
An initiative of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, ASPIRE provides a range of opportunities for students with a passion for the Creative and Performing Arts including performance opportunities, workshop programs, concert band and vocal ensembles, competitions and in-school support.
ASPIRE is focused on inspiring creativity and encouraging young people to create original work across all art forms. Each year, ASPIRE creates an original production through which students can audition to be a part of through dance, design, drama, vocal, stage band and production ensembles.
2027 Audition Information
Junior Drama Ensemble- 2027 Audition Information
The audition will take the form of a fun, hour-long drama workshop. The auditionees will be guided through a series of drama games and exercises that demonstrate movement, character, voice, and the ability to work in small groups.
Junior Drama auditionees are required to prepare a short one-minute monologue using one of the below titles 翱搁听 opening lines:
Titles
It’s hard to learn the Violin
Cake baking disaster
My evil rubbish bin
The day the computers took over
School camp showdown
The stressful swimming carnival
First Lines听
My cat is trying to take over the world
I am getting so frustrated with this Rubix cube
There’s a monster that lives in my….
I am telling you, that’s not my handwriting
Can you tell me where I might find Merlin
Watch this I’m going to make this pencil disappear
The ASPIRE Ensemble Directors are looking for actors who:
- Can follow direction/instructions.
- Work well as part of a team.
- Challenge themselves by not always taking the easiest option.
- Can portray a variety of characters using their voices, their facial expressions, and their physicality.
Senior Drama Ensemble- 2027 Audition Information
The audition will include a half hour drama workshop during which the auditionees will be taken through a series of drama games and exercises that will look at movement, character, and voice.
Senior Drama auditionees will be required to prepare a one-minute monologue, this can either be from an existing text or be written by the student.
If opting to write your own monologue, please use one of below titles:
- Why I鈥檓 giving up social media
- When cats go bad
- The Arrogant Artist
- 顿别迟别苍迟颈辞苍鈥驳补颈苍
- The long walk home
The ASPIRE Ensemble Directors are looking for actors who:
- Can follow direction/instructions.
- Work well as part of a team.
- Challenge themselves by not always taking the easiest option.
- Can portray a variety of characters using their voices, their facial expressions, and their physicality.
- Can make creative decisions when working with text regarding blocking, character, and relationship.
Vocal Ensemble- 2027 Audition Information
The audition will begin with a vocal warm up. Then the entire group will learn a song with some simple movement to perform the song with. The audition panel are looking for people who take on the movement and direction and can really 鈥榩erform鈥 the song.听
Select ONE of the excerpts below to perform at your audition. Please note the track times for each excerpt- you only need to learn this section. These will be the tracks played at the auditions. You will need to sing the lyrics from memory (not allowed to read lyrics at the audition).
Please select the song that best suits your voice (even if it’s not your favourite from the list!). It’s important that the melody is in your vocal range as well as features your vocal skill and technique. Spend time singing through each song, including the original track, so you know which song will best feature your voice.
High
Permission to Shine by Bachelor Girl (0:00 – 1:20)
Golden by HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, Kpop Demon Hunters (0:10 – 1:35)听
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons (0:30 – 1:34)听听
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey (2:28 – 4:03) *will skip the 15 second instrumental听
Rain by Dragon (1:00 – 2:03)听 听
Home from the musical Beetlejuice (1:24 – 3:02)
The Fate of Ophelia by Taylor Swift (0:00 – 1:26)听
I’ll Stand by You by Pretenders (0:05 – 1:10) 听
Low
Long Road to Ruin by Foo Fighters (0:06 – 1:04)听
Stargazing by Myles Smith (0:00 – 1:12)
Under The Milky Way by The Church (0:00 – 1:25)
You’ve Got a Friend in Me from the film Toy Story (0:05 – 1:30)
Impossible by James Arthur (0:15 – 1:26)
Dance Ensemble- 2027 Audition Information
The audition will run as an hour-long workshop. Each auditionee will be guided through skills exercises and will be required to learn a new piece of choreography. They may also be required to improvise choreography in a section of the new piece.
What the Aspire Ensemble Directors are looking for:
- Strong Technique.
- Performance ability 鈥 demonstrating a fully round performance, rather than marking it through.
- Versatility of dance styles.
Instrumental Ensemble- 2027 Audition Information
The audition will comprise of:
- Performing a two-minute piece of music of own choice on a chosen instrument. No backing tracks or accompaniment are allowed, must be performed as a soloist.
- Sight reading exercises
- Demonstration of improvisational skills
Please bring your instrument to the audition. A music stand, drumkit, electric piano, and amps to plug in guitars/bass guitars will be provided.
When preparing for the audition, think about selecting a piece that shows off听 talents (do not play it safe!) Think about dynamics, rhythm and accuracy, and ensuring good technique.
What the Aspire Ensemble Directors are looking for:
- Musicians who are resolute, and hard working.
- Able to read notation and/or follow chord charts/tablature.
- Able to learn new music at a reasonable pace.
2027 Design & Production Information
2027 Design Ensemble Information
The Aspire Design Ensemble is open to students in years 9 and up, with a strong interest in visual art and design who will be involved in creating the 2027鈥檚 props, set and costume pieces.
Applicants are invited to interview to gain their position. 听As part of the interview process, we request that applicants bring a portfolio showcasing their work. This can include examples of visual art, design projects, building or construction work, or any make-up, hair, or costume design. The portfolio should highlight the applicants skills and creativity. They will also be asked to include a mood board of their own creation on the theme of 鈥渏unkyards and environmental awareness鈥 to help to showcase design skills, this could be set, costume, hair/makeup design or a mix of all 3.
The Design Ensemble directors are looking for members who have:
- A unique and creative perspective
- Passion for design and art
- Experience working on team
- Problem solving skills
2027 Production Ensemble Information
The Aspire Production brings many opportunities for students in our diocese who are interested in working in the Theatre. The Aspire Production Ensemble works with the Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Artistic Director, and Production Manager to realise the vision for the show. The Aspire Production Ensemble are also labelled as the Stage Crew, as their role is to assist with the backstage elements of the production. During the rehearsal period, the Stage Crew will work with the Stage Manager in developing stage plans for the movement and placement of set and prop fixtures during a show. They complete maintenance and cleaning of stage elements whilst working with industry professionals meeting all Work, Health and Safety procedures and requirements for the rehearsal room and performance spaces.
For students who:
- Are wanting work experience in the Entertainment Industry.
- Have an interest in working backstage in a theatre.
- Have excellent communication skills.
- Can work in a fast paced, team environment.
Can demonstrate independence when completing set activities.
Find all programs and events available
Want to be part of Aspire? Be involved TODAY by registering for one of Aspire’s many programs.
You can also come see one of our many performance and events.
Registrations and Events
“ASPIRE is a community. It is a safe space for students to collaborate, to get creative, and to discover new things with people who all share the same love for performing and doing it together. That’s what makes ASPIRE so special, it’s so much more than a group of young people, it’s like a second family.”
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