More than a performance: drama’s lasting impact on young people

Nicole Smith stepped on to the stage at Haileybury’s Aikman Hall and it changed her life. It was 1997 and the then 12-year-old was a Toorak College student whose school had partnered with Haileybury to put on a variety evening of dance, song and big band music.

“When I made my debut at Haileybury, it sparked an absolute lifelong passion. Later, I was part of the musical and plays too, and because of that experience, I went to drama school and then returned to Haileybury as a student teacher. I’ve been here teaching Drama and Theatre Studies ever since,” says Nicole.

“My connection to the Performing Arts at Haileybury is very personal. I understand what it is to be a young person who finds their tribe, feels seen, can use their voice and is taken seriously. I know how empowering that can be for students.”

Scripts, sketches and set design

Nicole’s office at Haileybury’s Keysborough campus is a colourful, vibrant space. Filled with scripts, sketches, costumes and props, an endless stream of students drop by to discuss rehearsal times, set design, how to bring their on-stage character to life, and to ask Nicole’s advice on VCE assignments.

At the moment, Nicole, who is Senior School Head of Drama & Theatre Studies and co-curricular Drama, and an extended team of teachers – many of whom also work in theatre land – are putting together an Autumn Play with students across the four campuses.

A Winter Play is also in the works that will include a 35-piece orchestra and 55 of Haileybury’s talented young performers, singers and dancers. Backstage, an army of students passionate about set design, lighting and sound will also help bring the grand scale production to life.

An industry lens

The frequency, size and quality of the drama and theatre productions at Haileybury reflect the value the school places on the performing arts. Big casts, complex sets, state-of-the-art light and sound technology, and impressive music performances are all routine elements of the school’s large scale and smaller scale productions.

Some students graduate and go on to build careers in the industry as actors, producers, directors, writers, lighting and sound technicians and in stage management. The high standard performances also attract industry professionals who mentor students and provide a real-world lens on what it takes to work and succeed in the performing arts today.

Current artist-in-residence, Alister Smith, has been the creative force behind successful national Australian tours of Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Elvis.

Professional set and costume designer, Christina Logan Bell, has worked with theatre companies and Melbourne Opera, and Jackson Peele, a Haileybury alumni, is a respected writer, director and composer who frequently visits the school to share his expertise.

Creating community

Nicole’s passion for performance is obvious and infectious. While she likes to make room for some lighter moments during class and rehearsals, students know there are high expectations and standards to maintain, and they thrive.

“This has to be fun. We serve the show which is something bigger than each of us and we play hard, but there has to be fun. Young people are finding their tribe and experimenting and every rehearsal has to have a sense of play and a space where students can try things out,” says Nicole.

“My job is to find that balance where we can be practical, have a shared vision, work towards ambitious, ambitious projects and find joy in that. At the same time, we aspire to create professional-looking shows and we explore and push boundaries with what we can do, but we always remember that this is a school and so there is nurturing and support.

“In a world where community is being eroded or moved online, it’s very special to have something that brings students together with a common purpose.”

Skills that outlast the spotlight

While some students are inspired to find careers in acting, writing, directing, stage management, set design or explore the technological side of theatre production, being part of drama and theatre studies at Haileybury brings skills that are equally valuable off stage.

“The transferable skills are deeply practical,” says Nicole.

“Students have to collaborate, work with different personalities, follow a tight schedule and they have to get comfortable with getting things wrong and trying again. There is a lot of responsibility and resilience involved. They have to budget, negotiate and see a project through from conception to the very end.

“Through drama and theatre, young people also learn that they are a sum of many parts and so they develop a strong sense of humility, and that is perhaps one of life’s greatest skills.”