Mandy Ellison has been recognised for her contribution to teaching drama in regional Victoria. The Girton Grammar School head of drama received the Charles Slucki Memorial Scholarship from Drama Victoria. Ms Ellison has been teaching for more than 30 years while following her passion for drama. She said it was nice to see representatives in regional Victoria get recognition. "We have an incredible wealth of talent in young people all around the state but often is Melbourne centric," she said. "To have the opportunity to say (drama teachers) make a difference from whatever regional city (they're in) is great. "I didn't start specifically in drama, (I taught) other areas like media and outdoor education but drama is my passion. I think since coming to Girton it has allowed me to really explore so many facets of drama." Ms Ellison said drama as a school subject has evolved great in the three decades she has been teaching. "When I trained it was all about expressing ourselves and 'how do we be a tree? But now we've got this study of so many different theatrical styles and conventions from around the world," she said. "It's so much more global in the way we look at storytelling. "(Drama gives you) the ability to find yourself and find an inner confidence. For students with learning challenges, they find there's a new way to express themselves by being a character." Ms Ellison said Bendigo has seen a wealth of talent come and go before returning again to help grow and evolve the city's theatre scene. "Bendigo has so many young people that have come through and gone on to make a career or focus on (drama) in their future life," she said. "Those people, like Adam Lyon who trained and came back...keep that flame and (theatrical) spirit alive. "When I first came here Lois Angus was probably most well-known drama teacher in Bendigo. For many she has been an inspiration because she encouraged drama in primary schools and was an instrumental (in changing) drama at Girton as well as what she has done for the local community as well." When Drama Victoria originally announced the award, Ms Ellison was unable to attended because she wanted to see her students perform at a school awards night in Bendigo. "You don't do anything for an award. It's always about the best interest of students," she said. "I am constantly humbled and inspired by what I learn from them. "That makes the passion and my job fresh all the time. There's always amazing young people that come through and go on to do amazing things."
THEATRICAL: Girton Grammar head of drama received the Charles Slucki Memorial Scholarship from Drama Victoria this week. Picture: NONI HYEET
Mandy Ellison has been recognised for her contribution to teaching drama in regional Victoria.
The Girton Grammar School head of drama received the Charles Slucki Memorial Scholarship from Drama Victoria.
Ms Ellison has been teaching for more than 30 years while following her passion for drama.
She said it was nice to see representatives in regional Victoria get recognition.
"We have an incredible wealth of talent in young people all around the state but often is Melbourne centric," she said.
"To have the opportunity to say (drama teachers) make a difference from whatever regional city (they're in) is great.
"I didn't start specifically in drama, (I taught) other areas like media and outdoor education but drama is my passion. I think since coming to Girton it has allowed me to really explore so many facets of drama."
Ms Ellison said drama as a school subject has evolved great in the three decades she has been teaching.
"When I trained it was all about expressing ourselves and 'how do we be a tree? But now we've got this study of so many different theatrical styles and conventions from around the world," she said. "It's so much more global in the way we look at storytelling.
"(Drama gives you) the ability to find yourself and find an inner confidence. For students with learning challenges, they find there's a new way to express themselves by being a character."
Ms Ellison said Bendigo has seen a wealth of talent come and go before returning again to help grow and evolve the city's theatre scene.
"Bendigo has so many young people that have come through and gone on to make a career or focus on (drama) in their future life," she said. "Those people, like Adam Lyon who trained and came back...keep that flame and (theatrical) spirit alive.
"When I first came here Lois Angus was probably most well-known drama teacher in Bendigo. For many she has been an inspiration because she encouraged drama in primary schools and was an instrumental (in changing) drama at Girton as well as what she has done for the local community as well."
When Drama Victoria originally announced the award, Ms Ellison was unable to attended because she wanted to see her students perform at a school awards night in Bendigo.
"You don't do anything for an award. It's always about the best interest of students," she said. "I am constantly humbled and inspired by what I learn from them.
"That makes the passion and my job fresh all the time. There's always amazing young people that come through and go on to do amazing things."
