Frozen JNR

Congratulations to the cast and crew of ‘Frozen JNR’.  We are thrilled that after several months of rehearsals, our show concluded with a sold out season and many positive reviews from audience members.  Thank you to all staff and students involved in such a magical experience:

Special thanks to Tina Russo, Samaira Saigal (Year 9) and Aleeyah Wilson (Year 9) for their countless hours of help bringing our set designs to life through their extraordinary talent. Can’t wait to see what they do next year.

“What a fabulous opening night of Frozen last night!   Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding production – it was pure delight to be in the audience and see such a quality production. How proud you must be of all the students who stretched themselves to be involved in various ways.  The Directors deserve accolades for the work over months, leading the young people to such heights.”

“I just wanted to extend a big thank you for allowing me to help out last term with Frozen. It was wonderful to be back in the space and I am grateful for the welcoming community you have built. I wanted to congratulate you guys on the wonderful show as well, it was amazing, and I can’t wait to see what you do next year!”

“I have loved every moment of my Frozen JR experience. Each rehearsal was so rewarding, whether I had learnt something new, improved my skills, or said hi to an unfamiliar face. The entire cast, crew and production team were extremely dedicated to making such a magical show, so after many months, and hours of hard work, I was very proud and excited to finally perform the fabulous production we had created. Having been fortunate enough to play a role as special and iconic as Anna was truly an unforgettable experience and something I will cherish forever!”

Shrek

Congratulations to our partners in musical theatre at St Bede’s for an outstanding production of Shrek.  The Performing Arts and Leadership teams attended opening night and were so impressed with the calibre of performance by all students involved.  Congratulations to Director Drew Downing,  MD Stacey Camilleri and  Production Manager Jamie Parton for showcasing the talents of the students.  Tickets are still available for the coming week at https://events.humanitix.com/shrek2024

Kilbreda Choreographic Competition

In addition to performance skills, we encourage our students to work on their creation and choreographic skills.  The Kilbreda Choreographic Competition is the perfect vehicle for students to showcase their talents as dancemakers.   Students are encouraged to devise a solo, duo or group work in any dance style which will be performed at a lunchtime heat (date to be confirmed).  A grand final will include a selection of chosen works and prizes will be awarded to the winning pieces.  Kilbreda Dance Company will perform their pieces at this final performance to showcase the dance pieces they have been rehearsing at lunchtimes.

Musical Theatre Audition Workshop  with Des Flanagan- Extension Opportunity

Musical Theatre superstar and lead of ‘Moulin Rouge’, Des Flanagan has recently approached Kilbreda College to run an audition masterclass for our students. This workshop will be held on Friday 16 August and will focus on Text Analysis, Acting Techniques and a Performance Masterclass. Des will also discuss Tertiary pathways for students and he will provide advice for submitting applications to Performing Arts Colleges. 

This opportunity is available to all Kilbreda students but numbers are limited.  Applications will be accepted via the link below.  Students are required to submit a song in the musical theatre style and be prepared to sing this to an audience on the day.  Any questions please email Nicole.Everett@kilbreda.vic.edu.au  or Cara.Mitchell@kilbreda.vic.edu.au.

Please apply by joining this google classroom and following the instructions:

https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/NzAxMjI4Mjk2NDIz

SAVE THE DATE! Past Pupils Showcase Concert is coming!!

On 28 August at 7pm we will celebrate 120 years of the Performing Arts at Kilbreda with a Past Pupils Showcase Concert. Following on from the success of the inaugural event in 2023, many past pupils will once again return to Kilbreda and perform. Keep an eye out for ticket details soon!

The musical journey of Jennie Mortimer, Kilbreda voice tutor

Jennie’s parents were both classical musicians and she toured with them from the age of 6 months. She started singing when she was 13 years old and made her first television appearance at 15. Jennie graduated from Trinity College London with a Diploma in Music Theatre and Voice, and completed a Performing Arts Diploma from the Dance Factory Melbourne. She is known for being a very hard worker who takes her job very seriously! With a career spanning over 30 years, Jennie has worked across all genres from film, television, musical theatre, artist development, recording artist, stadium shows and dance.​ Some notable credits in her career have been cast in Musicals such as: Guys and Dolls, Cats, Hello Dolly and Aida and support act for Boney M Australian tour. Jennie was featured in The Broadway magazine “The Sondheim Review” for her debut album. 

What do you enjoy about teaching singing? 

I started singing lessons to help build my confidence, as I was very quiet and shy. It really brought me out of my shell as it was a way I could express myself through song.  I love to see the joy singing brings to my students, it supports their learning and emotional development and sharpens their ability to communicate. One of the biggest benefits of singing is the repeated use of muscle memory. Kilbreda has so many wonderful opportunities for the students such as choirs, musicals, ensembles, it is always a thrill to see your students shine on stage, this is something I always encourage. 

What are your aspirations for the future? 

I am currently working on my solo career as a recording artist and performing in my own musical show. I continue to study all aspects of voice and always strive for new vocal techniques to help my students. I have returned to studying Opera with Suzanne Johnston which I find very rewarding. 

There are two places available for students to learn voice with Jennie beginning Term 3. Please contact performingarts@kilbreda.vic.edu.au for more information.