THE EMPAC theatre was bustling with Marian College students, staff members and teachers last week as rehearsals began for the school's upcoming play, 'The Magical History Tour'.

The story centres around a group of students who visit ancient and past civilisations to learn lessons from the past first-hand.

Student Ada Tracy, who wants to become an actor, said she hopes the play goes well.

Director Vicki McGowan, who has put on one play per year since she started teaching at the school, said term one was spent writing and workshopping the script and this term has focused on rehearsing and putting the play together with students and faculty.

"We started with a gem of an idea last year; created and discussed with last year's cast and crew," Ms McGowan said.

"We have a small band of students across Years 8 to 12, who revel in the performing arts and we have picked up a great group of Year 7s this year who are at present excelling in their roles.

"The work of five Year 9 and 10 students has been invaluable: they're here each week working as the dramaturgy team to discuss the theory behind practices, workshopping, script development and taking leadership in stagecraft arenas, such as sound and set design, costumes, properties and projections.

"Additionally our visual media students in Years 11 and 12 have designed and created set pieces and properties as well as fashioning a creative design concept for the foyer and ushers.

"This year we have returned to an old practice of involving whole year levels in the show.

"The Year 7 cohort will take to the stage in the Ancient Greece scene as dancers in the Agora and the whole Year 8 group will join our Egyptian Gods, plus the king and queen on stage as slaves, as they build the pyramids with their bodies and form a dance troupe.

"We are also very fortunate to have a dozen staff members who have cameo roles in the show this year.

"Their commitment and resilience add another dimension to the show and they hugely support the students by modelling great skills.

"A show cannot exist without the whole village: many thanks to my team members Michael Guinane, Anna Fin Genero, Cate Sutterby, Russell Williams and Kylie Britt.

"We hope the community will support this year's show.

"My goals for this school production include the students gaining a sense of belonging through participation, the respectful building of friendship groups and relationships where shared interests can blossom, experiencing shared responsibilities for staging a show and building personal confidences in whichever area they pursue."

The Magical History Tour will be performed at the Myrtleford Performing Arts Centre on: Thursday, 29 May at 6.30pm (opening night), Friday, 30 May at 1.30pm (matinee) and at 6.30pm (closing night).

Tickets are available by contacting Marian College on (03) 5752 1596 - adult ticket $15, group of five $40, child/concession $8.