Andrew Benson, Head of Drama

This week we saw the work of our senior Drama students on display with the Student Directed Programme. This stands as the cornerstone of the Senior School Drama experience. More than just a showcase of performance, it is a powerful exercise in student agency, voice, and leadership. In this program, our senior Drama students take the reins as directors – collaborating with their peers to bring bold, original, and thoughtful work to life on stage.

This initiative empowers students to shape their own artistic visions, guiding every element from casting and rehearsals to staging and interpretation. It challenges them to think critically and creatively, to lead with empathy, and to problem-solve in real time. In doing so, they develop not only their directorial skills but also their confidence, resilience, and ability to inspire others.

At its heart, the Student Directed Programme celebrates collaboration. It is a space where student directors and actors work as equals, building meaningful theatre together and demonstrating the very best of what drama education can be. It reflects the values of our school and exemplifies the transformative power of student-led learning in the arts. We congratulate our student directors Slade Keating, Lachlan Mattner, Will Holland, Hugo Cardonnel, Thomas Gascoine, Aarya Mistry and Thomas McCallum. Each of these directors led their casts with courage, vision, and dedication.

This term we welcome our Junior School to the Packer Theatre with James and the Giant Peach in Week 8 of this term. Under the expert direction and creativity of Ms Boniface this is a highlight of our school drama journey where students get to be involved in a large-scale production. Always creative, bold and fun, this is an event that brings joy to our families in the junior school and an event I encourage you all to support by attending.

The Middle Years Production of Treasure Island started rehearsals this week and with a large cast of 37 students under the direction of Mr. Riorden it will be a swashbuckling adventure to round out the year for Cranbrook Drama. Tickets will be on sale soon for performances on 6 – 9 November 2025 in the Packer Theatre.

Andrew Benson
Head of Drama