FCJ College Benalla has confirmed that The Addams Family will be the 2026 bi-annual school musical, with auditions scheduled for this week and the performance to be held in September at the college. Thus, continuing the school’s tradition of presenting a musical production.

Ms Stephanie Symes and Mr Guy Durance have announced auditions for all year levels to begin from March 2nd to the 16th.

Each year, a musical/play is chosen for the school to perform for school members and for the public to purchase tickets.

Mr Durance said, “The decision to stage The Addams Family was made shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 production of Mary Poppins.”

The staff considered the range of students likely to audition and selected a show that would suit different ages and abilities. He said the choice also came down to what students would enjoy performing and what the audience would be interested in seeing.

“Preparation typically involves around six months of discussion and organisation before rehearsals commence. This includes securing performance rights, selecting a suitable venue, and developing an overall vision for the show”.

Students have already started preparing for auditions.

Year 12 student Emily Snell said she plans to audition for the role of Alice and has been practising her audition song with support from Ms Symes. As this will be her final school musical, she said she is excited to perform alongside students from different year levels. Having previously performed in school productions, she said musicals provide opportunities for students from different year levels to work together

“Knowing it's not the end of the world, and if something goes wrong, that it’s okay to have fun.”

Productions are an amazing way for schools to help each year level by connecting everyone through things that people love.

FCJ College plans to continue its tradition of staging a play between each musical cycle, with The Addams Family forming part of the college’s ongoing performing arts program.