Established in 2015 by College’s then Chair of Council, Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982), the Taylor Scholar program supports and encourages senior students in continuing to engage significantly and meaningfully with College life after graduating. The aim of the program is to increase the diversity and depth of the College experience.
Taylor Scholars develop and implement a new special interest project or continue and evolve an existing project, related to any aspect of College life that will benefit the College community.
Alice Litchfield (Fr 2019) is one of these scholars. Alice grew up in Orange NSW, attended Kinross Wolaroi School, and graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communications (Media Arts and Production) in 2021. She tells us more about her project Drew’s Drama Ensemble.
Tell us a little about your Taylor Scholar project
My Taylor Scholar project is to provide further access to drama at St Andrew’s College. This includes assisting with solo and group Palladian drama, the Dramsoc play, as well as providing fortnightly classes for all students regardless of their talent or experience. These classes aim to create a fun, engaging environment for students who would like to try a new skill, as well as fostering and enriching the talent of experienced students.
Why is it important to you?
Drama has always been my number one passion, and I believe it is still an area that doesn’t receive the attention, funding and appreciation that it should. For my Taylor scholarship I wanted to enrich the dramatic arts program so that incoming students will have more accessibility to drama.
What drove you towards this project in particular?
At my time at St Andrew’s there were dedicated choral and instrumental groups, but no equivalent group for drama. Students were only able to participate in drama in an auditioned setting through Palladian and Dramsoc. Whilst I was heavily involved in both of these areas, I was well aware of their exclusive nature. Creating a drama ensemble at College is allowing for students of all abilities to get involved and improve their skills in the dramatic arts.
What do you hope to achieve with it?
I hope to spread the passion of drama, and allow students from all levels to both improve their skills, and find a joy and release through practising drama. I also hope to aid the Drama Secretary in the Palladian cup, improving our results in this area.
Any advice for someone thinking about applying for St Andrew’s College?
Absolutely just do it! I had the best three years, and would recommend it to anyone who likes to have fun and make the most out of every opportunity.