Faculties : Drama

James Ruse has an exciting and high achieving Drama Department that caters for and reflects the gifted and talented needs of our students.  In 2001 Stephen Dziedzic topped the state in HSC Drama and is now working as a journalist for the ABC. Two students were selected for the prestigious Onstage in 2006; Lakshman Nirthanakumaran to perform in the performance section (now studying medicine) and William Dovan to show his work in the film section (now studying dentistry). In 2007, Billy Huang from Year 9 was selected for the State Junior Drama Ensemble which allowed him to perform at the State Drama Festival held at The Seymour Theatre Centre in Sydney and to work with many other talented students selected from all over the state throughout the entire year. Nazim Ryall-Dincer was selected to attend the State Drama Camp which is a fun three days of playing drama games, attending theatres, meeting and speaking with professionals from the industry.

Exciting programs are implemented into the Junior Drama program including playbuilding, film, maskwork, mime, intercultural works and Theatres of Asia. Our showcase evenings are a hit with many friends and family in attendance to see our professionally run events.

Drama students at James Ruse are also involved in many regional arts events. A team of Year 10 Drama students were selected in 2007 to perform at The Riverside Theatre at Celebrating The Arts, a regional drama, dance and song festival.  Year 10 students had the opportunity to do work experience alongside Sidetrack Theatre's company of professional actors and director. Students were able to watch rehearsals study lighting and sound production as well as  attending as invited guests to the opening night at The Riverside Theatre's at Parramatta.

The subject also involves excursions to see current and topical plays, typically including an Opera House backstage tour as well as to the State Drama Festival to see our students perform.