As our festival is bumped out of the theatre, it still brings a smile to the face of all involved. House Plays is a festival like no other. Yes, each house must produce a play in four weeks, complete with a technical and production design. Yes, it is student-directed (and, in three cases, student-written). And yes, there are a plethora of awards that the plays and performers are eligible to win. However, the real power of the festival is the sense of connection that forms between each cast and the wider company of participants. The support, care, and sense of comradery are the spirit of this project, as our directors, actors, and crew work to engage and excite the audience with their ability to tell stories on stage.
In 2025, we gave 103 young actors an opportunity to perform and 10 students an opportunity to work backstage. These staggering numbers show the strong culture that exists within our student body to get involved and explore their love of the arts.
Andrews House transported the audience to the 1950s as they stepped aboard a cruise ship, a place filled with mysterious circumstances and murder most foul.
Franklin House introduced Juju Berry, the charismatic reality TV show host, pitting campers against each other as they (dance) battled their way to victory.
Laver House stepped into the schoolyard as the audience witnessed the ever-escalating consequences of a senior prank.
Starkey House was desperate to fill the final place at Starkey University. However, their list of potential applicants came with their own unique quirks.
Veivers House explored the bonds of family and the lengths people go to for the ones they love.
We were thrilled to welcome Hayden Jones from Shock Therapy Productions to be our adjudicator for the festival. On behalf of Somerset College, we thank Hayden for his time and feedback and for making some difficult decisions.
The 2025 awards are:
Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role: Peter Pilarinos and Mia Woodthorp
Outstanding Actor: Ava Gillis, Abhilasha Sarmah, Daisy Symons and Peggy Webber
Adjudicators Award: Starkey House, awarded for strong ensemble work
Winner of the House Plays Festival: Laver House, presenting We Mucked Up, written and directed by Anika Lu and Aleeza Tariq
The House Plays Festival is a huge commitment, and the goal of staging a play in such a short timeframe can only be achieved through the determination of our directors and cast.
To the company of 2025, we take our hat off to you all!
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