Wren Academy’s 2022 production of Disney’s High School Musical involved a full cast and crew of 130 students from Year 7 through to Year 13, from Wednesday 16 through to Friday 18 November.

From the cheesy pop tunes, the iconic hats to bags and dance numbers, this has been a fun as well as artistically challenging production. I have been incredibly impressed by the commitment and stamina of our fantastic leads and lead ensemble members.

As always, our fabulous students approached rehearsals with energy, commitment and enthusiasm. Rehearsal highlights included the pushy Thespians of Auditions desperate for the limelight, the incredible cheer routines and our own slice of Strictly in the stunning ballroom dancing of student choreographed “Bop To The Top”. A special mention goes out to our amazing basketball team with their expert ball handling skills and tricks.

This year we were finally able to open up auditions to the whole school and to see more and more students attend, I just wish that we could fit more students onto the stage. I am very proud of our Performing Arts community at Wren, especially the huge support from the wider Wren community, as the contributions this year were overwhelming.  The Art department supported in creating our vision for set and many staff members and cast parent/carers played a vital part in in the workforce needed to create the costumes and supervise student rehearsals.

It was fantastic to see the students benefit so much from being involved in the production, and the commitment shown this term by students staying night after night to rehearse. Our amazing sixth formers held the show together and this year have stepped up to lead the cast and inspire the younger students as well as support staff with directing and choreography. We are fortunate to have such brilliant students to work with who are continuing to uphold the legacy of Performing Arts at Wren and who are creating lifelong memories.

Some of our students said:

Being part of the cast, we got to experience the inner workings of the production and how everything works backstage and in rehearsals. Nkulimba M, 10 Strand

Being in the High School Musical Production was a personally awakening and educational experience being part of the tech team. I learnt so much as part of my journey throughout the production such as patience, resourcefulness and co-operation. The tech team added so much depth and effect in the numbers and dances. Elitsa N, 10 Walbrook

On behalf of the Performing Arts team I would like to thank everyone who came along to support the production. We hope you enjoyed the show - Go Wildcats!

Click on the link below to visit our gallery and see photos of the production.

Image Gallery - Welcome to Wren Secondary Academy (wrenacademy.org)