09 Jun 2025
Congratulations to Tyrese Arriaga and Plumpton High School drama students for taking out first prize Best Script and Audience Vote in the NSW Sharp Short Theatre Festival Competition Final at the Riverside Theatre Parramatta. Tyrese’s self-devised play “Life, Death and Wedding Bells” was a knockout. Well done to all the cast for fabulous performances. This is the first time Plumpton High School has entered the prestigious competition against students from all school sectors across NSW.
Students created this work in their own time over the past 6 weeks. Tyrese has written, directed, cast and designed the props. Cast included: Tyrese, Jayden, Jacinta. Jeanpier, Allana, Noah, Jessica, Angela, Charlotte, Jaxon-Thomas, Jordan, Holleigh, Evelyn, Shivani, Ewen and Armin. Plumpton High School’s Drama Program forms part of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) curriculum areas at the school. Congratulations also to Shivani and Jeanpier who undertook the role of MCs during the final.
Sharp Short Theatre is a chance for young writers, directors and performers to showcase their stories on Riverside’s stage and learn from industry mentors.
All entries perform in a heat. The best pieces are invited to perform in the final where students are awarded prizes in categories including best script, best direction, best performance, audience vote and best overall production. Plays come from all theatrical genres including comedy, documentary, suspense, period, drama and fantasy, giving students a chance to play to their strengths and interests and let their imaginations run wild!
Entries must be written and directed by students (18 years and under) and can be up to a maximum of 10 minutes in duration. Entries must be submitted by a producer, for example, a parent, teacher or responsible adult.
Prizes are designed to help further develop the winner’s talents and are from some of the best theatre companies in Australia. Previous prizes have included opportunities from Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta, Australian Theatre for Young People, Belvoir, Currency Press, Playwave, Shopfront Arts Coop, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Theatre Company.
Thank you to Ms. Marashian one of our incredible drama teachers for supporting our students and building their capacity to a level of excellence as playwriters, actors, costume and set designers and giving up her weekends and nights.
Tim Lloyd, Principal
