Rokeby students set to take centre stage with new Performing Arts Centre

Students at Emmanuel Christian School are being given a unique opportunity to explore and enhance their performing arts talents, with the establishment of a new $3.1 million state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre at the school.

The new centre, which was officially opened today, features a 300-seat auditorium, enabling the school to hold major productions and performances on campus throughout the year.

Emmanuel Principal Scott Winkler said the centre also included a high-tech music and drama teaching and performing facility, equipped with sound-proof, acoustically controlled studios, recording equipment and PA systems.

“The new facility will not only allow students to study music and drama using high-quality modern technology, but it also provides the potential for the school to explore new learning streams to cater for those with an interest in audio and lighting techniques,” Mr Winkler said.

“In addition, the centre will allow Emmanuel to host a variety of school and community events, with a new industrial kitchen and conference space.

“This has already enabled the school to further strengthen its partnership with nearby Grace Church, providing them with full use of the versatile new facility.

“The kitchen is also suitable for facilitating VET training in cooking if there is a demand for these types of courses in the future.”

The school community celebrated the official opening of the centre this morning, with music and drama performances by students and special guest, Founding Principal of Emmanuel Dirk Petrusma.
Emmanuel Principal Scott Winkler