Year 9 Students Unlock Melbourne Theatre’s Hidden Stories

It’s not every day you get Her Majesty’s Theatre all to yourselves, but after following their curiosity and taking the initiative, this group of Year 9 students organised exactly that.

As part of the Year 9 Urban Engagement Program at St Bernard’s College, our Secret Life of Melbourne task challenges students to look beyond the surface of the city they think they know; to ask questions, follow curiosity, and seek out hidden stories.

Jesse, Ethan, Daniel, and Oscar recently took this to another level, as they reached out, made connections, and created their own opportunities. Their initiative led to a private tour of Her Majesty’s Theatre, giving them behind-the-scenes insight into one of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural spaces.

Not stopping there, they also secured an interview with performer John Xintavelonis, who is currently playing the role of ‘Cal’ in the musical ‘Waitress’ (or as he calls it: ‘Props the Musical’). This interview allowed the students to gain first-hand perspectives on the realities of life on stage.

This is what it looks like when our boys lean in! We are proud of these students for putting themselves out there and engaging deeply with the world around them.

Moments like these are exactly what the Urban Engagement program is designed to inspire—preparing our young men for the wider world by encouraging curiosity, confidence, and stepping outside their comfort zones.

Our students with performer John Xintavelonis (right), and HMT Patron Services Manager Danny Alder (left).