Curtains Up: The Year 12 Production is on its way!

Having spent mentoring time with five industry professionals and a session with Andrew Bovell himself, the SACE Drama class are well prepped to deliver an excellent show.

In speaking with students about his writing process, themes, and characters, Andrew gave the students an unparalleled level of understanding into the characters and the story.

To bring the play to life, our Year 12s have been assisted by some of the many arts experts in our school community who have generously given their time, including old scholars, Pembroke parents, and teachers.

Ailsa Paterson (1999): Freelance Set and Costume Designer, currently with the State Theatre Company
Ailsa is spending time with Hanna (pictured), Meg, Ella and Zoe (all Year 12) and mentoring them on set, costume, and front of house design respectively. Ailsa worked as the Costume Designer for the original production of Things I Know To Be True by the State Theatre Company, making her the perfect candidate to mentor our Year 12s for their own production. She recalls studying IB English and Visual Art in her time at Pembroke, which combined an analytical knowledge for plays with the artistic and technical skills of visual art, and has enjoyed passing down her knowledge to our current students.

Bill Allert: Actor, Author, Motivational Speaker
An alum of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, Bill brought his experience to Pembroke and presented an in-depth acting workshop for the students. In focusing on developing their understanding of the characters, the students gained valuable insight into acting and theatre, particularly surrounding the monologues of the production.

Gavin Norris: Production Manager and resident Lighting Designer, State Theatre Company
The State Theatre Company’s expert Production Manager, Gavin Norris, is mentoring Fraser (Year 12) in lighting design for the Year 12 production. Having worked on the State Theatre Company’s own production of Things I Know To Be True, Gavin brings valuable insight to the themes of the play, and the lighting design involved. Having learnt a variety of lighting techniques and the fundamentals of lighting design from Gavin, Fraser has gained valuable insight into professional lighting in the arts.

Gavin’s advice to those interested in a lighting design career? Get as much exposure to theatre lighting as you can, reach out to theatre companies to get experience, undertake qualifications by a registered training organisation, and learn about every job in production and how they work together.

Heloise Baker (2018): Bachelor of Arts student, University of Adelaide
Pembroke old scholar Heloise has returned to Pembroke to pass on her dramaturgy knowledge to Liam (Year 12). The dramaturg’s capital role is help the off-stage students develop a deeper understanding of the text and its themes, and Heloise discussed with Liam various interpretations of the play, along with the structure, language, and themes of the play, and how they would manifest on stage. Liam’s work as dramaturg has supported the design team and actors in delivering the intent of the play, and he found working with Heloise to build his understanding to be a highlight of his experience.

Bec Ramsey (1997): English Teacher, Hair and Make-up Expert
In encouraging the students to explore the possibilities of hair and makeup in theatre, Pembroke teacher and old scholar Bec Ramsey (1997) inspires students to push the boundaries of their designs and develop a deeper understanding of the impact that stylistic choices have on an audience. A regular and a natural backstage, Bec is mentoring India (Year 12) to use hair and makeup to help deliver the show’s dramatic impact, and help the actors inhabit the mental headspace and physicality of the characters.

Thank you to all who have generously given their time to teach the Year 12s the tricks of the trade. We can’t wait to see it all come together and experience the magic of theatre!

Things I Know to Be True is showing from Wednesday 19 May – Saturday 22 May in Wright Hall at Pembroke School. Tickets are selling out fast - book your tickets now.