Wesley’s cocurricular Performing Arts program engages hundreds of talented students each year and is a thriving part of school life.
Under the guidance of specialist directors, choreographers and musicians, students produce 10 performances each year across the College in campus-based productions. This includes six musicals and four plays and a vibrant mix of genres.
Students are involved in all aspects of production – not only onstage performances, but also music, backstage and technical roles such as sound and lighting.
High quality productions
The cocurricular production process closely mirrors a professional performing arts environment. Students utilise world-class resources and sophisticated technology to create high-standard performances, set design, lighting, sound, costume design and music.
Middle and Senior School students choose to take part in one or more major productions each year. They also have the opportunity to perform at world-class venues and experience highly acclaimed theatre productions as part of the International Performing Arts tours.
Our cocurricular Performing Arts program is available from Years 5 to 12.
Recent productions include The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Oliver!, Mulan, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Threepenny Opera, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Miss Saigon, Peter Pan, The Wind In The Willows, One Man, Two Guvnors and Accidental Death of An Anarchist.
Skills for life
Through the performing arts program students develop the skills, work ethic and insight to pursue their passions beyond school. Not only do students build and refine their creative abilities in acting, singing, and dancing, but they also learn about time management, independence, collaboration and design thinking.
Many of our graduates embark on further study at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, the Victorian College of the Arts, or have gone directly into stage or television careers.
Notable alumni in the performing arts include:
- Samuel Johnson – Golden Logie winning actor
- Lachy Hulme – actor
- Josh Piterman – singer and musical star
- Amber Scott – Principal Artist at The Australian Ballet
- Shura Taft – TV personality and presenter
- Ella Newton – actor
- Markella Kavenagh – actor
- Olive Weeks – actor and Logie nominee
- Syd Zygier – actor
Performing Arts stories
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‘Little Shop’ a giant treat
If a giant man-eating plant from outer space and a sado-masochistic, nitrous-oxide-sniffing dentist seem a little outside the character realm ...
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A world of pure imagination
Elsternwick Middle School’s production of the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory filled all involved with immense pride and joy. ...
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‘Little Shop’ a giant treat
If a giant man-eating plant from outer space and a sado-masochistic, nitrous-oxide-sniffing dentist seem a little outside the character realm ...
Read more -
A world of pure imagination
Elsternwick Middle School’s production of the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last month filled all involved with immense pride ...
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A ‘curious incident’ and a quest for compassion and understanding
The power of theatre to open us up to experiencing new and previously unexplored perspectives is well-studied in schools worldwide. ...
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A tale of two tours: International Drama and Country Music tours
Wesley students have recently been performing in new locales – in the UK and around country Victoria – sharing their ...
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Shining a spotlight on performing arts students 2023
Shining a spotlight on our students Across the year, there are more than 10 opportunities for students to be involved ...
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Senior School Play 'The Crucible'
The Senior School play is a highlight for performing arts students at Wesley College. It’s one of many performance opportunities ...
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Elsternwick students take Shrek to the stage
Elsternwick students take Shrek to the stage Our Elsternwick students have staged musical productions at the National Theatre in St ...
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Flora finds a ‘Fun Home’ on the stage
Congratulations to Year 6 St Kilda Road Campus student and singer/actor/dancer Flora Feldman, who is currently starring in the principal ...
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Ben Walter shines in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Gareth Reeves as Harry Potter and Ben Walter as Albus Potter. Photo: Daniel Boud A most definitely magical night out, ...
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Big Band at Night Market
Two weeks ago the St Kilda Road Campus Wesley College Big Band thrilled huge crowds at the Queen Victoria Night ...
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