Newington College

2026 Senior Arts Events Guide

2026 Senior Arts Events Guide

A note from the Headmaster

Audiences are vital to shows. A football match with no one watching is disappointing, but everyone still gets to play. A theatre performance with no one watching is a group of actors who just go home again.  

When I watch plays, ensembles and orchestras at Newington, I hear lots of versions of people saying ‘Wow, this is as good as a Sydney Theatre Company show’ or ‘This is better than what you hear at the Opera House’. Whilst this might be selling the Sydney Symphony Orchestra a bit short, it is undeniable that our drama and arts programs put on extremely impressive shows that are a pleasure to watch and listen to. These shows can be just as, or often more enjoyable, than a professional production and you have the added benefit of knowing the people on the stage. There is no wincing at the out-of-tune violin or off-key acting.  

It tends to be the families and good friends of the cast who turn up religiously (and repeatedly), however I think a lot of other people in the school community would really enjoy them as well. It can be hard to keep track of when and what the events are, particularly with the hectic lives that people are living.  

This is why we have brought together an events guide (attached) and found here on the website, for everyone to bookmark on your computer or tentatively put the dates in the diary to book tickets closer to the date. Or it could be something you stick on the fridge and keep an eye on.

Our drama productions are great, and so are our musical performances. You might also get a lot out of seeing some of our art and listening to some of our speakers. I hope that this event guide makes getting to one – or some of them – a little easier.  

Michael Parker
Headmaster


*To view and download the one page PDF guide – click the button below.

March 2026

Shrek the Musical

  • When: 4–7 March from 7.00pm each night
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall
  • Tickets: Sold out!

Uncle John Gurri – Exhibition

  • When: 12–27 March from 5.00pm

Newington Panel – P&F Speaker Series

  • When: 25 March from 7.00pm

April 2026

Animal Farm

  • When: 30 April–2 May
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre

May 2026

Grant Stevens Artist in Residence and Yr 11 Exhibition

  • When: 7 May – 22 May from 5.00pm
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Concordia

Junior Concerto Competition

  • When: 21 May

Lecture by Dr Idrees Mughal – CCTE Community Event

  • When: 27 May
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, OBLT

Student Directed Year 11 Play

  • When: 28–29 May
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre

June 2026

Ensembles Concert

  • When: 2 June

Rockfest

  • When: 5 June
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall
  • Tickets: Tickets not required, free event

Senior Concerto Competition

  • When: 10 June
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall

Tomorrow Man – P&F Speaker Series

  • When: 11 June from 6.00pm

July 2026

Winter Show – Old and New Theatre Company

  • When: TBC July
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre

August 2026

HSC Drama Showcase

  • When: 5 August
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre

Founders Concert

  • When: 6 August
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall

Back to Newington Day

  • When: 15 August
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12 campus
  • Tickets: Tickets not required, free event

2026 Major Works Exhibition

  • When: 15 August from 10.00am
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12 campus
  • Tickets: Tickets not required, free event

Judith Locke – P&F Speaker Series

  • When: 19 August from 6.30pm

September 2026

Dr Simon Longstaff – P&F Speaker Series

  • When: 2 September

Year 10 Play

  • When: 17–19 September

October 2026

Spring Show – Old and New Theatre Company

  • When: TBC October
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre

November 2026

Senior Play

  • When: 11–14 November
  • Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre

Alumni Artist Exhibition

  • When: 12–27 November

Dance Showcase

  • When: 17 November

Paul Dillon – P&F Speaker Series

  • When: 19 November from 6.00pm

Year 7 Melodrama

  • When: 26 November