This year’s school production Clue came to a close on Saturday 23 July. The talented cast and crew performed another fantastic show, where the hilarious farce-meets murder mystery took the audience along a journey of suspicion, discovering the different happenings of the Bobby Manor dinner party.

We caught up with the Director of the show, Andrew Seeary for some behind the scenes insight and to learn more about Andrew as the Director and all the work that goes into producing a fabulous school production highlighting the talented Damascus students.

1. Was there a particular highlight from this year’s production? And why?

One of the standouts for me was the value of getting the casting right. Each performer totally emersed themselves in the role that they were given. The production of this play requires rapid fire delivery incorporating dialogue, action, sound and lighting. This was another standout in its presentation.

2. Where did you get the idea for Clue as this year’s production?

It was simply one that we had always wanted to do. We have never attempted a ‘whodunnit’ before and ‘Clue was a classic of this genre. We were slated to do something a little more serious this year but with what had been going on over the past 2 years we went for something that we knew would be fun for an audience.

3. How long has the cast and crew been rehearsing and developing Clue?

We began with the cast in February with the crew joining us later in the process.

4. Did you have a favourite scene from Clue? If so, which one and why?

There is a scene in Act 2 where Wadsworth the butler recaps in a mad solo montage all the events of the play. This was so fast paced and funny.

5. What range of year levels were represented across the cast?

We had the whole gamut this year with every year level represented. Fun fact was it was the first time we had ever cast a year 8 in a leading role. That of course is the amazing work of Dana Reynolds.

6. Was the amazing set for Clue built in-house? If so, how long did it take to build?

We have a tradition of trying to make a lot from the little we have. Much of our set is recycled from bits and pieces from previous productions we have staged. We are very restricted with the space we have due to the lack of backstage areas and no fly tower. The set was constructed largely over the holiday period. The design was challenging as we had to find ways to depict the various room of the mansion.

7. Do you have a regular line or saying that you say to the cast before each show?

Focus, concentrate, energy, pace and have fun!

8. How long have you been the Performing Arts Coordinator at Damascus College?

About 33 years. I was there at our first one ‘Animal Farm’ back in 1999 and have been involved in every production since.

9. During your time at Damascus, how many productions have you Directed?

Out of 22 school productions I have directed 12 of them.

10. What do you enjoy most about directing a production and working with the cast and crew?

The joy is always watching young performers grow and develop. They gain soooooo much from the experience both as performers and people.

11. Did you work in Performing Arts before you came to Damascus?

I have been involved in theatre and design for most of my life. Prior to teaching I was a political cartoonist, an illustrator, set designer. I spent a few years teaching improvisation to schools around the region before shifting into teaching. Much of these skills are still useful to me today in the classroom.

13. What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of auditioning for next year's production?

Carpe diem or "seize the day". There is so much to gain from involvement in Performing Arts on and off the stage. How will you know what you are capable of if you don’t give it a try?

14. And finally… Whodunnit?!

They all did!