Davidson High School will be hosting a special Season of Performing Arts with two days of wonderful entertainment
Year 12 students Nathan Barlow and Courtney Drake are giggling with excitement. Since Year 7, they have spent over 100 hours studying and developing their performing arts skills. Now they are counting down the days for their last presentation as Davidson High School students for the school’s Season of Performing Arts (SOPA).
SOPA is an annual showcase of performances that celebrates the diverse disciplines of the performing arts and culminates in six shows over two days. Drama, dance and music elective students are encouraged to devise their original pieces or be part of the stage crew.
For Nathan and Courtney this year, SOPA is extra special. It’s not only their last year in high school with their showcase HSC performance; they will be also part of the program’s 30th anniversary.
Over the last three decades, dedicated teachers have supported students and guided them throughout their careers, beyond their presentation days. The program has allowed them to develop interpersonal skills that go beyond the classrooms. Music teacher Kelly Morrow has been part of the show for many years and has seen previous students continue their passion, transforming it into a career.
“We had very talented percussionists go through the school a number of years ago. And one of them is actually studying at the Conservatorium of Music now in the jazz course. And another one tutors locally,” she says.
Nathan joined the drama ensemble in Year 7. “I’d never seen a SOPA show before I got into high school. It was a different concept for me. The environment leads people to do things in the future. I think it gives us communication skills and time management from a very young age. And for the future, it’ll be good because we know how to manage it,” says Nathan.
Courtney says her experience with SOPA started when she was in primary school and had the chance to attend SOPA as part of her school excursions. Now she is part of the band and the drama crew. “I fell in love with it straight away,” she laughs. “I enjoy it so much. It’s a nice opportunity, and I’ve just never wanted to stop doing it.
“It’s really everyone cooperating with each other, especially with the stage crew. And it really gives us a good dynamic for a workplace teamwork setting.”
The community and parents play an important role as well. Principal David Rule says: “The P&C has done a lot of work over the years. We’ve had families that have contributed with photography, filming and transporting equipment.”
SOPA will be held at Glen Street Theatre on 13 and 14 June. Thursday night’s performance is the ‘Reunion SOPA,’ where current students and ex-students come together to perform.
Tickets are available via the Davidson High School website and at Glen Street Theatre: glenstreet.com