The Damascus College Performing Arts Department commenced work on the 2026 College Production, Animal Farm, under the direction of Andrew Seeary.

In a significant moment for the College, this year’s production revisited Animal Farm by George Orwell, the first production ever staged at Damascus in 1999. Andrew Seeary returned to the work, reimagining and refining his original adaptation with a contemporary lens, bringing renewed relevance to the story’s themes of power, inequality and the complexity of leadership.

The audition process drew strong interest from students across the College, with more than 50 students participating. Across multiple sessions, students presented prepared character pieces and songs, alongside a movement workshop led by College alumna Justine Morris. The depth of talent and commitment made the selection process both challenging and rewarding.

With the cast now selected, rehearsals were underway, with students beginning to shape the production through collaboration, creativity and a shared sense of purpose.

Cast and Crew

Principal Roles
Lucy Gravell, Napoleon
Archie Jones, Squealer
Yolanda Jones, Snowball
Declan Newman, Boxer
Dana Reynolds, Clover
Macey McQuie, Mollie
Elliot West, Benjamin
Freya Bennet, Muriel

Secondary Roles
Oliver Jones, Old Major
Finn Dickson, Mr Jones

Minimus, TBA
Mr Wymper, TBA
Moses, TBA

Featured Roles
Emily Meade, Narrator 1
Sebastian Ryan, Narrator 2
Violetta Guzzoni-Kaval, Narrator 3
Ella Turner, Narrator 4

Ensemble
Emma Reed, Ensemble (Movement Coach)
Ella Nunn, Ensemble
Beau Turner, Ensemble
Ciahrnne Jiade Donovan, Ensemble
Addalyn Spong, Ensemble
Blake Schaper, Ensemble
Matilda West, Ensemble
Bronte Jarvis, Ensemble
Adrian O’Loughlin, Ensemble

Puppeteers / Crew
Rachel Orton, Puppeteer/Crew
Beth Colman, Puppeteer/Crew
Pepper Sharman, Puppeteer/Crew

This year’s production reflects the strength of the Performing Arts program at Damascus College, with students demonstrating creativity, commitment and a willingness to contribute to a shared vision. The College looks forward to sharing more as the production continues to develop.