Passion for Performing Arts

Head of Drama and Dance Laurence Wiseman, Head of Music Duncan Ferguson, and Dance and Drama teacher and Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner

Performing Arts Passion for

Each year, audiences are wowed by the professionalism, maturity, and incredible acting, dancing and musical talents displayed by students during the annual Senior and Middle School productions, and at various other performances throughout the year.

Performing Arts is thriving at St Andrew’s College, and one of the department’s key strengths is the working relationship and friendship that exists between three highly experienced staff members, Head of Drama and Dance Laurence Wiseman, Head of Music Duncan Ferguson, and Dance and Drama teacher and Arts Co-ordinator Ginnie Thorner.

As well as teaching students in their individual specialist areas, the three have worked closely together for several years, lifting students to reach their full potential in the theatre performance space. “We respect each other’s strengths and roles, and see the bigger picture, which enables us to work together for the greater good,” says Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson. “We also have really high standards and work hard to get the best out of our students, whether they are actors, singers, dancers, musicians, or have technical roles. We’ve never had the mentality, ‘this is just a high school show’.”

Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, says a ‘lack of territorialism’ and the ability to respect each other’s ideas is also key. “We are given a certain amount of autonomy to choose material which challenges not only the students, but us as well. Last year’s Senior College Production, Parade was one of the most challenging shows we’ve ever done.”

Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner, enjoys being part of a team of creatives with complementary strengths. She says participating in Performing Arts subjects has many benefits. “As they explore many different situations in an imaginary context, students develop an understanding of what it is to be human and express the human experience. Creative students can also find their tribe alongside like-minded students with similar interests in the really positive Performing Arts community at St Andrew’s College.”

From a Music perspective, Duncan says the theatre productions provide his students with a great opportunity to extend their leadership and performance skills, on top of their already busy performance programme. “Arts and Music are very different, and it is a great crossover for our musicians to be part of the musical theatre world, and to work alongside theatre students who are often more extroverted by nature.”

When it comes to life beyond school, Duncan says students from Performing Arts subjects have much to offer. “Creativity is now a core value at St Andrew’s College, and it also helps industries to grow. The essential skills students learn in Performing Arts can set them up for all sorts of careers.”

Laurence says as students develop an understanding of the stories and themes in theatre, their world view and perspective on others often changes. He believes any role in the workforce which requires dealing with people and communications, such as law, social work, media, teaching, and many other sectors, can benefit from employees with experience in the Arts.

For now, he says the team’s focus is on the 2020 group of Performing Arts students. “We have a fantastic melting pot of different temperaments and interest groups in Performing Arts. At times we might appear like a big dysfunctional family, but it all works brilliantly.”