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The performing arts is an integral and flourishing aspect of our St Leonard’s College culture.”
Through countless rehearsals, spirited performances, and enthusiastic applause, students learn the power of collaboration, discipline, and self-expression, transforming into confident performers ready to take on the world’s stages. St Leonard’s College takes pride in fostering a creative haven where every student can discover their unique voice and shine brightly in the spotlight of the performing arts. Our annual College calendar is filled with a spectacular array of concerts, recitals, musicals and theatre performances.
Junior School Production
Each year, our Prep to Year 4 students shine on stage during our highly anticipated Junior School production. The students bring captivating stories and characters to life with enthusiasm and determination. Guided by dedicated teachers, they learn valuable lessons in expression, teamwork, and the excitement of live performance. The production instills confidence and discipline, marking their growth as budding artists and individuals.
The Hart Theatre Company
Led by seasoned professionals, students in Years 5 to 12 join forces to produce five dynamic performances annually. This includes three musicals and two plays. Notably, our College secured the Victorian Theatre Guild award for Best Junior Production consecutively in 2012 and 2013, setting a precedent in school theatre. Subsequent nominations in 2015 and 2019 underscore our commitment to excellence, recognised by both Victorian Theatre Guild and Musical Theatre Guild of Australia.
Our comprehensive performing arts cocurricular program immerses students in all aspects of production. They contribute not only on stage but also behind the scenes, participating in music composition, backstage operations, and technical roles such as sound and lighting. Explore the myriad opportunities offered by this enriching program below.
Something for everyone…
Music Program
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St Leonard’s College music program is a key part of our performing arts offering.”
From solo performances to choir renditions, band performances to jazz ensembles and orchestras, our students showcase their skills and dedication.
Guided by experienced educators, the program offers a range of opportunities for students to grow as musicians.
Learn more about our music program and its role in the performing arts by clicking the link below.
An Education for Life
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Our St Leonard’s College music and performing arts program empowers and inspires our students to cultivate their passions, along with essential skills and perspectives that extend far beyond their school years.”
While honing their talents in musical performance, composition, acting, singing, and dancing, students also gain valuable lessons in teamwork, time management, independence, collaboration, and design thinking. Their music and performing arts experiences also contribute to their self-confidence and sense of belonging.
Many graduates from our music and performing arts program choose to pursue advanced studies at prestigious institutions such as the Victorian College of the Arts, The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London), The National Institute of Dramatic Art and The London School of Musical Theatre. In recent years, two of our graduates, Frazer Hurst and Maddi Sullivan, both received Merit Scholarships at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, USA. In 2022, our graduate Anton Pokryshevsky, a talented jazz pianist and composer, commenced at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA on a scholarship, majoring in Film Scoring and Composition.
Additionally, many others directly embark on successful careers in composing, acting, and performing on stage and television, thanks to the comprehensive foundation provided by our St Leonard’s College performing arts program.
Some of our notable alumni include:
- Kerry Armstrong – actor
- Noni Hazlehurst AO – actor
- Hamish Blake – comedian, radio presenter
- Kaarin Fairfax – actor, director and singer
- Beverly Jane Fry – international ballet dancer
- Ryan Shelton – comedian
- Genevieve Kingsford – actor and singer
- Joshua Gordon – actor and singer
- Chris Burgess – musical theatre performer and cabaret artist
- Kate Amos – Australian Opera singer (featured in the video performing with our students)