News
Performing Arts Roundup
The last few weeks have seen some remarkable achievements and memorable moments for students in our performing arts programs, from an outstanding showing at STAR Fest regionals in Victoria to the Fall Dance Showcase to Christmas concerts and caroling, while many of the students continue to prepare for the School musical in February.
THEATRE
Students from Shawnigan’s curricular and 360 theatre programs travelled to Victoria last weekend to take part in the STAR Fest regionals, with nearly all earning qualification for nationals. Shawnigan has been sending students to STAR Fest for several years, but the size of the group has grown significantly, and the results have become even more impressive.
It’s not just about results, though, noted theatre teacher Mr. Salvatore Interlandi. “While STAR Fest was a great experience, our students learned valuable lessons about resilience and professionalism,” he said, adding that plans are already underway to take students in Theatre Company 11 and 12 to the national STAR Fest competition at the University of British Columbia in May.
STAR Fest National Qualifiers:
Acting Ensemble
- Proficient
- Lucas P., Wyatt W., Bryce T., and Hayden S. (Playwriting 101 – Drama 10)
- An honourable mention goes to Luan B. and Cache T. (Theatre Company 11) for their performances in a scene from Spamalot
Acting Duo Scenes
- Advanced:
- Yoon O. and Leo S., Theatre Company 12 (The Matchmakers)
- Sloane W. and Victoria B., Theatre Company 11 (The Blueberry Hill Accord)
- Sophie W. and Ellie N., Theatre Company 11 (Almost, Maine)
- Proficient:
- Mila B. and Landis F., Theatre Company 11 (Love/Sick)
- Wyatt W. and Maddy J., Theatre Company 11 (Almost, Maine)
- Dora A. and Hunter H., Theatre Company 11 (AntiSocial)
- Briar T. and Stella F., Theatre Company 11 (Mutually Assured Destruction)
- Erik L. and Austin P., Drama 10 (AntiSocial)
- Maddex K. and Kyle K., Drama 10 (Powerline)
Acting Monologues
- Proficient:
- Alaia R., Drama 10 (a monologue from Prodigal Son)
Musical Solo
- Advanced:
- Alex F., Vocal Arts 11 & Musical Theatre Company (“One Perfect Moment” from Bring it On)
- Maddex K., Musical Theatre Company (“Sandy” from Grease)
- Kennedy D., Vocal Arts 11 (“She Used to Be Mine” from The Waitress)
- Proficient:
- Yoon O., Theatre Company 12 (“There Are Worse Things I Could Do” from Grease)
- Leo S., Theatre Company 12 (“Moments in the Woods” from Into the Woods)
- Isabella P., Musical Theatre (“Funny Honey” from Chicago)
- Val V., Vocal Arts 10 & Musical Theatre (“When He Sees Me” from The Waitress)
DANCE
The Fall Dance Showcase on November 27 was nothing short of epic, with more than 30 students performing. “They put in an incredible amount of work, and it paid off,” enthused dance teacher Mrs. Annie Gronsdahl. “Lots of people said it was the best dance show yet.”
Dance captain Ellie N. performed two incredible solos and was part of two beautiful group dances, in addition to leading the group through warmups and talking about how to cope with stage fright. The theatre was packed to bursting for the show, with lots of fans having to stand.
The showcase has set up the dance team for their first competitive season this spring. Don’t forget to save the date for the annual Night of Dance on Saturday, May 23, with performances at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
MUSIC
Music students haven’t had one specific event at which to present, but their efforts have been embedded into many things in recent weeks, including major occasions like the Nativity Chapel and Carol Service leading up to Christmas.
The last two Tuesday Stag Cafés have had strong musical components, including a concert by the senior instrumental and senior vocal arts classes last week, and an open mic this past Tuesday where some students gave their first public performances. Last Friday morning, Grade 10 music students performed a showcase for their peers in the theatre.
Last Friday evening, choir members and their friends went carolling around the Houses, joined by more students at every stop until they numbered around 60 altogether.
Even with all the Christmas-related performing going on, the cast of the upcoming School musical, The Little Mermaid, has continued to rehearse for performances at Victoria’s McPherson Theatre on February 4-7. Tickets are available now.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
