At St Helena, the Performing Arts program offers students a wide range of opportunities to explore their creative potential both on and off the stage. With a proud tradition of excellence, we aim to cultivate a love for the arts, foster leadership, and build confidence across all year levels. Our program spans musicals, plays, drama ensemble performances, dance recitals, and music concerts, allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse artistic experiences.
Musicals & College Plays
Every year, we run both a College Play and a School Musical, providing students with the opportunity to participate in a professional-level production. Roles are available in a variety of areas, including:
- Lead acting and singing
- Ensemble acting and singing
- Stage production and technical crew
- Back-of-house operations
- Ushering and front-of-house roles
This inclusive structure ensures that students with different interests and skills—whether on stage or behind the scenes—can get involved and contribute to the success of the show. Our musicals have earned significant acclaim, receiving awards and recognition from both the Lyrebird Awards and the Music Theatre Guild Awards. These acknowledgments span best production, ensemble performance, and individual student achievements. Recent productions have included Mamma Mia, Rent, and Wicked, all performed to sold-out audiences with rave reviews.
Drama Studies
Drama plays an essential role in the curriculum. Students in Year 9, 11, and 12 Drama develop and perform pieces for public audiences, with performances taking place in the College Theatre. These productions are often student-led, with senior students overseeing the creative process from concept development to the final show. This provides a unique opportunity for younger students (Years 7–9) to act in the productions while older students take on leadership and management roles, including directing, choreography, and stage production.
Dance Recitals
Our dance program showcases students’ creativity, skill, and flair through mid-year and end-of-year recitals. These events highlight the hard work and growth of students throughout the year and bring together the school community to celebrate their achievements.
State Schools Spectacular
St Helena students also have the chance to participate in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, an exciting event held annually at John Cain Arena and broadcast on Channel 7. This state-wide initiative celebrates the artistic achievements of students across Victoria, fostering resilience, creativity, and pride. The Spectacular offers students the chance to perform alongside peers from other schools, contributing to a large-scale production that leaves a lasting impact on participants.
Pathways Beyond School
With such a rich and varied program, St Helena’s Performing Arts provides students with a solid foundation in creative expression. Many students go on to pursue further studies at institutions such as the Victorian College of the Arts. Whether through participation in school productions, recitals, or state-level performances, the skills and experiences gained in our Performing Arts program help students develop leadership, teamwork, and confidence that will serve them well in their future endeavours.
Our Performing Arts program is more than just a co-curricular activity—it is a vibrant and essential part of the St Helena experience.