Hours of rehearsals have paid off for students in Shawnigan’s performing arts curricular and 360 (co-curricular arts and activities) programs this fall, with several outstanding performances in concerts, showcases and festivals on and off campus over the last two months.
In addition to taking a huge contingent to STAR Fest in Victoria this month, the drama program at Shawnigan has had two chances to perform for fellow students. On Friday, December 13, the Grade 11 and 12 Theatre Company class held the Night of Theatre Showcase, where students performed the acting duo scenes they prepared for STAR Fest. Unlike the barebones feel of STAR Fest, the showcase performances incorporated lighting, music, props and costumes. The Theatre Company Group will now begin rehearsing their June production of 12 Angry Jurors.
On Tuesday, December 17, Drama 10 students showcased their acting duo scenes in front of their Grade 10 peers. Two of the five scenes were also performed at STAR Fest, both earning a chance to compete at nationals in the spring. The Drama 10 class will wrap up their art rotation with a unit on improv.
Music students took part in a successful carolling outing around the Houses on Monday, December 9, with more than 30 students participating, and an intimate winter instrumental and choral concert in the Chapel on Saturday, December 14.
The dance program held its Winter Showcase at the end of November, with a huge crowd attending to watch students from dance classes in Grades 9-12 perform numbers they had been working on since September. Some of the students are experienced dancers, while others had never been on stage before. Among the highlights were a contemporary solo by Ellie N. and the Grade 9 class’s electric opening performance of “Wings.” Dance teacher Ms. Annie Marland called the evening “a joyful and inspiring performance.”
The dance program’s big show is yet to come: the Night of Dance on April 30.
Tickets to the upcoming School musical, Chicago, featuring plenty of music, drama and dance, are on sale now. The show will run from February 5-8 at the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.