Staff Profile: Cherie Hozynka

Cherie’s love for drama “isn’t just a pastime; it’s a deep-seated passion” that formed from a childhood spent in the performing arts. From a young age, Cherie’s involvement in dance and drama led her to discover the wonders of creative expression. Her education at Brent Street in Sydney and subsequent double degree at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane were “pivotal in in shaping [her] passion into a driving force.” In her time, she has explored many facets of the performing arts, including acting, teaching, directing, producing, choreographing, and stage managing. To Cherie, drama and the practice of it, “is more than just a skill set – it’s a medium through which [she] connects, communicates, and finds a unique and powerful form of self-expression.” The “cathartic and transformative” nature of storytelling and anthropological aspects of performance keep her learning and enthusiastic about the craft.

In the Drama department at MGGS, Cherie is joined by teachers Natalie Scott, Victoria Page, Emma Inturissi, Dance and Drama teacher Lisa Thomas and acting Head of Drama, Olivia Wilson. Together, they deliver a program of drama and dance experiences that build the skills of Grammarians within the curriculum and through co-curricular activities.

At MGGS, Drama is a core subject for all students in Year 5, after which they can elect Drama and/or Dance. Drama classes contribute to the holistic education of our students and facilitate a wide range of inter- and intra-personal skills including collaboration, critical thinking and self-confidence. Cherie reflects that at this age, “students are entering a phase of increased social awareness and self-expression. Drama provides a creative outlet for them to explore emotions, enhance communication skills and develop empathy ... . By engaging in dramatic activities, students can build a strong foundation in creativity and expression,” which not only benefits them personally, but academically as they progress through the Middle and Senior Years.

The House Drama competition and other co-curricular productions at MGGS complement the curriculum-based Drama journey that students take through Middle Years and Senior Years. House Drama in Term 1 is an exciting celebration of performing arts, where students take on production roles to bring their House’s vision to life. The performances are mostly student led and come together wonderfully each year – with a little help from the Drama staff!  

The Middle and Senior Years Productions are an excellent opportunity for our students to refine their skills throughout the rehearsal process and performances. Backstage, costume, set design, and stage management opportunities are also available to students to develop their production and technical skills should they not want to grace the stage. Cherie’s lips are tightly sealed regarding the productions planned for next year, but there will be a Senior Years Play in Semester 1 and a Middle Years Musical in Semester 2.  

In Term 4 this year, our Middle Years students brought to life The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a production adapted by Glynn Robbins from the Lewis Carrol classic. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic tale of magic and adventure. Cherie shares that it was a "remarkable journey" and the students showed incredible commitment and brought so much joy to the production.

“One of the most striking aspects of this production was the size of our cast and crew. Initially there were over 120 students who turned up to audition and it was clear that this well-known tale would be a hit. With such a large group involved, we have seen the remarkable ability of our students to collaborate across year levels. It's been heartwarming to witness our older students taking on leadership roles, guiding and mentoring the younger ones, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity that transcends the usual boundaries of age.

The commitment of our students has been truly exceptional. They poured their hearts and souls into the production, attending countless rehearsals, memorising lines, perfecting their characters and dance routines, and honing their technical skills. It's been a true testament to their dedication and passion for the performing arts. Their hard work and perseverance have resulted in a production that we can all be proud of.”

The performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the end of October were truly magical and went off without a hitch.  

The Senior Years production of Mamma Mia! was a result of many requests from the student community and was the perfect way to celebrate our 130^th Anniversary Year. It takes a dedicated creative team to put on such a production and Cherie was joined by a number of our brilliant staff to help bring the show to life. Cherie thanks Olivia Wilson, Elizabeth du Blet, Lisa Thomas and Dion Kaliviotis for their tireless hours and tremendous effort throughout Terms 1 and 2. The performances of the cast and crew from MGGS and MGS were admirable, and the show was a raging success! It entertained sold-out crowds across four nights and, despite a few hiccups along the way, was one of the most memorable moments of this year for members of the MGGS community.

One thing that Cherie loves about school productions is how they enable Senior Years Drama students to put their skills into action outside the Drama classroom. For students planning to study VCE Drama, productions are vital opportunities to test themselves, as Drama at the VCE level is demanding and requires commitment.  

“Studying Drama at the VCE level is a dynamic journey that goes beyond the confines of traditional education, offering both exploration and rewarding experiences. Students immerse themselves in the world of creativity, honing their performance skills, script interpretation abilities, and critical thinking."

"The excitement lies in the dynamic balance between practical engagement and intellectual exploration. VCE Drama not only unleashes artistic expression but also cultivates teamwork, communication and a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling. It's a vibrant pathway for students seeking a unique, hands-on educational experience that sparks creativity and fosters a lifelong love for the dramatic arts.”

Outside the demands of her roles in the Performing Arts at MGGS, Cherie still spends time exploring her passion and recently saw Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which she says “was an absolute feast for the senses! The storytelling, set designs, and choreography blended seamlessly to create a mesmerising experience.” "From the lavish costumes to the intricate staging and the amazing dancing ... it has deepened [my] love for the artistry and pure enchantment of live productions", she enthused. Cherie recommended the show to everyone, particularly those who have yet to see it. Make sure to read the Old Grammarians' profiles in this issue of IE as we profile one of our talented OG who is on the cast of Moulin Rouge!.