MTC Ambassadorship Program allowing students to realise future pathways

"Being able to engage with Melbourne’s theatre community has been an incredible experience, and has allowed me to realise the potential pathways within this industry. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in any of the various different aspects of theatre and production!"

Throughout my years at St Catherine’s School, students have always been provided with a plethora of opportunities to explore and further their talent, interest and passion for the arts. Each year, I have been fortunate enough to be involved within many School productions, from my cohort’s debut in Charlotte’s Web in 2013 to last year’s Senior musical, Sweet Charity. Involvement within these productions has fostered my appetite for the theatre – one that I have been able to satisfy, in particular, through undertaking VCE Theatre Studies.

The department has provided me with incredible opportunities to rehearse, develop and showcase my skills both on and off the stage. Through my involvement in the production of this year’s Senior play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I have become intrigued with furthering my understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in the often hidden processes of planning, developing and presenting a production.

The MTC Ambassadorship Program has allowed me to extend my depth of knowledge in relation to theatre processes, and gain a greater understanding of the efforts involved from an endless number of creative designers within the industry.

As an Ambassador, I have had the pleasure of viewing eight productions, each of a completely different nature. From ‘the Scottish play,’ featuring one of Australia’s most renowned actors, Jai Courtney; to a hilarious portrayal of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off. A highlight has been meeting like-minded students with a shared passion for theatre, who share different creative ideas and interests in an array of stagecraft areas.

One of the most rewarding parts of the program, so far, has been the insight I have gathered into what is required to produce a show. Extending well beyond rehearsals and adjourning a costume on performance night, a high level of dedication and work is required from all members of a production team. This includes everyone, from actors to designers to producers and directors.

As a part of the program, myself and other Ambassadors have met a number of inspirational individuals. This includes the whole cast of Macbeth and Senior Production Manager, Michele Preshaw. Through these experiences and insight, my passion for theatre has extended well beyond the limelight alone, and towards the inner workings of this art form.

Being able to engage with Melbourne’s theatre community has been an incredible experience, and has allowed me to realise the potential pathways within this industry. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in any of the various different aspects of theatre and production!

Demi Markakis (Year 11)

If you are a current Year 10 student who might be interested in applying for this program in 2018, or just want to find out more about it, please contact Mr James Brown or Demi at your earliest convenience.

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