The Power of Theatre

Article by Will Robertson, Grade 7 Teacher, Producer of GREASE The Musical 

The recent production of grease was a celebration of student Growth and community spirit. For staff member and alumnus Will Robertson, it marked a full-circle moment. Once a timid Grade 9 student discovering theatre, he now helps guide the Next generation to step into the spotlight.

One of my first musical theatre experiences was Launceston Grammar’s Beauty and the Beast, where I played Chip. As a relatively timid Grade 9 student, it was daunting stepping into this world. Yet with this vulnerability came growth, and I knew I had found something special. However, theatre was never at the forefront of my mind, and I can guarantee you I would never have stepped on the stage were it not for the support and encouragement of my amazing performing arts teachers at Grammar. Their passion created an inclusive culture that celebrated and encouraged students from all walks of life (athletes, academics, gamers, to name a few) to step on the stage. Flash forward ten years, and I now find myself sitting in this chair, inspiring the next generation of students to embrace the powerful impact of the performing arts. Two key components of my job are public speaking and quick thinking, and before theatre, I would have thought these skills impossible for me, let alone using them for a living! 

The vision of the production team for Grease was simple: to create a warm, inclusive environment where students were encouraged to be vulnerable, try new things, and grow as individuals. This cast was an absolute joy to work with. They supported each other wholeheartedly, and it was so special watching Grade 8 and 9 students form strong bonds with our fabulous Grade 10, 11 and 12 leaders. Even now, in the days following theatre week, it is wonderful to see those friendships still thriving on campus. On paper, our cast and crew look like the most random bunch of students, but the magic of the arts brings people together. I find it extra special watching those experiencing theatre for the first time discover a new appreciation for this art form.  

Reflecting on Grease, a key takeaway has been not only the amount of support from our School community, but how much of a small world Launceston is! When I was at Grammar, I shared my Gillett tutor group with Elie, our choreographer. Conall, our Assistant Stage Manager, and Winston, our Microphone Technician, are friends of mine from the Grammar Class of 2018. 

Sharon Prigmore, who designed our hair and wigs, was my Teacher’s Aide throughout my time at the Junior Campus. Their willingness and passion to return to Grammar and work on this project speak volumes about the deep connection our School community has to the performing arts. Talking with them, conversations inevitably turned to reminiscing on our own school musicals; the laughter, the backstage chaos, and the lifelong friendships that were formed. 

On paper, our cast and crew look like the most random bunch of students, but the magic of the arts brings people together.

"It brings me so much joy to see growing investment in the arts at Grammar over the past few years. The scale and ambition of recent productions such as Grease has been extraordinary."

Not only has student involvement skyrocketed, but the opportunity to perform at the iconic 115-year-old Princess Theatre is something those students will remember for the rest of their lives. For 4,000 members of our community to come through the doors over the performance season, and to have a full house on closing night, was an absolute thrill. 

What I found particularly special was seeing those ticket holders who were not students, staff or parents come through the doors. Whether it was elderly couples, with no association with the School, who came to reminisce on their childhoods in the 1950s, or those paying tribute to the recent passing of Olivia Newton-John, Grease created a special experience for the community of Launceston. 

Through experiences like these we see incredible growth in our students, and skills developed that they take into their classroom learning. Theatre requires students to be problem solvers, work as a team, think on the fly and be resilient in an environment where they can grow social skills and become self-assured young people. Watching tears shed and students embrace each other as the curtain fell on closing night was a testament to the impact theatre can have. This show is something of which our entire Grammar community should be proud. I am so grateful to be in a position where I can advocate for the power of theatre, as it is something I believe everyone deserves to experience at least once in their life!