Scotch Reports Issue 164 (December 2015)

A Day with
Sarah Snook
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On 14 October, Sarah Snook ('05) returned to
Adelaide to spend the day at Scotch College.
We were privileged that she was able to share a
range of experiences with us over the course of
the day. We began the day at 11.30am; myself,
Frank Sweet ('03), Andrew Norris ('03) and
Sarah had the pleasure of having lunch with
Dr John Newton and his wife Catherine. We
discussed many topics and reminisced about
‘old school days’ as well as the exciting and
innovative projects and careers many of our
Performing Arts Old Collegians are currently
engaging in. After a wonderful salmon quiche
and Catherine’s chocolate brownies, Sarah and
I conducted a Master Class with our Year 10, 11
and 12 Drama students.
The workshop was a combination of ‘cold
reads’, in which students were invited to read
a modern Australian text with Sarah, and
listen to her deconstruct the process. We then
provided monologues for students to work
with and Sarah directed and instructed the
way in which the dialogue could be delivered.
This was an outstanding exercise for acting
technique as well as preparation for industry
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auditions and tertiary Drama schools, such
as NIDA, WAAPA, Flinders Drama Centre,
the VCA and also RADA (Britain’s most
prestigious Acting Tertiary Institution). After
the monologues, Sarah then directed students
in further scenes and students were invited
to discuss ‘blocking’ in regards to characters’
intentions at the early stages of taking a script
from ‘page to stage’. Students were then
able to ask Sarah about her journey after
Scotch, and she was more than generous with
her time. She provided detailed answers to
their questions and engaged in meaningful,
authentic conversations about the industry.
I have been blessed to witness many of
my students thrive as actors and I have
proudly watched Sarah’s star ascend. This is
not surprising, as I was on the panel when
Sarah auditioned for her Drama Scholarship.
Sarah delivered a section from Roald Dahl’s
Revolting Rhymes (she chose Snow White).
Sarah had that look and intensity; her eyes
were soulful and their depth was endless. Her
performance has stayed with me because
of her presence, timing, line delivery and
passion. I continued to be amazed
by her drive, flair for comedy
and delicate understanding of the
nuances of realism throughout
her high school years. When I first
directed Sarah in Peter Pan, she
was the perfect, tenacious Wendy
- full of life, animation and her
eyes spoke to her audience as
they do through stage, film and
television today.
After the workshop, we were
invited back to the Newton’s
residence where many of our
Performing Arts industry leaders,
our College Council, parents
who have a particular passion for
the arts and senior leaders met
to drink tea, chat amongst one
another and meet or re-connect
with Sarah. After a cup of tea and
a sweet treat, Sarah and I took to
the stage in the historic Barr Smith
Theatre for Scotch Distilled. This
presentation was a celebration