Performing Arts is a greatly valued part of College life at St Cuthbert’s. Our programme nurtures mind, body, and spirit through rich opportunities in performance, production, movement, and self-expression.
From Shakespeare to Showquest, centre stage, to behind the scenes, our Performing Arts offering includes something for everyone. We have competitive, premier groups, all-comers, and non-auditioned groups that are open to everyone. All students get a taste for Performing Arts through our curriculum academic subject offerings of Drama, Dance, and Music taught by specialist teachers.
“The arts develop essential skills for the real world—collaboration, curiosity, risk-taking, and innovative thinking. Most importantly, they cultivate empathy, a quality vital for today’s world.”
Oliver Gilmour, Head of Faculty Performing Arts
School Musical Productions
A highlight of our calendar is our tiered musical production programme, catering to different age groups. We offer a dedicated Years 5–6 musical (new for 2025), a Year 7–8 musical production, and our Senior Musical for Years 9–13.
These productions offer roles both on and off stage, allowing students to develop skills in performance, technical production, costume, and set design. The collaborative experience creates lifelong memories while building confidence and teamwork.
Dance
Dance at St Cuthbert’s offers a vibrant form of self-expression across multiple styles, including Classical, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Korean Hip Hop, and Tap. For our junior students, we have a dedicated Year 7 and 8 Jazz Dance Troupe, while “The Company,” our prestigious contemporary dance ensemble for Years 9-13, creates stunning performances for festivals and showcases throughout the year.
Our dancers participate in various competitive events, with Showquest being a particular highlight. The Annual Dance Showcase held in Clouston Hall is another key event, featuring performances from all our dance troupes and NCEA Dance students.
Music
Our music programme encompasses choirs, bands, orchestras, and chamber groups for musicians at every level – from social groups to elite ensembles. St Cuthbert’s is fortunate to have a highly skilled team of itinerant teachers who offer individual lessons in Music. Many of our itinerant tutors are professionals in their field, and students can work towards music examinations, while others learn for enjoyment and to develop their creative skills.
The annual Instrumental Showcase Concert in Clouston Hall is a highlight of the school calendar. This spectacular event showcases our students’ talents and serves as preparation for competitions like the KBB Music Festival in August. Saints Alive, our premier choir, regularly participates in the Big Sing Auckland Competition and National Finale, and received a Gold Award in 2023. Our instrumental groups consistently gain recognition in competitions like the KBB Music Festival and Tauranga Jazz Festival.
Drama and Speech
Students passionate about drama can develop their skills through Drama Club, Theatresports, and Shakespeare performances. Over 250 students participate annually in the St Cuthbert’s Shakespeare Soiree.
St Cuthbert’s is fortunate to have a highly skilled team of itinerant teachers who offer individual lessons in Speech and Drama. Many of our itinerant tutors are professionals in their field. Students can pursue Trinity School of London or New Zealand Speech Board examination pathways, while others learn for enjoyment and to develop their creative skills.
Leading Facilities
Lessons and rehearsals take place in our purpose-built Performing Arts Centre (PAC), which features ample space and resources for students to explore their creativity. Break-out spaces are available for students to rehearse in small groups, whether it be rehearsing their lines, their steps or their notes!
We have recently built a state-of-the-art recording studio which offers our music students hands-on recording experience.