Hunter School of the Performing Arts

The school has undergone many name changes since its establishment in July 1923.

As a technical school

• 1923–1926: Newcastle Junior Technical and Domestic Science School
• 1927–1931: Broadmeadow Junior Technical School
• 1932–1960: Newcastle Central Technical School

As a general high school

• 1961–1965: Broadmeadow Boys High School
• 1966–1975: Broadmeadow Boys School
• 1976–1992: Broadmeadow High School (co-educational)

As a performing arts school

• 1993–1997: The Broadmeadow School of Performing Arts
• 1998–present: Hunter School of the Performing Arts

A notable moment in this school's recent history was the June 2007 Hunter Region and Central Coast storms. The Hunter School of the Performing Arts was one of the most severely affected schools in the area. The school suffered a large amount of damage; the entire bottom level was washed away and the school's library was severely affected.

The original motto was "Advance", which changed after the school became a boys' school in 1932 to Faber est suae quisque fortunae. The motto was changed in 1999 to its English form, "Each of us is responsible for our own destiny". "Performing at Our Best" is the motto most commonly used today, taken from the school's vision statement.[3]

The original colours of the school were those of the 35th Battalion ("Newcastle's Own Regiment") of World War I, green and brown. In later years it changed to green and white. In 1999, students were given a survey in a bid for them to choose their own school colours; they chose jade, purple and black. To keep a link with the Newcastle colours, the new logo (of the mask, dancer and bass clef) has been incorporated into a shield which also has a ribbon of brown and a ribbon of green.

Following the change in the school colours, a new school uniform was introduced in 2000, with options ranging from formal to casual, including performance and sporting wear. In 2001, the school's marching band uniform changed to reflect this as well, formerly being green and gold, and now has a uniform consisting of black, purple and jade.

Drama students of the school have appeared in OnStage (showcasing the best of HSC Drama group and individual performances) and the regional, state and national Shakespeare festival. Students have also been part of winning groups in the Sharp Short Theatre competition held at the Riverside Theatre Parramatta.

The Hunter School of the Performing Arts holds bi-annual musical productions. Past productions include Guys and Dolls (1999), Little Shop of Horrors (2001), Bye Bye Birdie (2003), The Pirates of Penzance (2006, postponed due to the construction of the school's new theatre complex), West Side Story (2008), Les Miserables (school edition) (2011), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (musical) (2013), Thoroughly Modern Millie (musical) (2015) and Catch Me If You Can (musical) (2017). Productions have been nominated for City of Newcastle Drama Awards, including Best Musical Production, Best Ensemble Acting and Excellence in Choreography.

In 2007, year ten presented their production of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, adapted from the screenplay of the famous comedy film. The school theatre also performed A Little Night Music.

In 2009, a production of Macbeth was performed in late October, by students in year nine and ten. Other student productions include The Man With Five Children, The Crucible, Rope and The Importance of Being Earnest.

Hunter School of the Performing Arts also puts on annual senior productions with Year 11 and 12 students, which have included 'Falling Petals' (2016), One Man, Two Guvnors (2017) and Animal Farm (2018).

The most recent of HSPA's productions is The Little Mermaid Jr. (2018), which was performed by the primary school.

The school is home to a number of musical ensembles. Two concert bands, a number of choirs, string orchestra, two stage bands, a marching show band and percussion ensemble are well known within the school and community and frequently perform at festivals, parades, ceremonies and competitions.

There are many dance opportunities within the school. Groups participate in a wide range of activities, including 'Star Struck', Schools Spectacular, Hunter Schools Dance Festival and State Dance Festival. There is also a range of dance ensembles, such as hip hop and ballet, and these are audition only.

The dance production class gives students an opportunity to do project based learning along with designing projects that the students want.[4]

• Genevieve Clay-Smith – film director and writer
• Isabelle Cornish – actress and model
• Charli Robinson – singer, actress and radio presenter, Hi-5
• Michelle Lim Davidson – actress[5]
• Mathew Helm – Olympic diver
• Ivy Latimer – actress
• Rhys Nicholson – comedian and 2009 Grand Finalist in Raw Comedy Award
• Short Stack – pop punk/indie band (Shaun Diviney, lead vocalist and guitarist; Andy Clemmensen, bassist and back-up vocalist; Bradie Webb, drummer)
• Geraldine Viswanathan – actress

• List of creative and performing arts high schools in New South Wales
• Education in Australia

• Official website
• NSW Department of Education and Training: Hunter School of the Performing Arts
• NSW Schools website