Cobram Secondary College drama students recently received training from the Bell Shakespeare Company.
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Cobram Secondary College recently had the privilege of hosting the Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company, renowned for bringing the timeless works of William Shakespeare to schools and communities across Australia.
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Its actors led a dynamic and engaging drama workshop that captivated students and sparked their interest in the Bard’s classic plays.
The workshop began with a series of drama games designed to hone students’ acting skills, focusing on critical aspects such as energy, timing and the relationship between actor and audience.
These exercises helped participants develop their expressive abilities, all while having great fun with Shakespearean insults — a highlight of the day that left everyone laughing and more comfortable with the language of the period.
The workshop then shifted focus to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, inviting students to explore its central themes of mistaken identity, love, obsession and gender swapping.
This interactive session was both educational and entertaining, encouraging students to think critically about the play’s complex characters and plot twists.
The day’s events culminated in an exciting opportunity for Year 10 student Isabel Sierra, who auditioned for a scholarship with Bell Shakespeare for 2025.
CSC’s Isabel Sierra, pictured with drama teacher Rae Wood, had an opportunity to audition for a scholarship with the Bell Shakespeare Company.
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Isabel prepared and performed the justice speech by Portia from The Merchant of Venice, showcasing her talent and dedication to the craft.
A CSC spokesperson said the school wished her luck with the audition process and hoped she got a call-back audition.
“Isabel has shown such dedication and enthusiasm throughout the preparation process, we are hopeful she is able to undertake the scholarship next year,” the spokesperson said.
The scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for budding performers. Three students from across Australia will spend one incredible week training with Bell Shakespeare at its HQ in Sydney, all expenses paid.
CSC students had a great time with the Bell Shakespeare Company.
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Winners will undertake acting master-classes with Bell Shakespeare artists, observe rehearsals, receive specialist training, see live theatre and more.
They will also have the opportunity to perform their winning monologue for founding artistic director John Bell, artistic director Peter Evans and Bell Shakespeare artists, receiving feedback and mentoring.
“Isabel’s audition went well, she performed the monologue from Merchant of Venice, act four, scene one, for the part of Portia,” the spokesperson said.
“Isabel will be notified in November if she has been shortlisted. Winners will be announced in December and scholarship will take place in January 2025.
“Overall, the visit from the Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company was a resounding success, providing students with an unforgettable experience that deepened their appreciation for Shakespeare and the dramatic arts.”
