Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) students in the CAPTIVATE Drama program shone brightly again at the annual Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) 2023 Intersection Festival earlier this month.
CAPTIVATE is the creative and performing arts program for students from Catholic schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Rhys Taylor, Mateo Soriano, Dominic Lim, Jean-Luc Buot de l’Epine (Parramatta Marist High School), Mia Brownlow (Catherine McAuley Westmead), Ella Montgomery-Wynn (Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill) and Fadi Alomar (St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes) performed the final play of the evening, the World Premier of Michelle Gould’s “Drag’na Dhuul”, in front of a cheering capacity audience at the Rebel Theatre.
Each year, the Intersection Festival brings together schools and youth arts organisations from across Sydney to perform the 10 winning scripts of the 2022 National Writers Studio. Emerging young writers submit their short plays for assessment and work closely over months with professional mentors, with their final drafts performed for a live audience at this special event.
CAPTIVATE teachers Lucinda Armour and Tim Martin have the privilege of being on the finalist script selection panel.
Senior members of the CAPTIVATE After School Drama Ensemble rehearsed two of the finalist scripts over a series of weeks, submitting these dynamic performances for consideration. Each participating arts organisation has one performance chosen for the festival and CAPTIVATE’s was “Drag’na Dhuul” - a big night of Dungeons and Dragons where the battle is played out in more ways than one!
Each year our talented actors grow and shine on The Rebel Theatre stage and we are unspeakably proud of them.
“Our students love the characters, themes and situations these young writers create, and the unique perspective it brings to their own dramatic performances,” Tim said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to see the words and voice of a generation in action. Each year our talented actors grow and shine on The Rebel Theatre stage and we are unspeakably proud of them.”
Joining the cast on the night were CAPTIVATE students Aneisa Kalra, Madeline Toth (Catherine McAuley Westmead) and Aleksander Waesch (St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas) who acted as MCs for the event. They all did a fantastic job, especially with a range of last-minute changes which included picking up chicken feathers and welcoming all the winning writers onto the stage at the finale, presenting them with a published copy of their scripts.
“The Intersection Festival is yet another great opportunity for our students to experience all the ATYP has to offer and work with students, writers and artists in this amazing theatre - right in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge,” Lucinda said.
“We very much look forward to the 2024 Festival!”
Find out more about the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP).
CAPTIVATE is the creative and performing arts program for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta
Whether just starting out or already accomplished in dance, drama, music or art, there’s something for everyone!
Deidre Cox
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
Instagram | Gilroy
More News
24 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Police Defenders Leadership Program at Gilroy Catholic College Over Terms 3 and 4, a group of Year 9 students at Gilroy Catholic College are participating in the Police Defenders Leadership Program, an initiative proudly delivered by officers from Castle Hill Police Station. This engaging, fitness-based program places strong emphasis on accountability, positive attitudes, and constructive behaviours, while nurturing essential leadership skills. Through a range of practical activities and team-based challenges, students are encouraged to explore the value of influence, teamwork, and respectful communication. The program aims to foster a positive mindset around leadership and responsibility, empowering students to recognise how their actions can contribute to a safe, respectful, and collaborative school environment. By stepping into leadership roles and embracing challenges, students learn what it means to lead by example—both inside and outside the classroom. The Police Defenders Leadership Program will make a lasting impact, equipping our young leaders with the tools and confidence to support and inspire their peers, while building stronger connections between the school and local community services. #thehillspoliceareacommand #cspd
23 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Year 11 Reflection Day - with input from Year 11 Student Ella. On Year 11 Reflection Day, we participated in a variety of activities designed to strengthen our sense of community and bring us closer together as a cohort. Through teamwork-based challenges, dancing, music, and shared laughter, we had the opportunity to connect in meaningful and memorable ways. The day also offered us a chance to pause and reflect on how much we have to be grateful for in our lives. As we prepare to enter Year 12, this time of reflection helped us appreciate not only our personal journeys but also the support systems around us. Overall, it was a powerful and uplifting experience — one that left a lasting impression on every Year 11 student. It was a day full of gratitude, connection, and joy that we will carry with us into our final year of school. Thanks to Year 11 student George for taking all the photos! #reflectiondayofjoy #gratitude #CSPD
22 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Service and Compassion at the Vinnies Van A meaningful evening of service as the Vinnies Van took to the streets last Tuesday evening. Gilroy Catholic College Year 10 students Jasmine and Evita, accompanied by Mrs Andrews, Mrs O’Connor, and Mr Finucane, joined the Vinnies Van outreach at Merrylands. The Vinnies Van initiative provides more than just food and essentials — it offers warmth, dignity, and human connection to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Alongside meals, snacks, toiletries, and hot beverages, volunteers offer conversation, compassion, and referrals to further support services. Jasmine and Evita shared their reflections on the experience: "Our experience of the Vinnies Van was really meaningful and rewarding. We were so happy to have the opportunity to help people who are struggling by giving out food and drinks and having a friendly chat with them. It was really eye-opening seeing how such a small act of kindness could make someone’s day. But overall, it was a really great experience and reminded us how important it is to care for others in our community." Their words are a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we reach out to others with kindness. #vinnies #vinniesvan #cspd
21 Oct 2025
World triathlon championship 2025: Para-triathlon a break from study for Matt Engesser
It’s an unorthodox way to prepare for your first world triathlon tilt - staying tucked away in a room with only study material for company - but that’s where Matt Engesser will be most of the time this week. The schoolboy has been juggling studying, doing exams and training for the para triathlon race at the world triathlon championships in Wollongong on Saturday in one of the biggest weeks of his life.
21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Tomorrow marks an important milestone as our first group of Year 11 students sit their Mathematics Advanced HSC examination. Through their dedication and commitment to an accelerated program of study, they have reached this important stage in their learning ahead of schedule. Wishing them all the best. #HSC2025 #MathematicsAdvanced
20 Oct 2025
From Facebook
20 Oct 2025
From Facebook
17 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Further to our previous post, we would like to share a newspaper article about Matthew's achievements. Click the link below to read the article! https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/world-triathlon-championship-2025-paratriathlon-a-break-from-study-for-matt-engesser/news-story/53d5a15e988b7eaeb68944c3684d4faa #cspd
17 Oct 2025
From Facebook
This week, Year 12 student Matthew is balancing the intense demands of studying and preparing for his HSC exams while gearing up to represent Australia at the World Triathlon Para Championships this Saturday. Selected just weeks ago, Matthew has worked exceptionally hard to reach this pinnacle of the sport, skillfully managing his study schedule, sitting trial exams, and maintaining rigorous training. His success in triathlon continues to grow, with major achievements over the past 12 months all culminating in this weekend’s prestigious event. Congratulations, Matthew! We wish you the very best of luck on Saturday! #cspd #worldtriathlon
16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
15 Oct 2025
From Facebook
13 Oct 2025
From Facebook
10 Oct 2025
From Facebook
10 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Year 9 History Elective Excursion to Cockatoo Island In Term 3, our Year 9 History Elective students brought history to life with an exciting excursion to Cockatoo Island! Through hands-on engagement with the site and in-depth analysis of primary and secondary sources, students explored the complex economic, political, social, and cultural history of Australia. A huge thank you to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and the Cockatoo Island tour guides for making this a memorable and enriching experience for our students. #sydneyharbourfederationtrust #history #cspd
06 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Year 8 English – Dystopian Creations This term, our Year 8 English students have been exploring a range of literary genres, with a special focus on the dystopian genre. As part of their studies, they delved into The Maze Runner by James Dashner—a thrilling novel set in a mysterious and dangerous maze. To bring the novel’s setting to life, students were given a 30-minute challenge: to design and build their own 3D maze inspired by the world of the Glade. With creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving on full display, the results were nothing short of a-maze-ing!