Junior School and Gawura School students from St Andrew’s Cathedral School are still buzzing from their outstanding production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR, performed at The Concourse theatre in Chatswood at the beginning of this month.
Given the importance the School places on the performing arts, the School has continued a busy schedule of productions this year, starting with our Secondary School Major Drama Treasure Island, the annual whole school performing arts concert, Showcase, held at the Sydney Town Hall. Entitled Generations, this year’s concert was a powerful celebration of St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s 140th year, featuring inspiring choral and individual performances, alongside iconic anthems and musical theatre.
A love of the performing arts is interwoven into the fabric of the School, given its beginnings in 1885 as a choral school. While the Cathedral Choir has a reputation for developing quality vocalists, the School has also played a major role in the development of countless professional concert musicians and actors. The School’s emphasis has always been on giving every student the opportunity to learn the discipline associated with pursuing excellence on the stage, as well as the community-building joy of performance. For instance, music students have more than 30 ensembles to choose from, while drama students can study the subject as part of the school curriculum or join a number of ensembles starting from the Junior School.
“Students are transformed by participation in our Performing Arts programmes,” said Dr Julie McGonigle, Head of School. “The professional nature of our performances reflects the outstanding educational qualifications as well as professional experience our performing arts staff have, but also the strong relationships they forge with our students both in and outside of the classroom. The engagement we enjoy in music, drama and dance reflects the fact that as a school we know how to stretch our students to follow their passions—developing self-control and persistence along the way—so they develop both expertise and character.”
As well as the opportunity to star in major performances throughout the year, with Middle School Drama ensemble students presenting The Three Musketeers in August, and the Secondary School’s Major Drama performance, Treasure Island performed in February, performing arts students at the School also enjoy bi-annual music and drama trips abroad. In April this year 85 music students and 11 staff undertook a life-changing 17-day journey across Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, undertaking workshops with world-renowned institutions and allowing students to showcase and workshop their talents in some of the world’s most esteemed musical and cultural venues from Prague, Salzburg to Budapest. The recent biannual drama tour took students to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and in 2026 students will head to Europe to immerse themselves in the world of theatre and participate in workshops with professional actors.
“For many of our Secondary School students, stepping onto the stage — whether in a musical, dance, or drama production — has been deeply enriching. These experiences often become defining moments in their school journey, igniting confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the expressive power of performance. It’s inspiring to witness how the arts open doors to self-discovery and leave lasting impressions that echo far beyond the final curtain.” said Mr Ben Milis, Director of Performing Arts.
Come and find out more about the outstanding opportunities offered at St Andrew’s Cathedral School by joining our next Head of School Tour on Tuesday, 18 November, 9am – 10.30am.
To book your place visit: www.sacs.nsw.edu.au/HOS18Nov
Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, St Andrew’s Cathedral School is an innovative, co-educational day school, providing students from […]