From Sister Act to City of Angels: Building Artists, Building Ensemble
TERM 1 – 2026
JUNIOR MUSICAL THEATRE
Our Junior Musical Theatre students have grown into a confident, collaborative, and creatively courageous ensemble. Their journey began with auditions for Sister Act, where they embraced the challenge of character work, storytelling, and performance under pressure. From the very first moment, they demonstrated enthusiasm, discipline, and a genuine love for musical theatre.
Under the guidance of Lucy Bermingham, students strengthened their vocal technique through focused work on reading music, harmonising, and developing both solo and ensemble singing skills. They learned how to listen deeply, blend with others, and bring emotional truth to their vocal performances — essential foundations for any young musical theatre performer.
In acting classes with Romy Bartz, students explored script analysis, character development, stagecraft, and scene study. They learned how to build a character from the inside out, how to make bold choices, and how to work as generous scene partners. Their confidence in storytelling has grown remarkably, and their ability to connect intention, voice, and movement is now stronger than ever.
Choreography sessions with Kate Dunn, Portia England, and Emma Lee Lansley pushed students to expand their physical vocabulary, musicality, and performance energy. They learned to work with precision, commitment, and joy — and to understand how movement supports character and narrative onstage.
With two wonderful casts working side by side, the students have shown exceptional teamwork, respect, and dedication. Their shared goal of creating a high-quality, entertaining production has brought out the best in each of them. The process has been filled with laughter, hard work, and countless moments of growth.
As they bring Sister Act to life, the students can be proud of the artistry, resilience, and collaboration they have developed. This production promises to be a fantastic experience for performers and audiences alike. A true celebration of their talent and the vibrant community they have built together.
SENIOR MUSICAL THEATRE
Meanwhile, our Senior Musical Theatre students have immersed themselves in the rich, complex world of City of Angels — a bold, jazz-infused film-noir musical that challenges performers to navigate a story within a story. The dual-layered narrative demands precision, nuance, and a deep understanding of style, and our students have risen to the challenge with remarkable professionalism.
Under the expert guidance of Lucy Bermingham, the ensemble has tackled some of the most intricate vocal material in the musical theatre canon. From tight jazz harmonies to layered ensemble textures, students have demonstrated exceptional musicianship. Their ability to maintain vocal accuracy while executing choreography speaks to their discipline, stamina, and growing mastery of the craft.
In acting, students have worked closely with Romy Bartz to develop strong, archetypal characters rooted in the heightened world of noir storytelling. Through script analysis, character exploration, and detailed scene work, they have learned to balance stylisation with emotional truth. Their performances are becoming increasingly sophisticated, filled with subtlety, intention, and a clear understanding of genre.
Choreography, led by Kate Dunn in collaboration with Portia England, Emma Lee Lansley, and the students themselves, has pushed the ensemble to new creative heights. The movement vocabulary draws on jazz, stylised gesture, and ensemble-driven storytelling. Students have embraced complex choreographic devices and demonstrated a heightened awareness of spatial relationships, timing, and group cohesion.
What makes this process truly special is the way the cast has worked together — supporting one another, taking creative risks, and building a shared artistic vision. City of Angels is a show that thrives on bold choices, suspense, humour, and emotional depth, and our students are bringing all of that to the stage with confidence and flair.
We are incredibly proud of the dedication, maturity, and artistry shown by this ensemble. Their commitment to producing a high-quality, entertaining, and deeply engaging production has made this journey a joy for everyone involved. We cannot wait to share City of Angels with the McDonald College community and celebrate the extraordinary work of these talented young performers.
