That’s entertainment

Hitting the stage That’s entertainment!

Stepping out on stage – singing, dancing and acting – students from the Secondary School Musical Singin’ in the Rain and the DMTA Showcase productions have conquered the challenges they faced to produce two amazing productions in Term 3.

Photographs: Tony Kennedy

Performing in one production is a big enough task, let alone backing up two weeks later for another musical production. Talented RGS students were outstanding in the RGS Secondary School Musical, Singin’ in the Rain, on 20, 21, 22 August and were soon back on the Pilbeam Theatre stage on 4 September for the RGS Dance and Musical Theatre Academy’s (DMTA) Showcase production. Head of DMTA Mr Michael Robertson said students involved in the RGS theatre productions whether they be primary, secondary or the DMTA, have enormous dedication to what we are trying to achieve as a creative team. “They commit to many months of rehearsals which not only involves rehearsing at School but they also put in amazing amounts of personal hours rehearsing their lines, songs and dance moves,’’ Mr Robertson said. “I also find our theatre students learn organisational skills as they need to juggle their academic studies, sporting commitments and personal/family life around these cultural pursuits. They are very well-rounded individuals.” RGS Secondary Musical Director Mrs Jan Kennedy said even though some students are not involved in every scene they are still required to rehearse the big dance numbers or work on their acting skills to help push the storyline along. “This can be difficult to manage when juggling assessment however if they task it out, they will find that they can manage to succeed in all areas, co-curricular and academically and have a bit of fun on the way!’’ Mrs Kennedy said. The final outcomes are worth the countless hours of commitment to these productions. Mr Robertson said he was immensely proud and humbled by what the students bring to the stage on the actual performance night. “You see such a change and development in each performer from their audition piece or initial rehearsals to when they take the stage for their performance,’’ Mr Robertson said. Mrs Kennedy said to see the final product, after months of preparation behind the scenes, is one of the scariest but rewarding moments of the musical journey. “To see how much the students evolve from shy and unsure young people to become confident and polished characters creating magic for an audience is amazing. The hardest part for me is to let go on opening night because it becomes their show, they own it! I sit in the audience and panic!’’ Mrs Kennedy said. It’s no easy task stepping onto a stage, but both Mr Robertson and Mrs Kennedy encourage others to give it a go. “The experience gained working in a large team, learning how to express oneself through the magic of theatre is a gift that keeps on giving,’’ Mrs Kennedy said. “I hear so many students say, ‘I can’t sing, dance or act so I can’t do it’. I say, ‘ it doesn’t matter, you will by the time you leave’. Therefore they should join, to learn and experience the wonderful skills of the theatre and to make lifelong friendships. Musical Theatre is the greatest gift to audiences worldwide!”

Mr Robertson echoed these thoughts . “Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. As our High School Musical Jr show was all about- don’t stick to the status quo,’’ Mr Robertson said. “You don’t just need to be involved on stage either. Be part of the musical orchestra/band, help out with backstage, followspotting or even assisting with bump in and bump out at the theatre. It is a true team effort involving every one at every level.”

“To see how much the students evolve from shy and unsure young people to become confident and polished characters creating magic for an audience is amazing”

Mrs Kennedy

IN THE NEWS

RGS students, staff and families celebrated a variety of events and competition success throughout Term 3. Here is just a snapshot of some activities.

Celebration by the Sea

Tresor (Year 1)

Charlie – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory “It’s my favourite movie and book because he likes chocolate. Charlie was all safe and sound from the other people.”

Here is why some of our students love reading books:

Eleise (Year 2)

Porcupine – I Need a Hug “It has a nice message in it. You should always be kind to everyone. I like books because they make me to read better. My costume is great. It’s tingly and makes noises.”

Lavani (Year 6)

Hermione Granger – Harry Potter “She’s really smart and likes reading. The books are cool to read because they are about fantasy magic.”

Quiz Masters

The RGS Senior Rotary Quiz team (pictured above with Rockhampton Rotary Club members) of Declan Bird (captain), India Iwers and Ben Wright won their division in the final of the Rockhampton and District competition against St Brendan’s College. The RGS Junior team of Charlotte Offord, Mikaela Hilber and Kaviya Vignarajah missed out on competing in the final but did their best in the competition. Ritamada turned on the most perfect weather to host Celebration by the Sea on 19 June. The event was a feature of the School’s 140 years of RGS and 50 years of Ritamada celebrations. Around 200 guests enjoyed the long lunch. RGS music students also entertained the guests. Thanks to City Printing Works, the RGS Past Students’ Association, hb&co, Treasury Wine Estates and PacPlus for their financial sponsorship. Thank you also to Lily and Lotus, Whisk Creative Cater and our MC, and past parent and Board member, Simon Irwin. Thanks also to all RGS staff involved in this event.

Book Week

RGS Primary School students brought books to life in Term 3 when they celebrated Book Week. A highlight of the week was the Book Week Parade on the School’s Bottom Oval. Event coordinator Mrs Linda Irwin said reading should be fun, it should be colourful and noisy and exciting. “These kind of celebrations are rich experiences that the children will remember for the rest of their lives,’’ Mrs Irwin said.

ROCKHAMPTON GLADSTONE YEPPOON