We respectfully advise First Nations readers that this article may contain names and images of deceased persons.
Clarendon's Cinderella program 1990
Our 2026 Senior Musical cast and crew are excited to take to the stage for their rendition of Cinderella, 35 years after Clarendon’s inaugural Middle School Play, Cinderella, was performed in 1990.
The school has a long history of students participating in productions and performances, including at Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College (CPLC) and Ballarat College (BC). Today, Clarendon’s Performing Arts program continues to provide students with opportunities to pursue their passions in an environment that reflects the experience of professional performance, supported by expert staff with industry experience.
The CPLC production of Patriotic Pageant in 1915 is the earliest recorded student performance in the school’s history. Jean Edey (1918) (dec) reflected on the production, writing that all 80 CPLC students were involved in the Pageant and dressed in costumes representing different countries.
CPLC's Patriotic Pageant 1915
The 1947 BC school concert is the first performance recorded in BC’s history. Students transformed Memorial Hall (where students and staff gather for lunch today) into a theatre with a prefabricated stage and performed before a full audience. According to The Minervan that year, the program included choir performances, piano solos, duets, gymnastics and dramatic sketches.
Two years later, BC produced Toad of Toad Hall, from which the school’s earliest photographic references to drama and performance originate.
BC's Toad of Toad Hall
Today, students have opportunities to participate in the Senior Play, Senior Musical and Middle School Musicals (Years 5-6 and Years 7-9). Beyond these productions, students also perform in the annual Junior School Showcase, music and dance showcases, local competitions such as Royal South Street and throughout their studies in music, dance and drama. Many students have also pursued pathways in the performing arts following their time at school, including Todd Jacobsson (2012), who was quoted in the school’s recent 160-year history book:
“Clarendon instilled in me a great work ethic while nurturing my talents,” said Todd. “It was an amazing school as it provided a vast amount of extra-curricular performing arts pursuits and allowed me to study all forms of dance, drama and music, making the transition from my final year to the real world the smoothest it could possibly be.”
Clarendon's 2026 Senior Play
Performing arts remains a valued part of school life at Clarendon and we look forward to seeing our students shine on stage in Cinderella this weekend. We encourage all members of the Clarendon community to join us for the performances and support our students. Tickets can be purchased here.