Emily, Year 10, Century Park Campus

Standing on a stage facing an audience of hundreds, all waiting, all expecting, with dozens of blinding lights focused on you as you stand alone, accompanied by nothing but trembling knees and a deafening pulse in your ears is quite an experience. One would ask why actors and actresses willingly put themselves through the inevitable process of stage fright, but the answer is simple: it’s the passion, the adrenaline, and the sheer thrill of transforming yourself into someone else for a matter of moments.

The performing arts stage is simply sensational, especially here at Century Park Campus. At YCIS, talented instrumentalists, actors, singers, and dancers are provided with countless opportunities to showcase their flair. Whether it’s at school assemblies, performing arts workshops, theatre productions, or even just in class and after school, YCIS encourages the dramatic arts even if that means urging people step out of their comfort zones to discover new fields of appetite, and aptitude.

In a world that places a great deal of emphasis on science, maths, technology, and engineering, the importance of the performing arts is often overlooked. People tend to forget that the arts establish a base for confidence, individuality, perseverance, non-verbal communication, collaboration, and commitment.

Our Drama Teacher, Mr Daley, tells us that the performing arts prepare students for more than just the big screen. Broadcasting, advertising, journalism, new media, and law also require skills that can be developed with knowledge of the arts. Maths teaches logical thinking, economics teaches analytical thinking, science teaches practical thinking, but the performing arts teach artistic, expressive, and creative thinking.

The thought of trying something so daring can be intimidating, but there are so many doors that open, chances to seize, and experiences to acquire. If you’re looking to perform on a stage, sing in a competition, dance for the school, or just practise a new skill set in a classroom environment, it’s all available at YCIS!