News
Success at STAR Fest
Building on a successful appearance at STAR Fest nationals last spring, Shawnigan’s performing arts curricular and 360 programs sent a huge contingent to the regional event in Victoria last weekend, qualifying several teams for the 2025 national event. STAR Fest is a series of regional theatre festivals where students perform, watch performances, attend workshops, and build community with students from other schools, and this is the second year that Shawnigan has participated.
The School’s delegation this year included selected groups from Grade 10 drama, junior and senior students in curricular vocal arts, and the musical theatre company that is preparing to stage Chicago in February. Nearly all of the School’s Grade 9 students also made the trip as part of the Beyond the Gates program, attending as spectators and workshop participants.
The day began with an orientation and keynote address, followed by two performance sessions in the morning and two workshop sessions in the afternoon, covering a range of topics from acting for film and improv to musical theatre dance and theatre design.
Performers were left to their own devices on stage as STAR Fest emphasizes performance fundamentals — no props or costumes — ensuring focus on the essence of storytelling and artistry.
The students were graded on their performances by a panel of esteemed judges, and those who scored “proficient” were invited to nationals in Vancouver next April, with an opportunity to showcase their talents on a larger stage. Students who scored “advanced” will have the chance to audition for a featured performance in the opening ceremony at nationals.
Shawnigan’s results:
Acting Ensemble
• Advanced
- Liver for Breakfast – Talia S., Sorath R., Aava N. (Theatre Company 12)Acting Duo Scenes
• Advanced:
- It’s Not You, It’s Me – Alex F. and Victoria B. (Grade 10 Drama)- Getting It Back, Almost, Maine – Leo S. and Jessie A. (Theatre Company 11)
• Proficient:
- It’s Not You, It’s Me – Madison J. and Hunter H. (Grade 10 Drama)- They Fell, Almost, Maine – DJ B. and Gabriel B. (Theatre Company 12)
- Letter to Ma, Mutually Assured Destruction – William S. and Noland B. (Theatre Company 11/12)
- Phil & Marcy, Almost, Maine – Joy O. and Milo M. (Theatre Company 11/12)
Musical Theatre Ensemble
• Proficient:
- "All That Jazz" (Chicago) – Soloist: Ivana W., Dancers: Sasha T., Isabella P., Ellie N., Yoon O., Angela U., Georgia N., Callia B., Audrey C., Reese S., Talia S., Imogen N., & Penelope L.- "All I Care About Is Love" (Chicago) – Soloist: Gabriel B., Dancers: Sasha T., Isabella P., Ellie N., Yoon O., Angela U., Georgia N., Callia B., Audrey C., Reese S., & Penelope L.
- "Cellblock Tango" (Chicago) – Singers: Ivana W., Sasha T., Isabella P., Ellie N., Yoon O., Angela U., Dancers: Sasha T., Isabella P., Ellie N., Yoon O., Angela U., Georgia N., Callia B., Audrey C., & Reese S.
Musical Duet
• Proficient:- “Only Us” (Dear Evan Hansen) – Gabriel B. and Imogen N.
Musical Solo
• Proficient:- “Hopelessly Devoted to You” (Grease) – Penelope L. (One of only three performers who placed, out of more than 20 participants in this category.)
Honourable mentions went to Alex F., Gabriel B., DJ B., Val V., Imogen N., and Talia S. Talia also impressed the instructor in the Acting for Film workshop.
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.
