Drama

Year 12 Drama Trials

Our Year 12 Drama students recently presented their Trial HSC performances at St Joseph’s College. Students from Years 9 and 10 were invited to attend as audience members, offering a valuable opportunity for younger students to engage with senior work and gain insight into the HSC performance process.

Drama Immersion Day

Selected Year 8 students will participate in a Drama Immersion Experience as part of Belvoir St Theatre’s regional program in Week 5. They will be followed by Year 9 and 10 Drama students, who will take part in the Drama Camp program—a day dedicated to exploration, creativity, and inspiration, deepening their understanding of theatre.

Celebrating Student Success in Drama

Drama Work Experience Week at STC

Charlie Ercan

We are proud to announce that one of our talented Drama students, Charlie Ercan, has been selected to participate in a Work Experience Week with the Sydney Theatre Company (STC), joining 24 other students from Years 10 and 11 across New South Wales.

This immersive program offers a rare opportunity to explore the many facets of a professional theatre company. Each day focuses on a different STC department—such as programming, direction, set and costume design, marketing, sponsorship, and philanthropy—providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how theatre comes to life.

Congratulations to Charlie on this outstanding achievement! We look forward to hearing all about the experience.

On the Stage

Theatre Sports Team

Lachlan Herd, Cooper Herd, Oliver Pringle, Lawrence Ure, and Joseph Sykes captivated audiences with their performances in the St Joseph’s production of Frozen, held at the end of last term. Cooper followed this up with the lead role in Percy Jackson with Gosford Musical Society, which played to outstanding reviews during the first week of the school holidays. These students continue to shine beyond the classroom, demonstrating professionalism and passion.

Last term, four talented Year 10 students competed in the Theatre Sports competition—winning the Regional Finals and progressing to the Semi-Finals. St Edward’s was the only regional school in their heat. Congratulations to Charlie Ercan, David Goode, Cooper Herd, and Max Taylor for their fantastic efforts!

Music

Stage 4

Last semester, our Year 7 and 8 students actively developed their performance and composition skills. As part of a formative assessment task, they selected an instrument and chose repertoire suited to their level. It was inspiring to see the boys challenge themselves and grow in confidence and ability as they explored new musical territory.

This semester, students will continue to engage in these activities, and we look forward to their ongoing learning and development.

Stage 5

Students in Years 9 and 10 have embarked on an exciting journey through a variety of music genres, uncovering their unique characteristics and learning to perform in small ensembles and solo settings. Alongside this, they have continued to refine their technical skills. We’ve seen some outstanding performers emerge from this group and are excited to see their increasing involvement in upcoming showcase events.

Stage 6

Last term, our Year 11 Music students immersed themselves in the study of Australian Music, with a strong focus on composition. Their creativity shone through in a series of imaginative and polished works, reflecting both their growing musical understanding and individual artistic voices. The boys have also been honing their performance techniques and working diligently on their repertoire.

Our talented Year 12 Music students have completed their full performance programs for the Trial HSC and are now preparing for their HSC practical exams in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term.

HSC Performance Evening

In Week 7, our Year 12 Music students will take to the stage in the Theatre to share a selection of their HSC performance repertoire with family and friends. This special evening is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to showcase their dedication, talent, and musical growth in front of a supportive audience—just weeks before their official HSC practical exams.

One Night in November

In Term 4, our annual evening of Performing Arts excellence—One Night in November—will be held in the College Theatre. This event is always a highlight of our Performing Arts calendar, and we look forward to presenting it once again.

Liturgical Contributions and Assemblies

Students continue to enrich our school community through performances at liturgies and masses, with a special focus on the upcoming Prefect and Year 12 Graduation Mass.

Austin Maple in Year 12, Jack Jarvis, Joseph Kelly, and Tristan Maitland performed musical items at the recent Academic Awards Ceremony to a very appreciative audience. These performances offer our Music students a chance to contribute to whole-school events and experience the exhilaration of performing for a large crowd.

Austin Maple

Jack Jarvis, Joseph Kelly, and Tristan Maitland

Conservatorium Performers

Over the weekend, several of our talented musicians performed as part of the Central Coast Conservatorium Premier Ensembles. Max Taylor played in the Youth Orchestra, Tristan Pearce-Maitland in the Senior Wind Ensemble, and George Gibbs in the Junior Wind Ensemble. The boys participated in Concert Marvel-ous Music, celebrating music in film. Former School Captain (2024), Juan Rodriguez Caldas, also performed as part of the Central Coast Concert Band.

George Gibbs

Juan Rodriguez Caldas, Tristan Pearce-Maitland and Max Taylor

Entertainment

Year 11 Technical Production

Year 11 students have begun the term actively working on the set design and staging of a short scene. Their work includes audio and lighting cues, set design, and the full process of bumping in and out—offering a comprehensive introduction to live production.

These students have become increasingly involved in assisting with live productions at the College and will form the backbone of upcoming events as Year 12 students transition into their HSC examinations and graduation.

Year 12

Last term, Year 12 Entertainment students were immersed in their Macbeth Staging Task, mastering all aspects of technical show production including stage management and calling the show. This hands-on experience is a vital part of their specialisation competency.