Wesley’s cocurricular Performing Arts program engages hundreds of talented students each year and is a thriving part of school life.
Under the guidance of specialist directors, choreographers and musicians, students produce 10 performances each year across the College in campus-based productions. This includes six musicals and four plays and a vibrant mix of genres.
Students are involved in all aspects of production – not only onstage performances, but also music, backstage and technical roles such as sound and lighting.
High quality productions
The cocurricular production process closely mirrors a professional performing arts environment. Students utilise world-class resources and sophisticated technology to create high-standard performances, set design, lighting, sound, costume design and music.
Middle and Senior School students choose to take part in one or more major productions each year. They also have the opportunity to perform at world-class venues and experience highly acclaimed theatre productions as part of the International Performing Arts tours.
Our cocurricular Performing Arts program is available from Years 5 to 12.
Recent productions include The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Oliver!, Mulan, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Threepenny Opera, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Miss Saigon, Peter Pan, The Wind In The Willows, One Man, Two Guvnors and Accidental Death of An Anarchist.
Skills for life
Through the performing arts program students develop the skills, work ethic and insight to pursue their passions beyond school. Not only do students build and refine their creative abilities in acting, singing, and dancing, but they also learn about time management, independence, collaboration and design thinking.
Many of our graduates embark on further study at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, the Victorian College of the Arts, or have gone directly into stage or television careers.
Notable alumni in the performing arts include:
- Samuel Johnson – Golden Logie winning actor
- Lachy Hulme – actor
- Josh Piterman – singer and musical star
- Amber Scott – Principal Artist at The Australian Ballet
- Shura Taft – TV personality and presenter
- Ella Newton – actor
- Markella Kavenagh – actor
- Olive Weeks – actor and Logie nominee
- Syd Zygier – actor
Performing Arts stories
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A ‘curious incident’ and a quest for compassion and understanding
The power of theatre to open us up to experiencing new and previously unexplored perspectives is well-studied in schools worldwide. ...
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A tale of two tours: International Drama and Country Music tours
Wesley students have recently been performing in new locales – in the UK and around country Victoria – sharing their ...
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Shining a spotlight on performing arts students 2023
Shining a spotlight on our students Across the year, there are more than 10 opportunities for students to be involved ...
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Senior School Play 'The Crucible'
The Senior School play is a highlight for performing arts students at Wesley College. It’s one of many performance opportunities ...
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Elsternwick students take Shrek to the stage
Elsternwick students take Shrek to the stage Our Elsternwick students have staged musical productions at the National Theatre in St ...
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Flora finds a ‘Fun Home’ on the stage
Congratulations to Year 6 St Kilda Road Campus student and singer/actor/dancer Flora Feldman, who is currently starring in the principal ...
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Ben Walter shines in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Gareth Reeves as Harry Potter and Ben Walter as Albus Potter. Photo: Daniel Boud A most definitely magical night out, ...
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Talent on display at the 2017 Acquisitive Art Prize
The Wesley College Society for the Arts Acquisitive Art prize had a tremendous response in its 21styear, with 164 entries ...
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Chicago
Performed to sellout audiences over six shows, Chicago demonstrated the depth of talent and the commitment of the students with ...
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Soul Band finds its rhythm early
Which adjectives best describe the Soul Band, a Senior Ensemble at the Glen Waverley campus? “Slamming slinky”,“grooving on down”, or ...
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Mother Courage and Her Children
'Mother Courage' is considered to be one of the great plays of the twentieth century. Our Glen Waverley cast performed ...
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Music Festival and Not Just Jazz
From the strings in unison to the magic of the music performances and more ‑ Wesley College truly celebrated the ...
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