Teamwork Shipshape for stagecraft
W ith the Senior Production setting sail for Neverland with Peter Pan , the Drama Department has needed a well- crafted ship to take on the role of the Jolly Roger. Led by Workshop Technologies teacher Kerry Brockelbank, Years 12–13 construction course students have banded together to form a crew to build a ship suitable for the stage. With a Drama Department master plan in hand, all 17 boys have pooled their expertise to set the scene for an engaging journey through smooth seas to Neverland. Year 13 students George Clarke, Tyson Crestani, Jamie Ireland, Leo Jelley, Ethan Jones, Caden Lewis, Ryder McGuigan, Harry Rookes, and Tom Thyne, and Year 12 students Logan Baynes, George Campbell, Bede Elkington, Max Howard, Will Judd, Armani Lemalu, PJ Palamo, and Hunter Shore have all built on their skills to construct the colourful craft.
Having made two tool trolleys at the start of the year, both have come in handy for transporting all the tools to the Assembly Hall. Intent on their task, they have remained focused on their project, displaying an impressive work rate and outstanding teamwork. First up, the boys have assembled the base, utilising components made in the College workshops. All pieces have been carefully measured to ensure that they can be ‘squeezed’ through the workshop doors, with each part informed by Drama Department feedback. The boys have also understood the importance of communication with those involved in the production in order to keep the project on target and, most importantly, on time. As student builder George points out, it is important to “work smarter, not harder” while Bede believes that the boys have “learnt heaps” and quickly
become more proficient. For PJ, it has been “a bit of fun” and an opportunity to “celebrate the boys’ achievements” while Logan has relished the chance to “make something different”. A crucial element of the build has been the crafting of an easy to use ‘plank’. Weighing their options, the boys have come up with a hinge system, allowing the plank to fold out from the ship. Another element is the flagpole, required to rapidly extend on command. Again the boys have stepped up to the task, ensuring that the pirate flag can be quickly raised as the boat is wheeled onto the stage. The student-crafted ship has sailed through the production season, showcasing the skills of all the boys and capturing the meaning of teamwork while proving to be a robust vessel. And nobody has had to walk the plank. As Bede exclaims: “This boat shall not fail on my watch.”
COLLEGE 2023
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