Performing Arts Handbook 2026 by St Michael's Grammar School

Performing Arts Program

Calendar of Major Events

Term 1 13 March House Drama (7–12)

Term 2 1 April Twilight Music Free

1–5 May Musical (10–12) – Jesus Christ Superstar

1–3 May Generations in Jazz Tour, Mt Gambier (Student Tour) Student Tour

30 May The St George's Soirée Festival (5–12) Free

18 June Virtuoso Solo Performance Concert (11–12)

Term 3

15–18 July Dance Project (7–12)

29 July–1 August Play (10–12) – Fahrenheit 451

14 August Music at the Centre (4–12)

16–17 September Year 6 Musical – TBA

Term 4 7–10 October Musical (7–9) – Seussical TYA

22–24 October Play (7–9) – TBA

10 November Spring Concert (P–6)

1 December Celebrating St Michael’s

4 December St Michael’s Christmas Celebrations

A closed audience consists of students, staff and parents who are members of the school community.

In addition to the major events above, students from Years 9 to 12 also participate in a range of curriculumbased performance evenings in Music, Drama, Theatre Studies and Dance. Students of all ages who learn

instruments will prepare solo performances for Music Soirées at regular intervals throughout the year. Smaller ensembles also participate in a variety of additional small concerts in different settings. For the latest updates, please visit the Performing Arts Events page on SchoL: https://learning.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/homepage/12334

Performing Arts Welcome

“Oh, the things you can think!”

Performing Arts at St Michael’s is a place where imagination meets ambition, and creativity is guided by skill, tenacity, and the joy of learning. Our students are encouraged to dream, take thoughtful steps toward their goals, and embrace the rigour, risk-taking, and intrinsic motivation that lie at the heart of artistic growth. At St Michael’s, we believe in the power of vision, the clarity of direction, and the courage to take meaningful steps - whether in learning, collaborating with others, or sharing your artistry with the wider community.

Our productions and events program this year reflects this spirit, balancing thought-provoking works with joyous celebrations of belief in something bigger than oneself. From the electrifying rock opera of Jesus Christ Superstar, which inspires students to have a vision, believe in themselves, and move forward with conviction; to the reflective dystopia of Fahrenheit 451, a cautionary tale reminding us to carefully consider what we value and what we carry forward; to the boundless imagination of Seussical, which celebrates possibility and the importance of committing fully to the story and the journey – students are encouraged to take creative risks, explore ideas, and discover the transformative power of storytelling. Here, theatre and music are not just performances - they are experiences that shape thinking, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impact. Music at the Melbourne Recital Centre celebrates Australian composers who have dared to aspire and whose work resonates both nationally and internationally, affirming the importance of cultural identity and artistic excellence. Across all events, students are encouraged to be curious, take creative risks, and discover what it truly means to make and share art.

Our faculty is dedicated to leading the way in Performing Arts education, guiding students with expertise, mentorship, and a wealth of creative experience. We celebrate the K–12 journey in the arts, fostering intergenerational learning, collaboration, and shared joy. On local, national, and

international stages, our students have opportunities to immerse themselves in artistic excellence through tours such as On Broadway in New York City, the Choral Tour to New Zealand, and Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier. Alongside this, we champion student wellbeing, providing a safe and inspiring environment where young artists can belong, explore their creativity, and learn about themselves as part of a larger community.

Community continues to be at the heart of our program. We are thrilled to welcome families and friends to our campus, as well as to some of Melbourne’s most iconic performance spaces – including the National Theatre, The Palais, and The Melbourne Recital Centre. This year is a celebration of what we love about being part of a supportive, collaborative, and vibrant creative learning community. We will continue to aspire, grow, and challenge ourselves, demonstrating what a high-quality Performing Arts education looks like in practice.

We celebrate imagination and innovation; excellence is not only achieved but shared. I am continually inspired by what our students continue to accomplish and excited for the possibilities ahead. Together, we will create lasting memories, cultivate talent, and spark inspiration, providing experiences that build skill, courage, and joy – preparing our students to shine both on stage and in life.

Tyler Hess Director of Performing Arts

10–12 MUSICAL

Jesus Christ Superstar

Director Mr Tyler Hess

Assisted by Miss Chloe Hancock

Choreography Ms Yvette Sauvage

Musical Director Ben Mood and Stacey-Louise Camilleri

Dates Friday 1 May – Tuesday 5 May

Time 7.30 pm

Tickets $46 Adult, $36 Concession

Venue The National Theatre, 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

Jesus Christ Superstar is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera that reimagines the final days of Jesus through the eyes of Judas. Renowned for its electrifying score and emotionally charged storytelling, the work explores timeless themes of power, loyalty, faith, and the complexity of human relationships—ideas that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. Celebrated for our reputation for creative excellence in Musical Theatre, this production offers students the opportunity to work at a pre-professional standard and perform at the magnificent National Theatre in St Kilda, an inspiring setting for this ambitious and prestigious musical endeavour.

10–12 PLAY Fahrenheit 451

Director Mrs Sarah Merry

Dates Wednesday 29 July – Saturday 1 August

Time 7.00 pm (6.00 pm Saturday)

Tickets $30 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Drama Studio St Michael's Grammar School

Rating: Suitable for Secondary School and above

First published in 1953, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, remains strikingly prophetic, imagining a future where books are banned, independent thought is suppressed, and passive consumption replaces meaningful connection—a world many might argue feels increasingly familiar. Our production will embrace a bold, highly theatrical style, blending physical storytelling, evocative design, and ensemble-driven performance to create a visceral stage experience that challenges audiences to reflect on censorship, conformity, and the enduring power of ideas.

7–9

MUSICAL

Seussical TYA Theatre for Young Audiences

Directors Miss Chloe Hancock Mr Tyler Hess

Choreography Ms Yvette Sauvage

Dates Wednesday 7 – Saturday 10 October

Times 7.00 pm (6.00 pm Saturday)

Tickets $30 Adult, $25 Concession

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

A vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination, and wonder, Seussical: The Musical draws on many of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved stories in a production bursting with colour, humour, and heart. Inviting young performers to embrace bold storytelling, playful theatricality, and the importance of working in an ensemble, the Year 7-9 Musical provides an inclusive and joyful platform for emerging artists to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the magic of musical theatre in a supportive, high-energy environment while nurturing curiosity and artistic risk-taking.

7–9 PLAY To be announced!

Directors Mr Rory Godbold Miss Alice Krieger

Dates Thursday 22 – Friday 24 October

Time

7.00 pm

Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession

Rating: Family Friendly

YEAR 6 MUSICAL To be announced!

Production Team Miss Alice Krieger, Mr Tyler Hess, Ms Yvette Sauvage and Ms Stacey-Louise Camilleri

Dates Wednesday 16 – Thursday 17 September

Times 2 shows each night: 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm

Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

The Year 6 Musical Experience is a unique opportunity for the entire Year 6 cohort to take part in a collaborative performing arts project. Together, students build the world of the production, rehearse, and experience every stage of the process – from early development through to full-scale performance. Along the way, they explore stagecraft, design, characterisation, and technical production in an authentic theatre context. The project nurtures curiosity, develops performance skills, strengthens teamwork, and inspires imagination. The title of this exciting production will be announced soon!

YEARS 7–12

Dance Project

Artistic Director Ms Yvette Sauvage

Dates Wednesday 23 July – Saturday 26 July

Times 7.00 pm (6.00 pm Saturday)

Tickets $30 Adult, $25 Concession

Venue Drama Studio, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

Our annual spectacular Dance Project returns for another season of live performances from students in Years 7 to 12. Students will engage with professional choreographers from a range of dance backgrounds to bring together a conceptual theme to be announced early 2026. It is a season not to be missed.

Music Events

Twilight Music

Date Wednesday 1 April

Times 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm

Tickets Free

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Free Rating: Family Friendly

Join us for our Twilight Music Festival as we celebrate the culmination of a wonderful first term of music-making within our ensemble program. Showcasing our P-12 choirs alongside Junior and Senior Jazz Ensembles, as well as Senior School Rock Bands the evening will see the performance spaces across the St George’s precinct come alive with an engaging and diverse program of repertoire. This festival offers a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere, honouring the dedication, growth, and collaborative spirit of our young musicians while sharing the joy of live performance with families and friends.

The St George’s Soirée Festival

Date Saturday 30 May

Time 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Tickets Free

Venue

Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Free Rating: Family Friendly

The St George's Soirée Festival showcases Year 5–12 students as instrumental soloists, celebrating the musical growth of students learning in our Private Music Program as well as those learning in contexts outside of program. The Performing Arts precinct comes alive with multiple performance spaces, creating an inspiring day, sharing music with each other and our community.

Virtuoso Solo Performance Concert

Date Thursday 18 June

Times 7.00 pm

Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Free Rating: Family Friendly

Virtuoso celebrates excellence among our students of Years 11 and 12, with a range of solo performers bringing to the stage outstanding skills and virtues in music performance, technical mastery and artistic creativity. This concert provides an opportunity for outstanding solo performers to present prepared movements or works, accompanied by a specially convened chamber orchestra. To secure a place on the program, students will be required to audition during Term 1.

Music at the Centre

Date Friday 14 August

Time 7.00 pm

Tickets $30 Adult, $20 Concession

Venue Melbourne Recital Centre, Cnr Southbank Bvd & Sturt Street, Southbank

Rating: Family Friendly

Music at the Centre is designed to highlight exactly that: the centrality of music to the heart of St Michael’s and its dedicated students and staff. This year we celebrate 130 years of St Michael’s and will come together in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for our annual celebration of student work across many of our larger ensembles and choirs, as well as specially convened, combined ensembles.

Kindred Spirits –Rock Showcase

Date Sunday 18 October

Times 3.00 pm

Tickets TBC

Venue Kindred Creative Arts Studios, Yarraville

Rating: Family Friendly

Our Senior School of Rock Bands program is thrilled to present a Showcase Day in partnership with Kindred Studios in Yarraville, a vibrant creative arts hub in Melbourne’s inner west. Featuring our eclectic rock bands, the event will highlight students’ energy, skill, and creativity across a diverse repertoire. This showcase provides a dynamic platform for young musicians to perform in a professional-style environment, celebrate their achievements, and experience the collaborative, hands-on spirit of contemporary music-making in one of Melbourne’s most inspiring artistic spaces.

Spring Concert

Date Tuesday 10 November

Time 6.00 pm

Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession

Venue

Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

The Spring Concert remains the annual performance pinnacle for all ensembles and choirs across the Prep to 6 year levels at St Michael’s. Bursting with enthusiasm, commitment and talent, these young students always finish the year on a high, singing and playing in a range of groups to a very large, supportive and appreciative audience.

The St Michael’s Christmas Festival

Date Friday 4 December

Time 4.00 pm

Tickets Free

Venue

Free

Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Rating: Family Friendly

The annual Family Christmas Service provides an opportunity for the St Michael’s community to come together and reflect upon the Christmas message, celebrate all that is good about our School, and think of those less fortunate. The centrepiece is the Year 1 Nativity Play, supported by the Junior School choirs leading our community in uplifting and celebratory carols. The Senior School choirs and musicians of our School will then continue to launch the festive season with traditional community carols.

Ensemble Music Program – Junior Years

Marlton Strings

A core learning ensemble for all string players in Prep to Year 6. Specific guidance about an individual student’s readiness to join the ensemble should be sought by the relevant Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.

Ensemble Directors: Mr Ross Henderson, Miss Olivia Thorne and Ms Ellen Block

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 12.40 pm to 1.10 pm in Wilma Hannah Hall

Junior Band

A core learning ensemble for band instrument players (brass, woodwind and percussion) from the Junior School. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.

Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday before school, from 7.30 am to 8.20 am in Emily Hall

Junior Guitar Ensemble

A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the Junior School. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.

Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King

Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday lunchtime, from 12.40 pm to 1.10 pm in Emily Hall

Junior Clarinet Ensemble

An extension learning ensemble for clarinet students from Years 4 to 6. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director. This ensemble will commence in Semester 2.

Prerequisite: Students must also be members of Junior Band.

Ensemble Director: Mr Andrew East

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday lunchtime, from 12.40 pm to 1.10 pm in Wilma Hannah Hall

Choral Program – Junior Years

Harrison Choir (Prep–2)

An open-entry choir for any interested students in Prep to Year 2. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group. Note that Prep students will be able to commence in the choir from Term 2.

Ensemble Directors: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall and Ms Ellen Block

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7.50am to 8.20am in Emily Hall

Harrison Choir (3–4)

An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 3 and 4. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group.

Ensemble Director: Ms Iris Zavou

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.20 am in Wilma Hannah Hall

Harrison Choir (5–6)

An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 5 and 6. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire and elements of student choice, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group.

Ensemble Director: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40am to 8.20am in the Chapel

Chamber Choir (3–6)

An auditioned choir for students in Years 3 to 6. Students in Chamber Choirs will work on a variety of repertoire and develop their skills as music readers and choral singers, whilst still having lots of fun singing together.

Prerequisite: Audition.

Students must also be members of the Harrison Choir.

Ensemble Director: Ms Iris Zavou

Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7.40 am to 8.20 am in Wilma Hannah Hall

Ensemble Music Program – Senior Years

Grigoryan Strings

A core learning ensemble for all string players in Years 7 to 12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning a stringed instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.

Ensemble Director: Mr Ross Henderson and Ms Olivia Thorne

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7.15 am to 8.20 am in MC1

Grigoryan Quartet

An extension ensemble for string students in Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Mr Ross Henderson

Rehearsal Day / Time: After school, from 3.45 pm – 4.45 pm in MC2

Scholastica Band

A core learning ensemble for all band instrument students (brass, woodwind, percussion) in Years 7 to 12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning such an instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.

Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7.15 am to 8.20 am in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium

Musical Orchestra (10–12 Musical)

An auditioned, extension ensembles for students in Years 8 to 12, with the purpose of forming the pit orchestra for the 10–12 Musical at the National Theatre in May. As such, the requirements of these ensemble will change from year to year, depending on the productions selected. Students will be invited to join, and rehearsals will begin in Term 1.

Prerequisite: Participation is by invitation or audition, with expressions of interest also considered from interested students. Only students who are participating in other core St Michael’s ensembles will ordinarily be considered.

Ensemble Directors: Mr Ben Moody

Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday after school, from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm in MC3

St Michael’s Orchestra

A core learning ensemble for all string players, and an extension ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion students in Years 7 to 12.

Prerequisite: Audition is required for woodwind, brass and percussion students. Expressions of interest will be considered from interested students.

Ensemble Directors: Ms Frances Walker

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school 3.45 pm to 5.15 pm in Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium. To commence mid-May.

Big Band

An extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 7 to 12. This ensemble will have a flexible line-up to enable participation by a broader range of interested students. For players of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and percussion.

Prerequisite: Audition is not required, but any brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band.

Ensemble Directors: Mr Andrew East, Mr Corey Hall and Mr Matthew Trigge

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school, from 3.40 pm to 5.15 pm in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium

School of Rock

A rock band program with emphasis on performance, song writing and recording. Suitable for guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players and vocalists.

Ensemble Directors: Mr Joseph Batrouney, Mr Joshua Fuhrmeister and Mr Tony King

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday, Wednesday or Thursday after school, from 3.40 pm to 5.10 pm. Bands will be formed and allocated to a specific day and venue during Term 1.

Senior Saxophone Ensemble

An extension ensemble for saxophone students in Years 8 to 12.

Prerequisite: All players must also be a member of Scholastica Band

Ensemble Director: Mr Andrew East

Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday lunchtime, from 1.15 pm to 2.05 pm in PACA

Wind Ensemble

An ensemble for woodwind students in Years 7 to 12.

Prerequisite: All players must also be a member of Scholastica Band

Ensemble Directors: Mrs Kate Bergen, Ms Amelia Barden and Mr Andrew East

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7.15 am to 8.20 am in MC1

Percussion Ensemble

Extension ensemble for percussion students in Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Mr Joseph Batrouney

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday lunchtime from 1.25 pm to 2.20 pm in the Performing Arts Centre, St George's Auditorium

Senior Guitar Ensemble

A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the senior years.

Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday lunchtime, from 1.15 pm to 2.05 pm in MC1

Chamber Brass

An optional extension ensemble for brass students from Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday lunchtime, from 1.15 pm to 2.05 pm in MC1

Cello Choir

An extension ensemble for cello students in Years 7 to 12.

Ensemble Director: Miss Olivia Thorne

Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 1.15 pm to 2.05 pm in MC2

Choral Program – Senior Years

Harrison Choir (7–9 and 10–12)

Open-entry choirs for interested students from Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12. These choirs will function as two separate groups but combine for some special performance opportunities. The Harrison Choir seeks to engage students by providing exposure to a wide range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire.

Choir Directors: Mr Daniel Brinsmead (Years 7–9) and Ms Stefanie Dingnis (Years 10–12)

Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm in MC3 and Performing Arts Centre, St George's Auditorium

Chamber Choir (7–12)

An auditioned, extension choral program for senior students. The focus is on high quality performance, excellent choral technique and exposure to a diverse range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire. This choir will sing in a range of School performances and at School Eucharists.

Prerequisite: Audition.

Students must also be members of the Harrison Choir.

Choir Directors: Dr Gary Ekkel, Mr Daniel Brinsmead and Ms Jennifer Gillan

Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7.15 am to 8.20 am in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s Auditorium

Generations in Jazz

1–3 May

Mount Gambier

Generations in Jazz offers our Senior School jazz musicians the opportunity to travel to Mount Gambier to take part in a nationally recognised festival, performing and competing alongside leading school ensembles from across Australia. Immersed in an atmosphere of excellence, students experience inspiring performances, expert workshops, and invaluable feedback from respected industry professionals. Beyond the stage, the festival fosters meaningful learning, connection, and networking, encouraging students to refine their craft while gaining insight into the vibrancy and collaborative spirit of Australia’s jazz community.

Sisters of the Church Music Festival

30 August – 6 September

New Zealand

The Sisters of the Church Music Tour, hosted by St Margaret’s College in Christchurch, offers students a rich choral experience across New Zealand’s South Island. Through performances, massed singing, and meaningful collaboration with students from fellow Sisters of the Church schools, participants will deepen their musicianship while building lasting connections. The tour also provides a thoughtful introduction to New Zealand’s culture and landscapes, broadening students’ global awareness. As a carefully supported international experience, it presents a valuable opportunity for young musicians to travel overseas in a collaborative and well-structured environment.

On Broadway

6–16 December

New York City

Our On Broadway Tour to New York City offers Senior School students an extraordinary immersion in music, drama, dance and design, enriched through workshops, masterclasses, and direct engagement with industry professionals. By experiencing creativity at the highest level, students gain invaluable insight into the discipline, collaboration, and artistry that define professional performance in a fast paced, creative metropolis, brimming with inspiration. From the energy of Broadway to dedicated learning experiences, this tour is designed to broaden artistic perspective, ignite ambition, and deepen each student’s understanding of what is possible within the performing arts.