After months of writing, rehearsing, creating and collaborating, the curtain has closed on ASPIRE’s 2026 original production, Scrambled.
Bringing together around 160 students from all 58 Catholic schools across the Diocese, Scrambled showcased the creativity, talent and dedication that make ASPIRE such a unique opportunity for young people passionate about the performing arts.
From performers and musicians to costume makers, designers, writers and backstage crew, students played a leading role in bringing the original production to life on the stage of Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. Along the way, they developed new skills, built lasting friendships and gained valuable experience working alongside like-minded peers from across the region.
The production’s success was reflected not only in the performances themselves, but also in the stories of the students involved.
Many students spoke about the confidence, creativity and sense of belonging they have gained through the program. Long-time participants described ASPIRE as a second family, while newcomers highlighted the excitement of collaborating on an original production and meeting students from schools across the Diocese.
The production also attracted significant attention across the region, with local newspapers, radio and TV broadcasters sharing the stories of students whose passion and commitment helped make Scrambled such a memorable success.
- The Port Stephens Examiner featured Catherine McAuley Catholic College student Nicholas Witcomb, who secured a lead role in his first year with ASPIRE. Nicholas said landing the role was a dream come true, particularly after watching his older brother take on a junior lead role in ASPIRE several years ago. The Year 11 student said he has always loved performing and particularly enjoys being able to make people “laugh and smile” on stage. While Nicholas hopes to become a high school art teacher after finishing school, he joked that people often tell him he should consider becoming a drama teacher as well.
- The Maitland Mercury profiled All Saints’ College Year 10 student Lily Dyer, who secured a vocal solo in the production. The 16-year-old already has three original songs available on Spotify and has twice won the ASPIRE songwriting competition, giving her the opportunity to professionally record her own music. Lily described ASPIRE as a special opportunity to work alongside like-minded students and perform an original production on the Civic Theatre stage.
- The Singleton Argus featured St Joseph’s Catholic College, Aberdeen student Lula Peebles, who has participated in ASPIRE every year since Year 5. Lula received the coveted seven-year shirt in recognition of her commitment and is performing in the drama ensemble during her final production. The story also highlighted the dedication of Upper Hunter families who regularly carpool to Newcastle for rehearsals and performances.They also featured St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton brothers James (Jimmy) and Sam Bartlett, who made their ASPIRE debuts this year. Jimmy, a Year 10 student, performed in the band and said playing in an orchestra pit, meeting other musicians and working with a new band were highlights of the experience. Sam worked backstage and hopes to pursue a career in theatre, with ambitions to study technical production at NIDA after school. Both brothers enjoyed meeting students from other schools and encouraged others to audition for ASPIRE in 2027, with Sam saying: “If you get the chance to be part of ASPIRE give it a go, it was great fun.”
- The Manning River Times shared the story of St Clare’s Catholic College, Taree student Anayah Wetere-Smith, who overcame a nerve-racking audition to secure five roles in Scrambled. The 15-year-old and her family have made the long journey from Taree to Newcastle for rehearsals, with the experience strengthening Anayah’s ambition to pursue a career as an on-screen actor.
- The Newcastle Herald profiled St Francis Xavier’s College Year 12 student Claire Jenkins, who received special permission to return for one final ASPIRE production while completing her HSC. Claire, a soloist in the vocal ensemble, said ASPIRE sparked her passion for the creative arts and gave her a strong sense of community. Artistic director Anna Kerrigan praised Claire’s development from a nervous young performer into a collaborative leader within the ensemble.
- ABC Newcastle also interviewed Year 11 students Ivy Jones from Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown and Nicholas Witcomb from Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie. Nicholas, who is participating in ASPIRE for the first time, described rehearsals as the highlight of his week and said the collaborative process had helped him become more confident in developing his character. Ivy, now in her seventh year with the program, said ASPIRE had been foundational in developing her creative skills and supporting her ambition to work in the performing arts.
When it came to the opening matinee performance, both the Newcastle Herald and NBN News attended, showcasing many of the students on stage at the Civic Theatre.
The Newcastle Herald featured Year 11 students Scarlett Levy from St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul and Gabriel Widseth from Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown. Scarlett, now in her fourth year with the program, said ASPIRE felt like a “second family” and described the excitement of creating parts of her own costume from scratch, an experience that brought her closer to her dream of becoming a costume designer.
Gabriel, participating in ASPIRE for the seventh year, said the program had helped him build friendships, learn new skills and discover more about himself through theatre. He described acting as the “vessel” he uses to express himself and said being part of an original production was particularly exciting because students have the opportunity to bring new characters to life for the first time.
While Scrambled was clever, funny and full of energy, what stood out most was the extraordinary talent of the young people who brought it to life. Their enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to step outside their comfort zones are a testament to the strength of performing arts education in our Catholic schools.
Congratulations to every student, teacher, creative team member, volunteer and supporter who helped make ASPIRE 2026 such an outstanding achievement. We can’t wait to see what ASPIRE creates next.
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