Take A Bow: Celebrating the Arts Evening 2022

In a year littered with cancelled productions, outdoor events, restrictions and backup plans, students, parents, and staff alike looked back upon the Arts in 2022 and found much to be proud of. As we accelerate towards Christmas, the annual Celebrating the Arts Evening at the College encourages those involved in Performing Arts to pause, reflect, and take pride in incredible events produced throughout the year.

With dimmed lights in Elliot Hall, elegantly dressed tables themed to different events from the year illuminated the space just enough to see the excitement on each attendee’s face. One table donned golden oscar-like statues representing ‘The Kents’ film festival from earlier last term. Another group sat in an explosion of colour with beautiful flowers and fabrics from the Cultural Festival. As an arts celebration, creativity was to be expected. However, individual flare also shone through the décor as each table was decorated by a member of the Arts Council, theming it to an event that best represented them.

The audience hushed as the ceremony started with the familiar song of the Saint Kentigern Pipes and Drums. Immediately following, the guests were welcomed by Ms Sara Standring, who expressed her gratitude to students, staff, and parents who tirelessly worked to make the most of a year that started unpredictably. Arts prefects Melody Lui-Webster and Tague Bradley followed, addressing the audience by summarising all the standout achievements, setting the stage for the acts and awards to follow.

Before intermission, the audience was treated to performances between each set of awards. A smooth jazz performance by the Big Band, a Year 13 Mamma Mia dance medley, a traditional Samoan song and dance, a chaotic version of Cinderella by Theatresports that had the audience rolling back with laughter, and Cell Block Tango from Broadway Bites were all part of the entertainment. Delicious food boxes for each guest were filled with sweet and savoury treats to keep hungry bellies filled through the night. The celebrations continued after intermission, as did the performances. The night’s second half included lots of drama, from a monologue from Shakespeare’s Macbeth to the Year 12 Drama Performance using the small example of pockets in clothes as cultural commentary. A particular highlight was the beautiful Kentoris that performed a beautiful piece with a solo flautist. Act after act continued to prove the high calibre and diverse array of Arts the College is involved in.

Colours were presented towards the end of the night. These awards were for students who have shown dedication to a particular area of the Arts for a minimum of two years. Several students received colours in multiple disciplines, including drama, music, and dance. The night’s final two awards were the Middle School Performing Artist of the Year and the Senior School Overall Performing Artist of the Year. These were won by Amelia Evangelidakis and Arts Prefect Melody Lui-Webster, respectively. Each of them has shown passion, love, and dedication to various groups.

With a slew of successful arts events in 2022, with heavy hitters including the Dance Showcase, Broadway Bites, Wearable Arts, Play Series, and the Cultural Celebration, we now look to next year. To perfectly round out the evening, 2023 Arts’ Prefects Josh Evangelidakis and Mackenzie Alley were announced. They have much to live up to after the impressive showing of Celebrating the Arts evening.

There are too many people to each thank individually for their contributions to the Arts over the year. We must thank our Performing Arts leaders Sara Standring, Geordan Wilcox, Mary Lin, Dave Sheehan, Glen Mortensen, Jasmine Martin, Amanda Raea and Sally Rose for their consistent and joyful approach to an unpredictable year. To all the staff, students, volunteers, and parents who have been so generous thank you for the hours given, ideas conceptualised and hard work. You are all appreciated and valued, and we are so grateful for you enabling what we saw this evening to become a reality.