Even though talented Lucinda Crompton of the IGS Class of 2025 only took up Drama as a subject in Year 11, her HSC individual performance earned her a coveted nomination for HSC showcase OnSTAGE.
Lucinda, who joined IGS in Year 9, only discovered her gift for acting when she selected the Drama component of the Tasmanian IGS SAGE Writing the Island experience with her friends.
Teachers and fellow students urged her to take up the subject, and despite her nerves she gave convincing performances in a number of roles at IGS, including playing Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Lucinda elected to focus on Nell Gwynn for her individual performance, “one of the first female actors in England in the mid 1600s, an incredible actor and woman and strong feminist”.
Lucinda was thrilled she was able to view an original portrait of the actor in London last year. She studied the play Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale, then created a monologue for her HSC performance, performing it again at the 2025 IGS Speech Night.
“She was a really special character for me, lovable and inspirational for her time, and for now,” Lucinda said.
Until discovering Drama, Lucinda was focused on Biology and Mathematics.
“Drama was so different; being able to express other personas. To be able to play different characters allows you more empathy. It lets you be yourself in other people’s shoes. You have control because you explore it in a creative way.”
She also enjoyed Drama because it allowed her to explore issues, such as racism in Norm and Ahmed by Alex Buzo.
She had fun being part of the IGS production of The Dining Room by A. R. Gurney, which required many rapid costume changes to play multiple characters.
Lucinda thanked and praised the School’s Drama teachers for her successes.
She encourages younger students to “follow your passions”.
“Don’t worry about how they scale. If you are passionate about a course, you will do well.
“Support from teachers is important. Make sure you have those connections.”
Lucinda plans to take a gap year in 2026 and is hoping that some performance and directing opportunities will firm up for her.
The following year, she would like to study Arts at the University of Sydney, majoring in Psychology, with theatre as another elective and hobby.
We wish her well, along with the entire Class of 2025.
