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 of The Australian Ballet
- Shura Taft – TV personality and presenter
- Ella Newton – actor
- Markella Kavenagh – actor
- Olive Weeks – actor and Logie nominee
- Syd Zygier – actor
