Full bravos to our talented Newington thespians who competed their hearts out recently in the annual Impro Australia TheatreSports School Challenge Grand Final.

Retaining the trophy from their win in 2024 to triumph in the Grand Final again this year on stage, the Newington Senior Impro Team of Gill G, Jonathan F, Archie F, Henry C, Tristan H and Finn D, supported by their coach Simon James (ON 2018) were in scintillating form. Performing in front of a packed house at the Enmore Theatre, the team had the audience in raptures.

Says Mr Paul Eastway, Head of Drama, one of the many Newington spectators in a crowd of 500, it was a fabulous achievement and a memorable night.

‘For a senior team to defend the title is unheard of in Theatresports. To progress through each of the heats, the semi-final and the grand final, the team has to beat eight teams at a time. Their humility, their teamwork, and their ability to entertain an audience is remarkable.’

Also in glowing form and coming home in a fabulous equal third position was our Intermediate Impro Team (below) featuring Tom B, Nick S, Jasper F, Aiden P and Sam E.

Getting up on stage and performing to a full theatre with no practice, no time to discuss and no props, is not for the faint-hearted. Thinking on your feet, however, all the while making the audience roar with laughter, is just part of learning to tread the boards in Newington’s engaging and innovative Drama program, says Finn D, Captain of Drama.

‘Some people who have never done impro might view it as part brave, and part terrifying, but improvisation is actually very important for an actor,’ explains Finn.

‘It allows you to learn to adapt to the circumstances on stage in that moment, for instance someone forgets a line, or something goes wrong with a set, and in live theatre that happens. But basically, for all the skill it requires, the TheatreSports Schools Challenge is about having fun and putting on a show for the audience.’

According to  Ms Tracey Case, Performing Arts Administrator, who was also in the crowd, the team certainly did that, the senior team particularly.

‘They had the audience roaring with laughter and on their feet with applause. For the last two rounds they scored a perfect 15 out of 15 points for each round. The level of creativity and artistry they delivered all the while having great fun, was truly wonderful to watch.’

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To learn more about Theatresports and Drama at Newington – read our recent blogs below.