Forget awkward high-school plays – The McDonald College is a cut above.
This K-12 school, lauded for its integrated performing arts program, just wrapped a phenomenal season of student productions that left audiences spellbound and critics raving. Their recent take on the musical A Chorus Line was particularly mind-blowing. “Simply phenomenal! I forgot it was a student show,” remarked one attendee.
This exceptional talent pool isn’t a fluke. The McDonald College draws in the next generation of talent from around greater Sydney and NSW and builds them into the stars of tomorrow. Alumni include the former Wiggle Emma Watkins, Logie and AACTA nominated actors Bojana Novakovic and Ayesha Madon (Heartbreak High), performer Tim Draxl, comedian Felicity Ward (star of the upcoming The Office Australia), ARIA nominated singer Meg Mac and many others. Academics seamlessly blend with daily classes in performing arts – ballet, dance, acting – all during school hours. This immersive environment generates real-world experience, cultivates professional skills in emerging performers and provides a solid academic basis for future success in any field.
Stupid F*%$ing Bird production
A Chorus Line captivated audiences with six sold-out shows. The student cast delivered powerful performances and impressive vocals, bringing Marvin Hamlisch’s score to life. The Head of Musical Theatre even arranged for students to have a live chat with Broadway legend Priscilla Lopez, an original cast member, further enriching this experience.
The College’s acting department showcased its depth in three different productions. The Year 7-9 students delivered the Australian premiere of Peach Tree Smash Cut, a poignant coming-of-age story by Sydney writer and director Alex Lee-Rekers who wrote the play for The McDonald College students.
The Senior Acting Stream productions were equally impressive. Stupid F*%$ing Bird, a modern adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull, convinced with the ensemble’s strong performance of this challenging material. Packed houses witnessed the exceptional talent within the senior cohort. The season closed with a side-splitting production of the English farce Noises Off – a fast-paced comedy demanding technical mastery, which the cast delivered with remarkable ease.
The McDonald College’s 2024 season underscored its unwavering commitment to nurturing young performers. Under the guidance of industry leading instructors, these students delivered world-class performances. The thunderous applause each night was a testament to staff and students’ dedication and the undeniable power of the performing arts.
The Senior’s classical ballet stream perform Swan Lake.
But performance is only one of the aspects that the College is renowned for. Emotional wellbeing and support are high on the agenda too, especially so for the students from different parts of Australia and overseas who board at the school. Students receive guidance and care from dedicated staff like Rebecca Rogers, Head of Boarding (registered nurse and mother of three, two of whom attended The McDonald College).
“We take pride in treating each other with kindness and tolerance,” says Rogers. “It’s a small boarding house with a family feel, and the support the students show each other, whether they’re aspiring actors or musicians, is truly special.”
Boarders learn essential life skills, independence, self-care, effective time management, and the importance of teamwork. They develop a strong work ethic and the resilience needed to navigate the demanding world of performance.
The College actively encourages students to pursue professional opportunities, facilitating external auditions and providing guidance throughout the process. Many graduates go on to prestigious performing arts institutions like NIDA, WAAPA, or The Royal Ballet School in London, while others choose completely unrelated paths, empowered by the skills and confidence gained at The McDonald College.
To find out more about The McDonald College and its performing arts streams visit www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
To read about the program supporting schoolgirls in the STEM industry, click here.