08 May 2023
For students, preparations to stage the popular musical started at the end of term 4 when auditions occurred. Excitement and nerves filled the halls while teachers painstakingly toiled to form the perfect cast. After the cast list was announced and everyone was back from summer holidays, it was go, go, go.
When asked why the school chose to produce High School Musical on Stage! Director and JHS English and Drama teacher Ms Moloney explained, “it’s got such a big cast and there’s lots of different opportunities for lots of different kids to be involved”. JHS Secondary Principal, Mrs Henretty also commented “I love that Disney’s High School Musical on Stage! allows our students to express their creative talent and passions while sharing such positive messages!”
Not only was the production an opportunity to showcase the exceptional talents of many students, it also provided a chance for all involved to learn new skills and have fun too. Considering the value for the students and the wider community of staging a production the Musical director and JHS Music Teacher, Mrs Blazey when interviewed before the performances said, “for the students it represents an opportunity to really extend themselves but they are also learning about the process of collaboration… I’m so impressed by the students who signed up, they’re ready for a challenge, they’re taking it on, and they're trying something new, which is what the whole musical is about… in terms of the wider community, they get to see the young people in town brilliantly occupied by something larger than themselves.”
Throughout Term One, students and teachers worked in partnership, spending lunches, afternoons and weekends rehearsing. Everyone involved put maximum effort into making the show an entertaining high quality performance. Students were challenged to overcome inhibitions and learn new skills. For some, this was their first time singing, acting or even controlling the lighting and sound desk. Others had the task of learning to play the entire musical score. Beyond the rehearsal schedule, was a dedicated crew busy with set construction, costume design, backstage managing and dance choreography. These responsibilities were mostly led by students. When holidays arrived the cast and band were still rehearsing to guarantee that as term two came rolling around everybody was more than prepared for what they needed to do. Chaos and excitement reigned at the start of the term as normal school days replaced all day rehearsals. Students agreed that the hard work was rewarding and “really cool”. Reflecting on the journey Ms Moloney explained, “It’s about the relationships you build with students and staff as part of the production but also there is a lot of pride in seeing the depth of talent that we have here at Jindabyne Central School.”
Opening night nerves fueled an electric atmosphere as the cast recited lines, practised dance steps and finally hit those difficult musical notes. Three nights of performances were riveting yet tiring for students but in the end it was all worth the effort. Over 796 members of the community came to support the production. The audience presence boosted the cast's performance level and elevated the overall mood for all three nights.
The closing night was bittersweet and saw mixed emotions. Jubilation and pride mingled with a widespread sadness that after nearly five months of rehearsals, the whole experience was over. Memories that will be cherished for lifetimes were born, new friendships were forged and a collective heartfelt respect for each other blossomed. Along with laughter, songs and dance everyone involved was united in the intense satisfaction that they had collectively created something very special. We truly were “all in this together”.
The audience response was overwhelmingly positive with the general consensus being that it was a “fabulous performance,” and that the talent and creativity displayed by students and staff was “amazing”. It was certainly a production of which all involved could be extremely proud.
One audience member summed it up perfectly with the simple exclamation, “JHS, you rocked it!”
Explore the production’s interactive online program containing many behind the scenes videos created by Year 10 Acend student Ryan Anderson below.