Year 8 Drama Incursion

The Year 8 Drama classes had the privilege of learning about all things Commedia Dell’Arte on Friday 10 May. The incursion covered the basics of the comedy form and students learnt that it was first discovered in the 16th Century in Italy where professional actors who were highly skilled in acrobatics and 'slapstick' style of comedy would perform improvised scenarios in and outside the theatre. Shane McMullan from Into the Mask Theatre went through each stock character using the iconic masks and improvised hilarious scenes for the students. Then students had a chance to perform each character and create their own slapstick comedy (with a real slapstick!) The laughter and excitement in the room was energising and we look forward to the students using the knowledge learnt and applying this to their own performances.

Year 10 Drama Incursion – Stage combat choreography

If you walked past Founders Hall on Thursday 9 May you would have seen Drama students being ‘slapped’ in the face and ‘punched’ around. All in the name of theatre and stage combat, of course! Nothing real about these fights except the excitement.

Andy Fraser from Stage Combat Perth came to show the Year 10 Drama students the art of fighting on stage. How to choreograph a safe stage fight, react to make it look realistic and the inside secrets of his trade. He has provided stage combat services in the entertainment industry in WA since 2001. He has provided fight direction and choreography, weapon and equipment hire, safety consultancy and other performance solutions to companies such as Black Swan State Theatre Company, Perth Theatre Company, Deckchair Theatre, Barking Gecko, Yirra Yaakin and WA Opera to name a few.  

The students thoroughly enjoyed the new skills learnt and will apply this to their future drama practice including the Year 10 Production performed on Wednesday afternoon, Girl Who Cried Wolf by Angela Betzien. They did a fantastic job!

Elzette Schroeder
Drama Teacher