From Online to Onstage: Longreach’s Galactic Journey in Star Warts
Longreach School of Distance Education took its audience to a galaxy far, far away with its sixth biennial musical, Star Warts. The ambitious production—a satirical take on the Star Wars saga—featured 101 students from across Queensland's remote communities, marking the first time many had met in person for rehearsals. With students spanning from Blackall to Mt Isa and as far west as the border, Longreach School of Distance Education proudly refers to itself as "the world’s biggest classroom."
The path to this stage was anything but conventional. With rehearsals held mostly online, the students and staff only gathered for four in-person days leading up to the premiere. “We had over 85 auditions for the roles, and it was incredible to see the enthusiasm,” shared Deputy Principal Rochelle Moore. “The 47-member cast and 64-student chorus came together in September for three days—their first time meeting face-to-face. It’s amazing how much students grow from an experience like this, especially when they’ve practiced mostly online.”
For many, like student Lucy Foggoter, who played “Luke Warmwater,” the experience was their first taste of the Star Wars universe. “I’ve never watched Star Wars, so I was kind of going off what Sean [the director] told us about the characters,” Lucy laughed. Despite the unfamiliar story, Lucy’s passion for dance gave her a unique opportunity in the production. “When Mrs. Moore asked me to do the choreographing, I was thrilled. I love that I got to share my passion with all those little girls and boys and show them what they’re capable of.”
After months of remote rehearsals, the students gathered for the premiere in Longreach. Performing in front of a crowd of over 500, they brought the audience to its feet. “When the curtains closed and we got a standing ovation—it was unbelievable,” Moore reflected. “They rose to the occasion and were better than I could have anticipated. I’m incredibly proud of every one of them.”
For a school where students only occasionally meet in person, Star Warts underscored the power of community and creativity in bridging the outback’s vast distances, proving that even across great distances, talent and dedication can create something truly extraordinary.
