Southern Cross Catholic College students earn standing ovation at national theatre celebration

Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough students have scored a major success on the national stage, earning exceptional adjudication results, including a perfect score for ‘Wow Factor,’ at the Australian Junior Theatre Celebration (31 July). 

A talented cast of 31 students from Years 6 to 12 travelled to Melbourne to represent the College at the prestigious event, which brought together performance teams from across Australia. 

Year 12 student and Cultural Captain, Evelyn Leo, said the experience was unforgettable.  

“This experience changed us all, not only as performers, but as people; inspiring us to work together as a team and to always putting all our efforts into anything we decide to pursue,” she said.  

Adding to the achievement, Southern Cross Catholic College was the only school ensemble in Australia selected to participate, performing alongside 11 other theatre groups from around the country. 

Principal Christopher Campbell said the achievement highlighted the rapid growth and strength of Performing Arts at the College. 

"This was a remarkable opportunity for our students and a wonderful reflection of how Performing Arts is flourishing at Southern Cross Catholic College," he said. 

"In recent years we have continued to expand our Performing Arts offerings, creating more opportunities for students across all year levels to develop their confidence, creativity, and talents.  

“Experiences like this allow our students to perform on a national stage, learn from industry professionals, and see where their passion for the arts can take them. 

"We are incredibly proud of how our students represented the College, their commitment to excellence and the enthusiasm they brought to every part of the experience." 

The day began with the Southern Cross team presenting a 15-minute adjudication piece from the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast Jr., which will be performed on the expansive Bunjil Place stage. 

The performance earned glowing feedback, with the College receiving scores of more than 90 out of 100 from all three judges, including a perfect 3 out of 3 for Wow Factor.  

After taking a well-deserved bow, students stepped out of the spotlight and into a series of acting, dance, and vocal workshops led by Australian theatre professionals.  

The celebrations continued into the evening with a special performance of Midnight: The Cinderella Story, a new Broadway Junior musical being piloted in Melbourne.  

Four Southern Cross Catholic College students were selected into the pilot performance, with Year 10 student Mia playing the Fairy Godmother and Year 12 student Mia playing a supporting role as Cinderella’s stepsister. 

With the final curtain now closed on their Melbourne adventure, attention turns to the College's upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast Jr, featuring a cast of 80 students from Years 3 to 12.  

The musical will be performed on 28, 29, and 30 August at the Southern Cross Catholic College Timothy Peter Performance Centre.

For more information about the upcoming performance or to book your tickets, click here. 

Southern Cross Catholic College offers a variety of co-curricular activities in The Arts in areas covering visual arts, drama, and music. Through these activities, students contribute to the College and wider community and have their talents and gifts fostered through supportive and enriching environments. A team of enthusiastic, passionate specialist teachers facilitate these programs and take great pride and joy in developing the future creatives of our world. Through these groups students are able to perform and present their work within the college and local community, through to events and competitions. 

For more information about Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough’s creative arts programs or to enrol, click here. 

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Image caption: Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough students compete in the Australian Junior Theatre Celebration. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough (2026).