It’s go, go, go in Drama and Dance

What an exciting start to the year it has been in Drama and Dance. Term 1 has been full of fun, commitment, and celebration, beginning with our inaugural Arts Day. This first-ever event was a tremendous success, bringing house spirit, creativity, and artistic exploration to the College. Students embraced workshops and performances with enthusiasm, and the atmosphere across campus was pure joy! 

Celebrating house spirit

As part of the inaugural event, students participated in the newly designed Arts Day Matinee - an exciting evolution of the former Dramafest. Every student from Years 7–12 took part, rehearsing their house singing items during form time under the guidance of their House Captains before coming together for a spirited competition that set a joyful tone for the afternoon.

house drama competition 

This year we also introduced a refreshed approach to House Drama competition, aligning more closely with classroom learning and Drama curriculum. The shift eased the considerable time demands previously placed on Year 12 student directors and strengthened the experience by enabling them to collaborate with industry professionals, including artists from The Big HOO HA!, who supported students in developing improvisation and ensemble-devising skills.

The House Drama and House Dance competitions then captivated audiences, with more than 130 students rehearsing after school in the lead up to the event. Dancers impressed with polished performances, while Drama students embraced bold creative choices and collaborative storytelling. The evening culminated in an energetic and entertaining showcase, with adjudicators praising the exceptional skill level and the vibrant atmosphere in the auditorium - a true celebration of performance and artistic excellence.

College Production

Auditions for the College production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory took place this term, with an impressive number of students eager to be involved. For the first time, we introduced an audition preparation session, giving students the opportunity to work with the creative team on script work, vocals, and choreography before the big day. This new initiative helped build confidence and preparedness,. Rehearsals will be in full swing from the April school holidays as we begin the exciting journey of bringing this magical production to life.

Extended Dance Program

We are also one term into the new Extend Dance Program, an initiative designed to offer extension opportunities for students who excel in Dance. These highly competitive and sought after groups; Extend Dance (Intermediate) for Years 7–9 and Extend Dance (Senior) for Years 10–12 are already hard at work preparing for the IGSSA Dance Showcase and Easter Service. This group will have the opportunity to work with Dance teaching staff and guest choreographers to create works for public performance.

Congratulations - Lillian, Venetia and Monique!

Our Senior students have attended Perth Festival performances by renowned companies Chunky Move and The Last Great Hunt and will soon be heading to His Majesty’s Theatre for the Performing Arts Perspectives showcase. We are exceptionally proud of the three 2025 Penrhos alumni selected for Performing Arts Perspectives this year: Lilian Cacho, Monique Milne, and Venetia Lazidis. Their inclusion recognises their remarkable Year 12 ATAR performance work and highlights the strength, talent, and dedication within our Drama and Dance programs.

It has been a whirlwind of a term, and the momentum is only building. It’s go, go, go in the Drama and Dance Studios and the excitement is set to continue as we head into an even bigger and busier Term 2.