The region might have just unearthed the next Hugh Jackman or Margot Robbie following the 2023 Hunter Regional Drama Festival.

More than 230 students, representing 10 local schools, took to the Hunter Theatre stage last week to entertain in excess of 400 people over two nights.

The primary pupils kick-started the event on Tuesday 1 August, with the secondary youngsters following in their footsteps on Thursday 3 August.

Schools showcasing their talented individuals included Belmont North Public, Carrington Public, Hillsborough Public, Hunter School of the Performing Arts (eight performances), Irrawang High (two performances), Lambton High (two performances), Maitland High, Maitland Grossmann High, Merewether Public and Warners Bay High.

The festival celebrates the opportunity for pupils to build knowledge, skills and their understanding of performing in and appreciating drama, by creating a journey of excellence for them not only at school level, but beyond.

It also promotes the excellence of the arts and builds connections with communities from the Hunter, Central Coast and Port Stephens.

“This year, students devised their own performances for the festival with the support of their teachers and industry professionals,” a spokesperson said.

“Schools were involved in workshops in the lead-up to refine their piece, too.

“At the festival, pupils then undertook technical rehearsals and performed for each other in the dress rehearsal.

“They eventually took to the stage for their family and friends as part of the showcase performance each evening. 

“Several said it was an awesome experience to perform in such an amazing theatre.

“While most students were nervous, they were also excited to perform in front of the audience and, as they came off stage, they were all smiling.

“Teachers were grateful for the opportunity… and so proud of them.”

Many of the schools will also participate in the State Drama Festival at the Seymour Centre in Sydney in the last week of October.

The world’s a stage

Primary

• The Radio (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Year 5 and 6 students, created and directed by Year 10 student, Riordan Munnoch.
• Lonely (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Year 5 and 6 students, created and directed by Year 10 students, Mya Abbott, Kristian Cousins, Ruby Edwards and Ethan Swannack.
• The Big Bad Wolf (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by Year 10 students, Marley Bourke and Xavier Shaw.
• Trick or Trick (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Years 4 to 6 students, created and directed by Year 10 student, Ruby Van De Wijgaart.
• Our Special Place (Carrington Public School): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by the students and Ms Sarah Shekan-Ryba.
• It Could Be Worse (Belmont North Public School): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by the students and Mr Gary Channon.
• Luna Park Late Night Antics (Merewether Public School): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by the students and Mrs Alison Verkuylen.
• The Mysterious Box (Hillsborough Public School): Year 5 and 6 students, created and directed by the students and Mr Alec Hanson.
• Change (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by the students and Mrs Melinda Buaserau.
• The Playlist of our Lives (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by the students and Mrs Bianca Jennings.
• Growing our Future (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by the students and Mrs Karen O’Neill.
• The Power of Laughter (Hunter School of the Performing Arts): Year 3 to 6 students, created and directed by the students and Mrs Elese Murray.

Secondary

• The day the bags were banned (Maitland High School): Year 7 to 12 students, created and directed by the students and Ms Ashlea Ross.
• Murder at Hudson Manor (Irrawang High School): Year 8 to 12 students, created and directed by the students and Ms Monique D’Arcy.
• Do you remember? (Lambton High School): Year 11 students, created and directed by the students, Mrs Anne Grivas and Donnie Dallas.
• It’s not about the crown (Isabelle Parkes – Lambton High School): A HSC individual project performance.
• Grass (Maitland Grossmann High School): Year 8 to 10 students, created and directed by the students, Mat Lee and Ms Michelle Burnitt.
• Wish I was (Warners Bay High School): Year 11 students, created and directed by the students and Mrs Sandra Monk.
• The Watch (Irrawang High School): Year 8 to 12 students, created and directed by the students and Ms Annabel Bisley.

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