Our Year 11 General and ATAR Drama students recently enjoyed an exciting and enriching excursion to His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth, where they took part in a specialised workshop with the renowned Black Swan State Theatre Company. The visit formed an important part of their preparation for their upcoming Term 4 production of Teechers, providing both inspiration and practical skills to bring their performances to life.

A highlight of the day was the exclusive backstage tour, which offered students a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of Perth’s most iconic theatres. Students explored areas not usually open to the public, including technical control spaces, the orchestra pit, lighting rigging, and the stage itself. Following the tour, students participated in a series of engaging workshops led by Black Swan practitioners. The physical theatre workshop challenged students to use movement and body language to communicate meaning, helping them build confidence and stage presence. Through dynamic exercises, they explored how physicality can enhance storytelling and character development, skills that will be essential in the fast-paced, multi-role structure of Teechers.

The characterisation workshop further encouraged students to experiment with voice, expression, and transformation as they worked on creating distinct and believable characters. With expert guidance, they practised switching between roles and refining their performances, gaining techniques to make each character unique and engaging for an audience. Overall, the excursion was an invaluable experience that combined professional insight with hands-on learning. Students returned inspired and better equipped to begin rehearsals for Teechers, and we look forward to seeing these new skills showcased on stage later this year.