Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields.
The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in their respective disciplines. This tradition has continued, and we have some very recent graduates who will be ones to watch in the years to come.
Sean Johnston (2014-18) was often referred to by staff as the “Hugh Jackman of TGS” and he is well on his way to living up to that reputation. After completing his three-year Bachelor of Musical Theatre with the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 2021, Sean secured the coveted role as Danny in the musical Grease at QPac and then Sky Rymand in The ShowCo production of Mama Mia on the Gold Coast. But his real claim to fame was playing Link Larkin in the eight-month national tour of Hairspray with Cross Roads Live which just concluded in April. Sean was working alongside some of Australia’s favourite performers including, Shane Jacobson, Todd McKenney and Rhonda Burchmore.
“That was next level,” laughed Sean.
“They have a wealth of knowledge and were so willing to give their time which was awesome. I learnt so much from watching them and having conversations with them.”
He also recently finished filming a Copper Tone sunscreen commercial for US television.
“It is quite surreal to have had such big roles so early in my career, but I have a long way to go and still lots of work to do,” stated Sean.
Like a true Grammarian, Sean remains humble about his success, mixing it with the stars certainly has not gone to his head. He is currently at home in Toowoomba, helping his parents around the house while attending auditions for his next gig; be it theatre, film or TV.
He credits the TGS Performing Arts Department staff for his success.
“I learnt so much more than other high school students, there’s things the staff taught me that I still use in the professional world, and I’ve discovered other people starting out didn’t have access to that advice,” said Sean.
Harrison Mills (2015-21) is currently in his second year at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Acting. He was one of only 24 students accepted to the program in 2021, outperforming thousands of hopefuls.
“I absolutely love it,” said Harrison.
“Every day I learn something new that you wouldn’t expect.”
Harrison hopes to develop networks through NIDA and sign with an agent shortly and is keen to learn as much as he can from as many people as possible.
“I am really drawn to theatre, because it’s so beautiful how you can apply different techniques, the purist form of acting is on the stage, but TV and film is great too, I’d love those opportunities too,” said Harrison.
He believes that his time in boarding at TGS really helped prepare him for life after school, particularly his time management and independence. And, like Sean, he has a heartfelt thanks to the staff for their support and guidance.
“I didn’t have a full appreciation of how wonderful our Performing Arts program was until looking back on it now,” stated Harrison.
Julian Lachmund (2008-20) is currently in his third and final year at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane, studying a Bachelor of Music, majoring in violin performance.
“It’s been a challenge, but that’s been a good thing,” said Julian.
“There are a lot of very talented musicians, so it’s been great to work with people of this calibre.”
Playing in the University Symphony Orchestra has been a highlight for Julian, and he enjoys being surrounded by like-minded people with the same passion.
“I had such great support from the TGS staff in the performing arts area,” Julian reflected.
“They offered great insight with rehearsal etiquette and that has really helped me at university.”
He is still considering his future after university and will possibly go on to a teaching degree with the aim of becoming a music teacher.
“I could see myself coming back to TGS one day to teach,” he laughed.
Ryan Murphy (2012–22) was one of only four aspiring young actors across Australia to be awarded the prestigious John Bell Scholarship in January 2023 with renowned theatre company Bell Shakespeare. Ryan spent time with the actors and director and learnt about the workings of theatre productions. He also attended master classes in history, fight choreography and learnt about language and speech. The course culminated with Ryan performing a Macbeth soliloquy for his peers.
“It was great, they were so supportive, and I learnt so much,” said Ryan excitedly.
He is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide.
“I’m living the dream, it’s so wonderful,” said Ryan enthusiastically.
“Who wouldn’t want to sing, dance and act five days a week, I’m doing what I love, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Ryan will graduate in 2025 and is considering getting a Masters in Directing with the ultimate aim of performing or directing theatre.
“I like playing off an audience,” said Ryan.
“There’s something to be said about the power of live theatre, the ability to perform to people on stage; you see them and can see their reactions.”
He is grateful for the opportunities provided to him during his time at TGS, in the music and drama programs.
“I would not be here without doing the school musicals and the teachers nurturing me and seeing that I had some potential, believing in me – I wouldn’t be here without them,” said Ryan emphatically.
“The love I have for theatre all stems from that and my time at TGS.”
Hamish Wells (TGS 2014-21) is at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) studying a Diploma in Musical Theatre.
“This is one of the greatest experiences of my life, learning under so many industry professionals and the greats of musical theatre,” bubbled Hamish.
Hamish has his first major production, Sweeney Todd in July and when he graduates at the end of the year, he is considering a Bachelor in Fine Arts at NIDA or WAPA (West Australian Performing Arts).
He would never rule out the possibility of a career in film or TV, but his passion lies with theatre.
“I like that you only get one chance for the performance, there are no retakes,” said Hamish.
“And I love the thrill of interacting and immersing with the audience. The smallest decision as an actor can really move an audience. Theatre is more impactful than people realise.”
TGS singing tutors and performing arts staff have had a huge impact on Hamish’s success so far.
“The support, advice and the opportunities they presented – without that I would be lacking – I think these are what has driven me further and helped open the doors for me,” said Hamish adamantly.
We are so proud of our performing arts students, the boys who we knew before they were stars.
Latest Blog
Tik Tok - From Fun to Fear
Social media platforms have ingrained themselves into our daily lives in a time when technology is constantly evolving and drawing millions of users with seductive features and never-ending streams of captivating content. Among these, TikTok has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating users with its viral challenges and short-form films. Underneath the fun and inventiveness however, there is growing concern about the risks connected to TikTok and other social media platforms. TikTok's…
Active Procrastination – Unlocking the Gates of Time
“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.” - Christopher Parker – professional actor. Unfortunately, procrastination is a term that we are all familiar with as students; the vast majority of us have experienced it firsthand. It saps our time and results like a parasite, a burden on its host. However, despite it’s reputation, recent studies have shown that when harnessed correctly, procrastination can be a powerful tool to improve both academic efficiency…
It Takes a Village...
The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’. Our TGS…
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success
Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are the bedrock of reading. Encourage rich conversations with your child.…
The Journey of a Boarding Mother
When you look up mother in the dictionary it reads: female parent of a child. When you look up boarder, it simply reads: a child who lives away from home. So, put “boarder mother” together and we have: the female parent of a child who lives away from home – if only it were that simple. My definition of boarding mother is: a strong, dedicated unbelievably great female parent of a child who has the wisdom to put her son’s educational needs, wellbeing and lifelong endeavours before her own. A…
The Importance of Differentiation
As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. First, let's define differentiation. Differentiation is a teaching approach that recognises that students have different strengths, interests, and learning styles. By adjusting instruction to meet these…
Addressing Anger in Teenage Boys
As a community dedicated to the growth and well-being of our teenage boys, it is essential to address the complexities of emotions we experience during adolescence. Among these emotions, anger stands out as a powerful and intense feeling that can influence their behaviour, relationships and overall wellbeing. Untreated anger can lead to a myriad of problems and challenges for our young boys. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dangers of untreated anger, ways to support healthy…
Study Skills Program
Just as teachers benefit from an understanding of the Learning Sciences in their lesson planning and preparation, so to do students when they are studying for major summative assessments. A survey of TGS students in Years 9 to 12 found that 70% of our boys felt that they knew how to study, with the biggest impediments to study being lack of motivation and too many distractions. The most highly preferred study technique was found to be rewriting notes. Cramming, rereading the text and rewriting…
Developing Teachers Worldwide
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2023 International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, in my capacity as a Team Leader in the IBSC Action Research Program. Action research is a systematic inquiry conducted by teachers in their own classroom to better understand the impact that an aspect of their practice is having on their students. Each year, 40 teachers from IBSC member schools from around the world are accepted…
