Actor and Filmmaker Matilda Brown Visits our School
As a part of the wonderful Cinefest Oz held in our District we were lucky enough to have Matilda Brown, daughter of Brian Brown and Rachel Ward, workshop with our Year 11 and Year 12 Drama students. Ms Brown spoke to the students about her experience in the film and acting industries. She was accompanied by Oliver Leihman, member of the band Lime Cordiale which is fast becoming a new name in the music industry. Our students learnt a great deal about short film making and the Australian film and music industries. We are very grateful to Cinefest Oz for the excellent opportunities they bring to our rural students.
Professional Actor/Director/Dramaturge – Andy King – Works with Drama Students
Professional Perth Director/Actor/Dramaturge Andy King spent a weekend in Margaret River especially to work with our Year 12 Drama students in preparation for their up and coming practical examination. Andy offered extensive support and feedback to students on their monologue work via email contact. He then gave each of our nine Stage Three Drama students two hours of intensive one on one direction on the characterisation for both of their set practical performances.
The students learnt a great deal and all of them have lifted their performance skills as a result. We are very lucky to be able to offer our students the support of a director who has worked in professional theatre for the last thirty years. Andy worked at the WA Academy of Performing Arts for 7 years. The skills and knowledge he offers our Drama students are extensive.
Former Drama Student Nic Westaway gets his break in Home and Away
We are very excited to see a former student making his way in the acting industry with his role in Home and Away. Nic Westaway graduated from our school in 2006 and his skills as an actor made him a valuable cast member of school productions such as Away by Michael Gow, directed by Mem McCormack (TIC of The Arts) and Animal Farm, directed by Ed Lacy (HOLA of English).
Nic has recently graduated from WAAPA and has moved to Sydney to pursue his acting career. He is an excellent example to our students of the possibilities available when your talent is accompanied by hard work and solid training. MRSHS wishes Nic all the best.
Deep Blue Youth Orchestra
After they performed at our school recently the Deep Blue Youth Orchestra invited interested young musicians to join them on stage as part of Blue Youth in the amazing show “Who are You”. Students from our school workshopped for two hours after school and then performed on stage in front of a huge audience in the Margaret River Cultural Centre. We thank Deep Blue for their commitment to youth in the arts and Priscilla Den Boer (Music Teacher) for promoting this exciting opportunity for our young musicians.