May musicals at the residential colleges

Students of the Residential Colleges of the University of Melbourne can take part in a multitude of activities outside their studies.

This includes the intercollegiate sporting program, with Colleges competing in a multitude of sports, as well as cultural activities, including choirs, public speaking, and drama.

One of the best – and most popular - examples of these is the College theatrical production. The Colleges stage their own individual productions during the year, usually a musical or play, which provide endless opportunities for students to get involved.

The productions give the students a chance to hone their acting and singing skills and continue performing (as many of them have done in their primary and secondary schooling). The Colleges are lucky to have a fantastic array of young talent to choose from when casting these shows, and also give those who may not have had the chances previously to try their hand at performing. Some students may discover a hidden talent or passion for theatre, sometimes altering their ideas of a future career.

However, the opportunities for involvement do not stop there. Whether assisting backstage, creating sets or playing music for the show, students can participate without having to get up on stage. Furthermore, most Colleges’ productions are entirely student-run, meaning students can direct, produce or choreograph the shows, gaining experiences hard to come by at this stage in their lives.

Participating in any one of these areas give students leadership, teamwork, and organisational skills, enhancing their overall appeal to employers at the end of their degrees.

During May, Trinity College Music Theatre Society will be producing the Tony Award winning comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”.

This quirky musical comedy tells the story of six young eccentric and loveable overachievers competing for the national spelling championship. It will be produced by Anna Sloan, and directed by Emma Caldwell, with artistic direction by Rachel Ryan, choreography by Sarah McInnes and musical direction by Patrick Miller.

In addition to the individual College productions, the Colleges are staging an intercollegiate production of ‘Anything Goes’ this year. This involves students from the various Colleges, in a great show of cooperation.

‘Anything Goes’ is a Cole Porter classic, a funny, romantic and intriguing story which unfolds on board the SS American as it journeys out of New York on a musical seafaring romp across the Atlantic.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 23, 24, 26 May (7.30pm) and 25 May (2pm), Guild Theatre, Union House. Tickets $27/$20 concession.

Anything Goes 16-19 May at Union House Theatre, Union House.
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More about The University Of Melbourne’s Residential Colleges:
www.colleges.unimelb.edu.au