Reflecting on our performing arts programme
We chat to Dr Nel about his time at ACS
We sat down with Dr Nel, our Head of our Performing Arts division, to talk about his time at ACS Cobham over the last 18 years! During that time we have seen a vast development of our Performing Arts programme to the wonderful programme it is today.
When did you join ACS and what attracted you to this school?
I joined in August 2005 which is when the school introduced IB Theatre for the first time. I was back in South Africa after a few years in Argentina and was looking for another exciting opportunity in international education! ACS Cobham was it!
What do you think is the bedrock of our programme at ACS Performing arts and how you have developed our programme?
The bedrock has always been passionate arts educators. They are the ones who have dedicated time and energy over the years to make the programme grow. I may have had some crazy ideas over the years, but they've always been receptive, supportive, brave and committed!
What particular projects have you been most proud of in your time at ACS?
There are many. The realisation of the Performing Arts Centre is a very visible one - our shows used to happen in the lunch hall, and our concerts in the gym! - so a dedicated space for performances was a major development. The growth of the co-curricular programme is another. New additions like the LS productions, whole-school and community shows, the studio productions, Rock Band Workshops and concerts, HS Arts Awards, and I am sure there are more - we have been able to develop so many opportunities for our students! When we first started our whole school shows, we bussed the entire school to the Leatherhead Theatre over the period of a week. Those experiences were incredible.
What will you miss most about ACS?
I will miss the enthusiastic, hard-working Performing Arts team the most! I have worked along some of these folk for 18 years, so that's quite a while... I will also miss the dynamic, colourful environment - so many accents, ideas, passions. My sons both attended the school from Early Childhood through to 12th Grade, so this has been the starting point of many friendships…
What do you see as our vision for the future?
There is always a challenge everywhere to keep the Arts accessible and visible. I hope that the value of the Arts at ACS Cobham is never lost, and no matter what direction the school pursues, it keeps a healthy Arts programme at its core…
And your final thoughts..
The most remarkable thing about my time here has always been the wonderful collection of students. We have always tried to craft a programme that captures young artists at all stages of their journey. For some, it may be the first time encountering music or theatre, for others it may be a limited curious expedition that produces a lifelong interest in the arts, even if as spectators only. But we have also enjoyed the talents of some focused young performers who have gone on to pursue a career in the arts. We are particularly proud of these actors, dancers and musicians who have forged ahead into the Arts industry and have made their own unique contributions to the Arts world - whether it is on stage, on television or in the recording studio. It has been a tremendous privilege for me to have shared some of that journey with them, and I am always thrilled when I get to see their professional work! That is a real treat!
Here are a few snap shots of Dr Nel's great work over the time at ACS Cobham
