Creative Arts
OUR PROGRAM ENCOURAGES THE EXPLORATION OF SELF AND CREATIVITY THROUGH THE PERFORMING ARTS.
Encouraging creativity to flourish.
At 国产探花, we strive to allow creativity to flourish 鈥� across music and visual and performing arts.
Our vibrant Music department has more than 20 ensembles catering for all instruments and abilities, from rock bands and a jazz improv group to the Chapel Choir and Big Band. The artwork of students is on permanent exhibition throughout the College, testament to the important place that Visual Arts holds in College life. A Student Art Exhibition is held each year, an opportunity for family and friends to enjoy the creations of art students.
Widely regarded as one of Australia鈥檚 most influential artists, John Olsen AO OBE attended St Joseph鈥檚 College in the mid-1940s. He went on to win the Sulman Prize in 1989 and Archibald Prize in 2005 鈥� his passion for creative arts can be found among Joe-Boys to this day.
For a Year 7 boy, Drama is a rigorous discipline, teaching him how to interact with others and find his centre. And, just like sport, there is mateship, teamwork and skill development to be found through collaboration and challenge.
By the time he reaches Year 12, he would have achieved many milestones in the growth of his theatrical talents. The Drama department hosts numerous performances including the Junior Drama Festival (Year 9); The Short & Sweet Festival (Years 10, 11 and 12); the Senior Drama Festival (Year 11); the HSC Drama Pre-showcase, followed by the HSC Drama Showcase; and, wrapping up each year, the Year 9 Drama Christmas Play.
Drama.
Developing mateship, teamwork and skills through collaboration and challenge.
Music plays a vital role in the College鈥檚 cultural, spiritual and educational life, with more than 20 music ensembles and choirs.
Liturgical singing is a tradition that involves every boy throughout his school years. Old Boy Robbie Hunt (2022), who performed on The Voice in 2023, often returns to share his story, encouraging Joe-Boys to pursue their musical dreams.
Music.
Engaging boys in a range of experiences to develop their talents, instilling in them a lifelong appreciation for music.
The College鈥檚 main co-curricular performance is a bi-annual musical 鈥� previous shows include Shout! The Legend of the Wild One; Hairspray; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; The Wedding Singer; Strictly Ballroom; Pippin; and in 2025, Twelfth Night.
In 2024, unlike anything 国产探花 had ever presented, the Visual Arts, Music and Drama departments collaborated to launch a three-night run of 鈥淏urramatta Songlines鈥�, a breathtaking display of storytelling led by our students, and supported by teachers alongside industry professionals. This transformative learning experience showcased the College鈥檚 commitment to truth-telling, interwoven with drama, music, poetry and dance. Several Old Boys are fine examples of the College鈥檚 enduring commitment to the performing arts 鈥� with many returning regularly to mentor and support Joe-Boys, including actors Zac Burgess (2020) and Jack Angwin (2023) and screenwriter, director and playwright Jackson Phillips (2018).
Performance.
Performing arts at 国产探花 is vibrant, adding richness and energy to the College community.
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