Year 7-11 students from Barham High School had a taste of the theatre, acting and stepping out of their comfort zone with the Bell Shakespeare artist in residence program. Working with the famous Australian national touring Theatre Company Bell Shakespeare, students were offered a chance to immerse themselves in Shakespeare texts at the Golden Rivers Theatre Group home at the Faulkner Pavillion in Barham.
BHS teacher Carmen Batty was delighted with the students’ engagement in the program.
“The smiles on the kids’ faces were amazing. Just to see the kids get out of their comfort zones and take risks was really good!”
Mrs Batty said a fellow teacher had experienced the program and was keen to see it in Barham.
“We had a teacher, Toni Porter, start with us and she did the Bell Shakespeare internship at the start of the year.
“She brought a lot of enthusiasm about Bell Shakespeare, and we had them perform before COVID. It was really successful.
“We thought we’d bring them back to work with the students this time, and hopefully it’s something we can do in the future.
“It’s really got the kids enthused about not only the words on the page with Shakespeare, but getting up and embodying the characters and the language.
Coaxing these future thespians out of their shells was Rebecca Attanasio from the Bell Shakespeare company.
“I’m very lucky to be here in Barham today for this whole week doing an artist in residency program where I’m teaching all different year groups, different Shakespeare texts, but also encouraging them to be confident, not only with text, but with their bodies in space, and getting them to pretend to be actors for a week.” Said Rebecca
“We teach hundreds of schools every year, this has really been a highlight for me. They’ve all been so eager, so enthusiastic and so willing to just go with something new and it’s been an absolute pleasure to teach these students.
“Often you go to a new town and you have no idea what to expect and I’ve been absolutely loving my time here.”
The students also seemed to be enjoying the new challenge of tasks on stage like improvising shapes or scenes as students laughed, giggled and put their best foot forward.
“It’s been really good, a really fun way of learning new things about Shakespeare.” Said Year 10 student Matilda Burbury
“We’ve had a bit of Shakespeare with English classes, but this just like expands our knowledge.”
Likely more at home on the footy field, Ryleigh Wilkinson was also enjoying his time in the spotlight.
“It’s been interesting, it’s good to learn about Shakespeare.” Said Ryleigh.
“It’s definitely different, but it’s fun. It’s better than being in the classroom.”
I asked Rebecca for any advice for those who wish to pursue an acting career.
“Consume as much as you can. Whether it’s reading, seeing movies, listening to music, I think consuming art and getting across it as much as you can, and consuming as much as you can, helps you figure out what you like and what’s interesting to you.
“Then connect with community and do stuff. Like performance school, perform in local community groups. There’s always opportunities and avenues.
“You’ve just got to kind of keep your eye open and look for it. Since COVID as well, there’s a lot of programs online. So even if there isn’t local classes here, or if they’re not happening all throughout the year, there’s heaps of resources online.”
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 12 December 2024.