Rand Park High School transformed their school hall into a vibrant circus tent for this year’s major production, The Ringmaster, adapted from the musical drama film The Greatest Showman. With striking costumes, lively music, and a talented cast, the production provided an unforgettable experience.
Tracy Workman-Davies, the deputy principal and dean in charge of culture at Rand Park, oversaw all aspects of the performing arts at the school, including this production. “The Greatest Showman is one of the most successful musical movies, and we were confident that it would be perfectly suited to an adaptation for the Rand Park stage and audience.”
One of the primary challenges Workman-Davies faced was balancing the cast members’ various commitments. “As part of our commitment to a holistic education, we encourage our learners to be involved in a variety of extra-mural activities, but it does mean that they often have to be excused from rehearsals so that they can play a netball match or a hockey game, for example.”
Despite these challenges, Workman-Davies explained the reward of seeing the cast’s hard work come together in a proud production and witnessing their growth and confidence.
Auditions for The Ringmaster took place in late 2023, with the directorial team selecting a cast that fit each character’s needs. Grade 12 learner Tristan Smith, who played the lead role of PT Barnum, shared his journey and excitement. “I first experienced being on stage at primary school and really enjoyed it. When I joined Rand Park High in Grade 8, I had the opportunity to take part in the major production that year. Sadly, Covid-19 hit and lockdown stopped the production from going on stage,” Tristan recalled.
Tristan’s dedication to theatre continued through the years. “At the auditions for The Ringmaster, I performed a monologue, a piece of choreography, and a song. Within a few weeks, I knew that I had been selected to play the lead role of PT Barnum – that was a really exciting moment,” he said.
Playing PT Barnum has been a profound experience for Tristan. “PT Barnum is fascinating – he represents the importance of having a dream, daring to pursue that dream, and having the imagination to create something extraordinary. He is also really good at taking care of those who are marginalised and making misfits feel like they belong,” he reflected.
Despite the demands of rehearsals and schoolwork, Tristan expressed gratitude for the support he received. “The last few weeks have been filled with daily rehearsals, so time management has been important. I’ve been doing this for almost five years, so I am used to it,” he said.
Looking to the future, Smith plans to study a Bachelor of Education next year with hopes of teaching high school and possibly getting involved with a school’s performing arts program. In the meantime, he is listed with a talent agency and is being assigned to various theatre productions.
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