Performing Arts
At St Michael's, the performing arts are woven into the everyday life of the School. From first explorations in music and movement to large-scale productions and specialist ensembles, students express themselves and are encouraged to grow in confidence.
A long-standing tradition of creativity
Education through the arts
The performing arts play an important academic and pastoral role at St Michael's. Embedded within the curriculum and extended through co-curricular opportunities, the program supports the development of the whole child.
Participation in music, drama and dance helps students build confidence and resilience while developing a genuine sense of belonging. They learn to communicate effectively and collaborate with others, strengthening their focus and creative thinking along the way. Through exploring diverse perspectives and stories, students develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
While St Michael's proudly supports students with exceptional talent and professional aspirations, the performing arts are valued for all learners. Students do not need to be specialists to benefit. The curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, self-expression and personal growth—skills that extend well beyond the stage and into lifelong learning.
The Performing Arts Centre, St George's
Our award-winning Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, provides students with professional-standard spaces for teaching, rehearsal and performance, designed to reflect contemporary industry practice. It supports music, drama and dance learning while strengthening the connection between student experience, real-world performance and the cultural life of the School.
A heritage space reimagined for learning
The PACA brings new life to a much-loved local landmark. Carefully restored heritage features, including the vaulted timber ceiling, stained-glass windows and historic Lewis and Sons organ, create a setting that connects students to the past while supporting contemporary learning.
Professional performance, right at school
Opened in 2023, the PACA offers students access to a theatre of exceptional quality. Advanced sound and lighting systems, including the L-ISA sound technology used in leading professional venues, allow students to experience performance in an environment that reflects real industry practice.
Designed for flexibility and future growth
The PACA has been designed to adapt to a wide range of performances and learning experiences. A sprung floor supports safe movement and dance, while flexible seating and configurable staging allow the space to transform for productions, concerts and community events as the School continues to grow.
Productions
Productions at St Michael's are a defining feature of the performing arts program. Students across year levels have opportunities to participate in plays, musicals and dance projects, supported by experienced directors, choreographers, designers and technical staff.
Year 10-12 Play 2025
Creative leadership
Productions at St Michael’s are led by experienced directors, producers and creative practitioners who bring professional expectations into a school setting.
Students work within clearly structured processes that reflect industry practice, learning how strong leadership, collaboration and creative discipline shape successful performances.
The rehearsal process
Rehearsal programs are carefully designed to balance ambition with student wellbeing. Time and support are built into the process, allowing students to develop confidence and resilience as they move from early rehearsals through to performance.
Design and stagecraft
Students are encouraged to engage with all aspects of production, both on stage and behind the scenes. From staging and props to costume, make-up and theatre technologies, productions offer hands-on experience that deepens understanding of how ideas are realised in our PACA and drama studio.
Junior School Program
Marlton Strings (Prep–Year 6)
A core learning ensemble for all string players in Prep to Year 6.
Junior Band (typically Year 4–Year 6)
A core learning ensemble for band instrument players from the Junior School, including brass, woodwind and percussion.
Junior Guitar Ensemble (typically Year 4–Year 6)
A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the Junior School.
Junior Clarinet Ensemble (Year 4–Year 6)
An extension learning ensemble for clarinet students in Years 4 to 6.
Harrison Choir (Prep–Year 2)
An open-entry choir for any interested students in Prep to Year 2, with a focus on engagement through fun repertoire and learning to sing together.
Harrison Choir (Year 3–Year 4)
An open-entry choir for students in Years 3 and 4, focused on fun repertoire and developing effective group singing.
Harrison Choir (Year 5–Year 6)
An open-entry choir for students in Years 5 and 6, with a focus on engagement, student choice and ensemble singing.
Chamber Choir (Year 3–Year 6)
An auditioned choir for students in Years 3 to 6, developing music reading skills and choral technique while enjoying ensemble singing.
Senior School Program
Grigoryan Strings (Year 7–Year 12)
A core learning ensemble for all string players in Years 7 to 12, with invited extension opportunities for Year 6 students.
Grigoryan Quartet (Year 7–Year 12)
An extension ensemble for string students in Years 7 to 12.
Scholastica Band (Year 7–Year 12)
A core learning ensemble for all band instrument students in Years 7 to 12, including brass, woodwind and percussion.
Big Band (Year 9–Year 12)
An auditioned extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 9 to 12.
Musical Orchestra (Year 8–Year 12, selected years)
An auditioned extension ensemble formed to create the pit orchestra for the 10–12 Musical.
St Michael’s Orchestra (Year 7–Year 12)
A core learning ensemble for string players and an extension ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion students.
Stage Band (Year 7–Year 12)
An extension jazz ensemble with a flexible line-up, enabling participation by a broader range of students.
School of Rock (Year 7–Year 12)
A rock band program with an emphasis on performance, songwriting and recording.
Senior Saxophone Ensemble (Year 8–Year 12)
An extension ensemble for saxophone students in Years 8 to 12.
Wind Ensemble (Year 7–Year 12)
An ensemble for woodwind students in Years 7 to 12.
Percussion Ensemble (Year 7–Year 12)
An extension ensemble for percussion students in Years 7 to 12.
Senior Guitar Ensemble (Year 7–Year 12)
A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the senior years.
Chamber Brass (Year 7–Year 12)
An optional extension ensemble for brass students from Years 7 to 12.
Cello Choir (Year 7–Year 12)
An extension ensemble for cello students in Years 7 to 12.
Harrison Choir (Year 7–Year 9 / Year 10–Year 12)
Open-entry choirs for interested senior students, providing exposure to a wide range of choral repertoire.
Chamber Choir (Year 7–Year 12)
An auditioned extension choral program focused on high-quality performance and advanced choral technique.
Extracurricular Tuition
Specialist instruction with expert tutors
Weekly private music lessons are available to students from Prep to Year 12 through the Instrumental Music Program. Tuition is delivered by highly qualified specialist tutors and offered on a fee-for-service basis.
Private lessons complement the curricular and co-curricular music programs, allowing students to deepen technical skill, musical understanding and performance confidence.
Professional & High-Performing Pathways
For students seeking advanced training or professional pathways in the performing arts, St Michael's provides guidance, mentoring and performance opportunities aligned with individual goals.
Support includes access to high-level ensembles and productions, audition preparation and portfolio development, plus pathway advice for tertiary study and industry opportunities. Students are encouraged to balance ambition with wellbeing, supported by the School's broader academic and pastoral frameworks.
Industry & Community Partnerships
Learning beyond the School
The performing arts program is strengthened through relationships with industry professionals and community partners. These partnerships provide students with authentic learning experiences, exposure to professional practice and opportunities to perform for wider audiences.
Notable Old Michaelians
St Michael’s is one of Australia’s leading independent coeducational schools, educating more than 1200 students from Kindergarten to VCE. We acknowledge the Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which St Michael’s stands. We pay respect to their ancestors, elders and emerging leaders, and we are committed to reconciliation through authentic relationships and continued cultural learning.
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