When the curtain rises on Animal Farm next month, audiences will witness far more than Damascus College's annual school production. This year's performance represents a remarkable full-circle moment in the College's history and provides an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of one of Damascus College's most dedicated and longest-serving teachers, Andrew Seeary.

In 1999, Damascus College staged its first major school production, George Orwell's Animal Farm. More than a quarter of a century later, the College returns to the same powerful story, creating a fitting connection between the beginnings of Damascus theatre and the culmination of Andrew's distinguished career in education and the performing arts.

Andrew's contribution to Catholic education in Ballarat spans more than 36 years. Beginning at St Martin's in the Pines in 1990, Andrew quickly established himself as a passionate advocate for drama and student performance. In 1995, when Damascus College was formed, Andrew continued his role as a driving force behind the Performing Arts program. Over the past three decades, Andrew has helped shape a vibrant performing arts culture that has become one of the hallmarks of Damascus.

As Coordinator of Performing Arts (Drama), Andrew has had many roles, including assisting as director or designer, and guided students through an extraordinary range of productions. From the groundbreaking Animal Farm in 1999 to beloved musicals such as Little Shop of Horrors, Fame, Footloose, Annie, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Addams Family and Oliver, generations of students have discovered confidence, creativity and connection through the opportunities he helped create.

The breadth of productions over the years reflects Andrew's commitment to exposing students to a wide range of theatrical styles and experiences. Audiences have been captivated by dramas such as The Diary of Anne Frank, The Crucible and Cosi; literary adaptations including Around the World in 80 Days and The 39 Steps; and imaginative family favourites such as The Wiz and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.

Many alumni fondly recall their involvement in Damascus productions, whether as performers, musicians, backstage crew members, or enthusiastic audience members. Under Andrew's leadership, the Performing Arts program has become much more than an extracurricular activity. It has been a place where students have found friendship, belonging, confidence and a sense of purpose, often creating memories that last long after graduation.

The decision to revisit Animal Farm in 2026 is especially significant. The production honours the legacy of the College's first all school production while highlighting how far the Performing Arts program has evolved over the past 27 years. It also serves as a tribute to Andrew's enduring influence on drama education at Damascus College and his commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for students to grow through performance.

As Andrew prepares to take his final bow following this production, the Damascus community has much to celebrate. His passion, creativity and dedication have enriched the lives of countless students, colleagues and families. The impact of his work will continue to be felt long after the final performance concludes, living on through the confidence, skills and memories he has helped create.

This year's production of Animal Farm is a celebration of history, community and the transformative power of the performing arts. Most importantly, it is a fitting tribute to a teacher whose influence has shaped Damascus College and the broader Ballarat community for more than three decades.

With strong interest in this special production, limited seats remain available. Tickets can be booked via https://www.trybooking.com/DMOPY.