Lopez a man of many talents

Stawell Secondary College’s new principal Carlos Lopez is a man of many talents.

Mr Lopez took over the head role at the college earlier this year and said he had ‘really enjoyed’ working with its staff and students.

He said he was committed to helping make the school – and by extension, the town – a better place.

“The students are amazing here at Stawell,” he said.

“Over the next few years we’ll be working on getting our staff and students to give us feedback as to how we can improve the service to our community.

“Education is one of the biggest contributing factors to people’s happiness in life, so as part of a community we need to improve our service.

“That’s one thing we’ll be focusing on, so we can go to the next level in terms of not just our academic achievement but also the opportunities we offer students across the board.

“So far, I’m really enjoying it and it has been really nice to work with such nice teams of students and staff.”

But while enriching the lives of his students is a priority for Mr Lopez, it is far from his only passion. He is also enthusiastic about musical theatre. Mr Lopez will play Gomez Addams in a production of the musical comedy The Addams Family by Horsham’s Smart Artz Theatre Company next month.

Mr Lopez said the cast had been rehearsing for the production for months – something he found difficult to balance with his workload at the college.

“It’s been a bit of a challenge trying to juggle those two – my role as a principal and the show – because the play is very demanding,” he said.

“But when I get to rehearsals, we have a very strong, committed team and we’ve been having a great time, so it is a little bit of time off from

the hustle and bustle. And it has been a very entertaining thing to be going through; we’re having a great time.

“There have been jokes we’ve rehearsed time and time again and every time we hear them it’s funnier.”

Mr Lopez, who lives in Horsham and previously taught at Horsham College, admitted he did not know what he was ‘getting himself into’ when he auditioned for the show, but said he had loved being able to share a stage with so many talented Wimmera performers.

He said the show was looking to build on the success of Horsham Arts Council’s production of Rock of Ages.

“I’m really looking forward to showing this to our community,” he said.

“I think Horsham has been gifted. I don’t know what they’ve put in the water, but in terms of the performing arts it is not just geographically between Adelaide and Melbourne, but it is a little bit of an oasis in country Victoria.

“I think the performers in Victoria have been gifted with I don’t know what, but I do honestly believe there is a lot of talent and the more opportunities people have in Horsham to develop that talent, the better it is.

“One of my favourite times of year is when the eisteddfod comes to town, because it showcases talent outside of the two theatre companies – talent that is outstanding.

“We had Rock of Ages which is great, and we’re sort of changing pace into a bit of a comedy musical, which I think people will enjoy.

“I think we are very fortunate in Horsham to be able to access some really high-quality performing arts and for the public it is amazing.”

The Addams Family will be at Horsham Town Hall with five shows between July 17 and 21. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children. People can book tickets by calling the town hall on 5382 9555 or visiting the website, www.horshamtownhall.com.au/hthevent/theaddams-family-a-new-musical.