Frankston High School is a proud advocate of the performing arts, and for many years Kristie Vidotto has felt so fortunate to be a part of a community that fosters student creativity and diversity through the annual school productions. 

The school’s 2016 production director says the sheer talent and enthusiasm of the 100-plus cast and crew astounds her every year.

“Productions at Frankston High School are like no other – the professionalism of students involved, heightened by our professional connection with the George Jenkins Theatre at Monash Peninsula Campus, see shows such as Hairspray, The Wedding Singer, Seussical and Footloose expertly brought to life,” Kristie said.

“What really sets our shows apart is the whole-school approach to these productions.  Student talent is harnessed and nurtured through drama classes; our hands-on learning program and various art subjects assist with set creation and design; student volunteers of all ages assist with hair and make-up design and application; and staff from a variety of faculties help with various tasks such as costume design and creation, bump in and out, program selling, face painting and balloon animal-making.

“So many of our production students have spread their wings and taken on the performance world outside of Frankston High School, and we couldn’t be prouder.  Take, for example, Kynen Cogan, of Year 8, who, through the Celebrity Experience program, travelled to Los Angeles and performed for a number of agents; or Jack Green, of Year 11, who is currently undertaking the Melbourne Theatre Company Ambassador’s Program; or Blake Roles, Isabella Campbell and Perri Hobbs, who have been involved in Panorama and PLOS Productions for many years.
“This is further to the many students who undertake singing, dancing and acting lessons outside of school hours.  Their talents enrich our shows each and every year, and we are thrilled to be able to work with students of such a high calibre.”

Kristie said the school was well advanced on its next production, Rock of Ages: High School Edition, which will be staged at the George Jenkins Theatre in May.