Theatre Bites: HSC drama students from across the Mid North Coast to tread the boards at The Glasshouse

DRAMA students from across the Mid North Coast will gather at The Glasshouse in Port Macquarie on Saturday 13 September to perform in “Theatre Bites”.

The students have just completed their HSC performance exams.

Markers representing NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) travelled to each school to assess performances.

Some students chose to submit individual projects instead, choosing from Critical Analysis (Director’s Folio and Theatre Reviews); Design (Costume, Lighting, Promotion and Program, Set);
Scriptwriting; or Video Drama.

A written exam will follow next month.

Theatre Bites has been running for 18 years with the exception of 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic.

It was initially developed as part of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s community theatre festival in 2007.

Theatre Bites is presented by the Mid North Coast Drama Collegiate, a voluntary group of drama teachers who showcase student work from St Columba Anglican School (SCAS), MacKillop College, St Joseph’s Regional College, and St John Paul College Coffs Harbour.

Catherine Grootenboer, Head of the Performing Arts Faculty at SCAS, coordinates the program.

“In 2009 the Glasshouse sponsored the first performance of Theatre Bites in the Ross Family Drama studio,” she said.

”We have performed here ever since.

“Theatre Bites is a chance to see a show full of quick-witted, sharp-tongued theatrical geniuses, from fast-paced ensemble pieces to more serious individual performances.

“All of our local HSC Drama students have a chance to strut their stuff.”

Many students from this showcase have been selected for OnStage, the HSC Drama Showcase in Sydney.

“Theatre Bites can inspire younger drama students and demonstrate to them how they can develop as performers.

“It gives young people a voice, on stage, talking about things that matter to them.”

Tickets for Theatre Bites can be purchased online or at the box office.

By Pauline CAIN