Behind the Curtain: Bringing Disco to Deep Space to Life

The lights went down, the music started, and our Junior School students took us on an unforgettable journey from Disco to Deep Space.

Across six performances, students brought the production to life through music, dance and drama. Behind the scenes was a huge team effort from students and staff, with the production designed to give every student the opportunity to be involved.

We caught up with the production writer, director for the Year 4 students and Junior School teacher, Mr Paul Russell, to find out more about the inspiration behind the production, the students’ experience and some of the special moments that made this year’s show so memorable.

What was your role in the production?

My role was general over-see-er and puller-together-er! I wrote the show and directed the Year 4 lead actors, supported classroom teachers as they choreographed students, built props, designed sets, managed backstage, facilitated tickets, and supported as many students as I could.

What inspired the choice of Disco to Deep Space for this year’s production?

The production was inspired by the students, and by the songs staff chose for their class to perform. Rather than starting with a script and deciding what songs would fit, staff first chose a song and dance item for their class. We then looked at how many Year 3 and Year 4 students wanted a talking or lead role and wrote a show around them.

This gave us the opportunity to include as many students as possible and provide as many opportunities as we could.

“When we were told about the production, I didn’t think I wanted to be like a lead actor … but I actually did go for the lead, and I was practicing a lot! I didn’t know I could have so much confidence.”

Piper M, Year 4

What did the students work on in the lead-up, and what did you notice about them throughout the process?

Preparation for the show took place during our Creative Connection time, which focuses on Creative Arts, including drama and dance. It was such a joy as a teacher to see students grow in confidence, from those first weeks when they were getting to know their lines, to the final performances, when they were acting, moving and delivering their lines with confidence.

Because we could modify and change the script, we were also able to differentiate parts for individual students. Some had palm cards, others had shorter lines, and some used pre-recorded pieces. This meant that as many students as possible could be included and experience the confidence, creativity and joy that comes with being part of a school production.

“I like speaking, but I never knew I was capable of acting.”

Sophia B, Year 4

What do students gain from being involved in a production like this?

Confidence, teamwork, speaking skills, movement skills and the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.

Was there a particular moment that stood out to you?

There are so many! One Year 4 student initially chose not to have a lead part but developed the confidence throughout the experience to understudy and take on a role when another student was sick.

Another student lost their confidence a fortnight before the show, but with some additional support in place, they participated and burst to life on stage!

There were also students who had smaller roles but felt like they had starred in a Hollywood blockbuster, and students who discovered that theatre and art really are their thing.

My favourite moment, though, was walking back with my own class after the final performance when one of my students, who only started at the beginning of this term, shouted out, “BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”

What did it take behind the scenes to bring Disco to Deep Space to life?

As a writer and teacher, it is a total joy to see my words come to life through my students. But as a member of the College, it is even more incredible to see our staff come together to create such an event.

Staff gave up hours of their own time to order costumes, add three tonnes of glitter to sets, work on lighting and sound, and plan and choreograph behind the scenes, all to create these incredible opportunities for our students to learn and grow beyond the classroom.

Every student in Junior School had a chance to sing, dance or act and be part of the whole show. That was our focus: our students.

After productions like this, we say, “What were we thinking?” But then we see the students and know there is no way we won’t go through it all again in two years.

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