For the first time ever Mount St Joseph Milperra Catholic College (MSJ) has a team in the Schools Challenge Grand Final at Sydney’s iconic Enmore Theatre. The intermediate team from MSJ is one of only 8 teams remaining in the all-schools competition that boasts 200 student teams across Sydney and NSW.
Team Coach and Creative Arts Leader of Learning at MSJ Ms Kermode explains “The best thing is that nobody knows what could happen on the day”. Which means that anyone could win. As a teacher, Ms Kermode proudly states that improvisation “has made me a better teacher” and goes on to say, “I love seeing what people come up with as they play games that make them vulnerable”. With drama available as an elective at MSJ from years 9-12, opportunities such as this add to a range of experiences available to unlock creativity in the growing minds of young women.
Making it through to the semi-finals is no easy process, yet MSJ’s senior and intermediate team both reached that feat in 2022. Current intermediate team member Tatum explains how “compared to the regional heats, the semi-finals were a little more difficult without any repeat performances”. Teams of 3 to 5 students from each school perform alongside other schools in their region, and are challenged to create 1, 2, and 3 minute improvised scenes live on stage. The scenes are judged by 3 improvisation professionals. Tatum explains how “The areas we had to improvise on were sound effects, genre reply, and soap opera”. Which proved successful enough to earn them a place in the intermediate grand final at 2pm on Sunday 12 June.
Team member Aimee made her Theatresports debut this year and says that she enjoys “The unpredictability of it. It’s like its own thing”. The friendship in the 4-person team that also includes Theresa and Stacey is evident in their performances, with Tatum explaining how they have all formed “friendships between our team as well as the other teams in the Theatresports competition. We all became friends and enjoy cheering each other on”.
Watch this hilarious spectacular and cheer on MSJ at 2pm Sunday 12 June by purchasing tickets via 9550 3666 or online at https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=STSCHOOL22