SJC Production - Big Fish In August St Joseph’s presented “Big Fish” for five performances at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre. The cast of 70 and 20-piece orchestra was made up of students from St Joseph’s, Clonard College and Sacred Heart College. The cast put in an incredible amount of hours of rehearsals, starting in early February, and a large supportive group of staff and parent volunteers assisted with a wide range of tasks to ensure the cast looked and sounded their best. As St. Joseph’s were the first school to be granted the rights to perform “Big Fish” in Australasia, a great deal of interest was generated throughout the theatre community, with many patrons travelling from far and wide to come along and see the show. Close to 3,000 people witnessed “Big Fish” during its run at GPAC, and the feedback from the community has been glowing. The maturity and sensitivity with which the cast prepared and supported one another through the entire rehearsal and production period is to be commended. Entertainment Reviewer Colin Mockett proclaimed “Big Fish” as “ a truly fabulous experience…. This shows just how good school musical theatre productions have become”. The emotional impact that the story-telling of the cast had was profound, and had an obvious effect on each audience. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment, dedication and sheer hard work
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that so many students, staff and parents put in to make “Big Fish” the tremendous experience that it was. It is also fitting that I acknowledge Mr Paul Tobias for the influence he has had in elevating the culture of performing arts during his time as Principal at St. Joseph’s. Without Paul’s generosity, trust and support, the students would not have the chance to be involved in what has become such a positive, vibrant and rewarding experience for so many. “Big Fish” has been nominated in the following categories by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria: Best Direction of a Junior Production - Janine McLean Best Male Lead Actor in a Junior Production - Eamon Dooley Best Female Lead Actor in a Junior Production - India Ney This is a wonderful reward and a glowing endorsement for The Performing Arts here at SJC - over 60 productions are adjudicated state-wide each year. - John Shawcross, Producer, Big Fish
