Screamfest

Screamfest is an annual production bringing dance, music and drama-based performance pieces to the College and the wider community.  The event is staged over three nights in the College's Kel Watson Theatre.

Screamfest was devised in 2005 as an opportunity for students to develop their performance skills.  In the past, the College staged a talent quest that was open to senior students, allowing them to contribute acts and to be judged on their performances.  In contrast, Screamfest is open to students from all levels... and even staff!  Anyone can take part without judgement.  From its humble beginings, the show has grown and now features the talents of over 150 students.  The show is an opportunity for students to express themselves, develop their practical performance skills, work in a team and further develop their knowledge of theatre practice.

There are a number of ways in which students and staff can become invloved in the production.  Firstly students can join the dance team.  The groups rehearse weekly and perform the opening and closing dance numbers. 

Students who study drama as a part of their curriculum will also be involved in the production.  In class, students create, shape and perform a piece for the audience.  This piece may be drama, dance or music based.

Students who wish to perform their own piece for the show are required to audition for a panel of staff and student judges.

Students who do not wish to perform on stage can still be involved behind the scenes.  Students undertake backstage roles such as ushers, assistant stage managers, lighting operators and sound technicians.

It has become an annual tradition for staff to contribute to the program by devising their own piece.

The production features hosts who glue the performance pieces together.  In the past the hosts have been duelling cowboys, washed-up celebrities and forgotten toys. 

The Performing Arts Festival: Rhythm Nation!

In 2008 we held our first Performing Arts Festival.  This year we are gearing up for our spectacular second, under the brand new name "Rhythm Nation".  Staged in late August, the Performing Arts Festival is an opportunity for all interested students to show their skills on the stage and screen for an audience of their peers... and they will also earn points for their Tribe!

This event involves each Tribe coming together and working co-operatively to develop a piece in each of the three following categories: dance, drama and music.  After weeks of rehearsals, hard work and a bit of fun, they'll be going head to head against the other three Tribes in order to determine the winner.  A panel of three external judges will score each of the performance pieces and decide which Tribe will win each of the categories.

Points are awarded for originality, focus, choreography, creativity, evidence of rehearsal and teamwork.  Points are also given to each Tribe member who participates in the program.  A student who performs in the dance, drama and music items for their Tribe, will receive points for each performance.

At the end of the evening, only one Tribe will be deemed the winner.  The winning Tribe earns their place in the Forest Hill College history and will make their mark on the annual Performing Arts Tribe Festival Shield.

     2009 Winners: Red Tribe           2008 Winners: Yellow Tribe