“Delineating the Benefits of Arts Education for Children’s Socioemotional Development,” Steven J. Holochwost, Thalia R. Goldstein, and Dennie Palmer Wolf, 2021.
“Participation in arts education—particularly theatre—supports students’ identity formation, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills.”
This was clearly reflected in our production of Mary Poppins Jr., performed at The Art House last week, where students form Years 5-12 collaborated across performance and production roles, building confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
Over the past nine months, staff and students alike have demonstrated unwavering commitment. Despite long school days, every rehearsal was filled with enthusiasm, energy, and a genuine love for the stage. It was inspiring to see students arrive ready to contribute, lifting one another up and bringing joy to each moment of the creative process.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this production was the way it fostered connections across year groups. Students came together as one ensemble, forming meaningful friendships and supporting each other both on and off the stage. Small but powerful gestures, such as junior cast members creating friendship bracelets for fellow performers, captured the kindness and unity that made this production so special. Boundaries between year levels disappeared, replaced by a shared sense of purpose and pride.
This success would not have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of our staff. A heartfelt thank you goes to Emma Briggs and Kristen Gerrish for their beautiful choreography, and to Ben Ross, Ethan Dennis, and Esther Albert for guiding students to achieve stunning vocal harmonies. Mrs. Ramsey brought boundless positivity backstage, expertly supporting our junior ensemble and ensuring smooth transitions throughout the show.
A special acknowledgement must be given to co-director Evan Tancred, whose vision, passion, and tireless efforts elevated this production at every stage. His commitment to the rehearsal process ensured that every scene was crafted with care and precision. His dedication did not go unnoticed, and the production team was especially grateful to share this experience with him even as he celebrated his birthday on our closing night.
The production also benefited from the support of past students, including Siobhan McLarty and Tatiana Prica-Chamberlain, who generously gave their time backstage. Their continued connection to the program highlights the lasting impact of the performing arts and the strong sense of community they create.
Behind the scenes, the production reached new heights. Our stunning costumes and props were expertly crafted by the Central Coast Music Factory’s remarkable Jayne Johnston and added beauty and magic to every scene. The extraordinary work of makeup artists Chloe Theakstone and Ashley Joe Parker brought each character vividly to life, with Ashley’s careful planning ensuring a cohesive and captivating visual result.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Mr Wheeldon and Mrs MacLarty for their ongoing support of the performing arts. Their belief in this vision from the very beginning has been instrumental in making productions like this possible. Gratitude is also extended to Rob Cotterill and Sam Willmott for creating the largest and most impressive set we have ever seen on our stage!
To our Year 11 and 12 students, this production marks a bittersweet milestone. Many have been part of this program in past productions since Year 7, and it has been a privilege to watch you grow as performers and individuals. Your dedication has left a lasting legacy that will inspire future casts.
Finally, we thank our wonderful parent community for your unwavering support. Driving students to rehearsals, helping with costumes, and ensuring they were ready for early starts – the tireless contribution of our parent community also plays an essential role in the success of our productions.
With 98 students involved on stage and behind the scenes, supported by 10 dedicated staff members, Mary Poppins Jr. has been our largest production to date. It has set a new benchmark for what is possible and leaves us excited for what the future holds.
From the entire cast and crew, thank you for your support. This is a production that will not be easily forgotten.
We can’t wait to see future expressions of the creative and performing arts at Lakes – there is so much talent and passion to admire, and there is something deeply wonderful when we nurture so many profound experiences beyond the classroom.
