Local arts students get behind-the-scenes tour of Hamilton

Cobar High School’s creative and performing students Ebony Aumua, Jordan Warren and Tiana Jones had the opportunity to join a group of 150 like-minded students from across regional NSW to take part in a three day arts education program which included a behind-the-scenes visit to the Australian stage production of Hamilton. ▪ Contributed

Three Cobar High School students had an amazing opportunity last week to go and see the Australian stage production of Hamilton and also get a behind the scenes look at how the show is made.
Jordan Warren (Year 12), Ebony Aumua (Year 11) and Tiana Jones (Year 10) joined a group of 150 creative and performing arts stu-dents from across regional NSW (some of which were the hardest hit during the COVID lockdown) to enjoy the ‘Hamilton experience’.
It was part of an arts education program to inspire students who have experienced signifi-cant hardship over the past two years.
The students in Years 10 to 12 from more than 55 schools had the chance to be in the room where it happens with an exclusive Q&A with the cast following the performance.
Cobar High School’s music teacher Laura Andrew said the students were able to engage in dance, visual arts, drama, slam poetry and cultural wellbeing opportunities “as a celebra-tion and encouragement for the next generation of storytellers and art makers from across NSW”.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said students over the past two years who have been affected by bushfire, drought, flood, mice plagues and COVID-19 were incredibly de-serving of this experience.
“I’m so excited that some of our most resili-ent students, who have been hit hard by natural disasters and the pandemic, have been able to take some time to witness a modern master-piece,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The visit is part of a three day program allowing them to participate in acting, art and poetry workshops at the National Maritime Museum and regional students will also have the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of NSW to view the ARTEXPRESS exhibition.”