley L, Lucy M and Viv T) in Year 9 played a live set at Seventh Day Brewery. The girls kicked off the show, part of Brookiefest, with songs by the likes of Radiohead, Jeff Buckley and Green Day.

Open Evening Auditions

Elective Music students have been invited to audition to perform at Open Evening on Wednesday 18 March. Be sure to check email for audition times which will take place next week.

Ensembles

A reminder that Music ensembles are up and running and students are encouraged to show up and take part.

• Monday lunch: ‘Tune Up’ (Music help)
• Tuesday lunch: Jazz Band
• Tuesday morning: (Drama) Musical rehearsal (singing)
• Wednesday 7:30-8:30am: Performance Band
• Wednesday lunch: Year 7-9 Junior Choir
• Wednesday lunch: String Ensemble
• Wednesday lunch: Guitar Ensemble
• Thursday morning: Drum Club
• Thursday lunch: Year 10-12 Senior Choir

Contemporary bands have finished their auditions and are now running.

If you have any questions regarding Performing Arts at the College, please contact Mrs Leanne Haines - Leanne_Haines@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au.

Dance News

The Dance Auditions will be completed this Friday with all classes starting next week - Week 5. I thank you for your patience during such a long process.

The timetable will be sent out by the end of the week along with the fee schedule so you are able to decide which classes you can commit to.

Classes run every week, even when there are excursions, camps, events, and carnivals etc. You are expected to come to class before you leave to such events. The only way a dance class will not be held is if you receive an email from Miss Jones saying it is cancelled.

Over the first few lessons the dance teachers will be looking at students to ensure they have been placed in the correct class. If we feel anyone would be more suited to a different class, we will suggest you be moved.

The only teams that are still to be auditioned are the Extension Contemporary Company (auditions mid-March) and the Extension Commercial Jazz Company (TBC).

I look forward to seeing all the wonderful dancers next week as we begin working on routines for competition and Dance Night.

Rochelle Jones
Teacher of Dance