50th Anniversary Marked By Groundbreaking Production of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'

The idea for staging "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" was in the back of my mind since I started at ELTHAM College three years ago. Given the impact of COVID-19, our students had missed out on many performing opportunities. The current Year 11 and 12 cohort in particular had shown exceptional talent and dedication, far beyond anything I had experienced in my career. Their capabilities in singing and performance I believed could stand up to tackling such a demanding show.

A significant part of my teaching philosophy involves offering unique and challenging opportunities that set our program apart. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" was not only an ambitious choice due to its complexity but also a strategic one to showcase our students' exceptional abilities. One unique aspect of our production was the casting of a female Congregation, something that I have not seen done before. With four incredibly talented young women – Hayley, Lucy, Olivia and Sienna, we managed to reimagine the Congregation roles in a way that was both innovative and powerful.

Casting for such a diverse set of characters was a meticulous process. I spend a lot of time getting to know our students, understanding their strengths, and what they are capable of achieving within a roughly four-month period. This familiarity allowed me to cast roles with confidence while remaining open to surprises during auditions. For instance, Hayley had not participated in the previous year's production, yet delivered a phenomenal audition that earned her a lead role. Her growth and performance were nothing short of extraordinary.

The rehearsal process was intensive, involving hundreds of hours of preparation and one-on-one coaching. This personalised attention helped students tackle the demanding roles, especially with the complex themes of the show. For instance, the physicality of Quasimodo and the sensitive portrayal of his character required thoughtful consideration of ableism. Luca and I spent considerable time discussing how to present Quasimodo's hearing impairment respectfully. Similarly, working with Caelan on the theme of religious discrimination added depth to his portrayal, making the performance even more impactful.

Collaborating with the creative team was another highlight of this journey. Working with Patrick Clarke on set design was an incredible experience. When I mentioned staging "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," Patrick was excited about the challenge of building a cathedral set. We spent time brainstorming and collaborating, which turned out to be a professional highlight. The Art Department, represented by Lynn and Asia, created a breathtaking timber finish for the set, showcasing the talent and dedication of our entire design team.

I witnessed some of our leading actors step up and become student leaders - Bethany, Luca, Molly and Olivia. They played a crucial role in the production's success. Their leadership in supporting the ensemble and managing musical arrangements was outstanding. They were always there to guide and inspire their peers, especially during the demanding technical week.

The success of our production was not just in the final performances. Seeing the students transform from shy individuals into powerhouse performers is why I am a teacher, in particularly the students graduating Year 12, whom I have had the privilege to work with over recent years. The standing ovations and the positive feedback we received confirmed that we had achieved something remarkable. The show provided real-world connections, addressing themes of mistreatment of marginalised communities. This production was more than just a performance; it was a learning experience that taught students about resilience and empathy.

Staging "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at ELTHAM College has been a life-changing experience. It is a testament to the collaborative and supportive community we have built. This production was not only a celebration of our 50th anniversary but also a demonstration of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity to push their boundaries and explore their potential. It has been an honour to guide and witness their journey, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.

Photography: Michelle Couling.