Once again our school production has proved a triumph. Following two successful preview shows on 30/31 July, Sweeney Todd School Edition opened on 6 August to an enthusiastic audience full of special guests, family and friends. Opening night theatre goers also had an opportunity to dine in style before the show, with our VET Hospitality students putting on a Gala Dinner extravaganza. The rest of the run was phenomenal, filling the theatre to the brim for almost every show. As I reflect on the success of the Sweeney, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joss, our brilliant new vocal coach for her tireless hard work with our amazing students. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to returned student, Maddy Vernon who was responsible for designing our costumes as well as Edie Gray, also an ex-FCC student, who along with Maddy designed and applied all the makeup and hair designs. But of course you wouldn’t have been able to see or hear the stunning performances if we didn’t have our tech crew. This group of boys worked with yet another ex-student, Rory Hynan, to learn all the skills needed to run the show.There were many tense moments throughout the season, but they managed to troubleshoot and solve any issues with calmness and precision, even with me going mental next to them. They are possibly the brightest, most hilarious and sweetest tech crew I have ever worked with; and as the tech desk is my home during the show run I have been completely thrilled to share it with them. I’ll save your seats at the desk for next years show. Next, of course the mysterious black clad figures that dart across our stage. Our backstage crew! They are a well-oiled machine, held together by an incredibly quick-minded cog, Margaret Erickson. Margaret has been my main support through the last few weeks, even while juggling a Bollywood competition and year 9 coordination. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to lead our backstage crew as slickly as her. Thank you! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Madi Kerr. This is Madi’s second return to us since she graduated in 2013 and every time she comes back she is more amazing. As assistant director, she helped mould this show into the vision we designed together. Madi volunteers her time and attended pretty much every rehearsal. It is incredible to witness the dedication and drive of one so young. Lastly, I have one last special thank you. Those of you who are familiar with our department here will notice that we were missing one very important member of our team, Emma Schmidt, who is lucky enough to be enjoying the sunshine in Europe for the term. Unfortunately, her absence left a huge hole in our team. Before she left, Emma worked weekly with our backstage crew building and sourcing props, making lists and sorting costumes. So even though she was not here in person, her work was. This brings me to a very special thank you. It is very rare that you meet two students who are willing to step into a role left by a teacher, let alone the amazing Emma. But Toby Thomas and Darcy Lucid did just that. I want to take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart. Since the start of term these two have been working lunchtimes and after school to build, buy, beg or steal props and sets for me. They have saved my life this year and stepped up above and beyond the call of duty for a student. They never said no to me, they just got things done. A huge thank you should also be extended to the parents, guardians and friends who helped in any way, especially Paul Santzaridis and Kevin Drake who played a huge part in the construction of our set. At Footscray City College we really are blessed with some of the most talented, dedicated and hard working students. As a director I couldn’t be prouder of all of our students. Congratulations to the entire Sweeney Team! Emily Unt Wan – Production Director Stay tuned for details on the end of year fundraising Cabaret – Early December (official dates still to be confirmed). Auditions coming soon! Students, please check theatre door for more information. Comments from the students: Being a part of the school production this year was an amazing experience. We started with the nerve-wracking auditions which were then followed by the casting. After finding out who we had in our magnificent cast, we started our rehearsals. The rehearsals took up the majority of the production times and led up to final weeks of our production. We went through multiple readings, singing rehearsals, tech runs and dress rehearsals. Overall the whole show was the most fun I’ve ever had with the school and I highly recommend you join it if you’re considering it, you’ll have the time of your life and will truly respect the power of almighty Unt Wan. Darcy Smith, Year 9 I have always loved musicals, watching them, listening to them, and as of recently, being in them. This year I was chosen to play the wonderful Mrs Lovett in our school’s production of Sweeney Todd. Out of everything I’ve ever done in my life, this has been the most challenging and rewarding experience. Having Australian high school students play deranged 50+ year olds, who kill people and make them into pies in the east end of London in the 1800’s seems absolutely bonkers. However, with the amazing team here at Footscray led by the fearless and courageous Emily Unt Wan, we managed to pull it off. Six months of hard work and dedication from the whole crew, both on stage and off, culminated in six top-notch performances. The theatre became our home, and the cast and crew our family. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. Lainey Drake Year 10
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