The Arts

Excellence in Performing Arts

At Pulteney Grammar School, Performing Arts is a culture of creativity, inclusion, and excellence. Across music, dance, and drama, students are consistently recognised at state and national levels for their talent, professionalism, and teamwork.

Our programs empower students from ELC–12 to explore their artistic voice, develop confidence, and perform at a standard that rivals professional productions.

National Recognition for Musical Theatre

Pulteney’s production of Urinetown: The Musical earned an Adelaide Critics Award nomination in the Community Group category — the only school recognised in this field and the first time Pulteney has received this honour from the Adelaide Critics Circle.

Critics praised the production’s polish, ambition, and ensemble strength, affirming Pulteney’s reputation as one of South Australia’s leading school theatre programs.

Music Excellence and National Achievement

Pulteney musicians continue to achieve outstanding success through the Australian Music Examinations Board and national performance opportunities.

Recent honours include:

• Associate Diploma and State Prize recognition
• State award winners across instrumental and speech categories
• National and interstate conducting appointments for Choral Director Annie Kwok

Students regularly perform in significant venues and ceremonial events, including international commemorative tours across France and Belgium.

Learning from Australia’s Leading Artists

In 2026, acclaimed conductor and music educator George Torbay will join Pulteney to mentor students and lead the School musical. Currently a Senior Lecturer at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, Mr Torbay was Head of Music Theatre for seven years and is deeply passionate about teaching and the joy of creating theatre with young performers.Mr Torbay brings an extraordinary career in music and theatre to Pulteney. A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, the University of Sydney, and the Queensland Conservatorium, he has served as Artist in Residence at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore, Chief Conductor for the NSW Department of Education, and Artistic Director of the Sydney Opera House Concert Series. His extensive directing and conducting credits include Les Misérables, Chess, Urinetown, Jesus Christ Superstar, Spring Awakening, and La bohème.

Dance Program: State-Level Success

Pulteney dancers continue to excel across major competitions, including the SASDS Dance Eisteddfod and Dance Ultra South.

Recent achievements include:

• Overall Secondary School Showcase Winners
• Multiple first-place troupe and solo performances
• Consistent podium finishes across jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary categories
• Recognition for choreography and ensemble performance quality

Guided by dedicated staff including Rosanna Dobre, students develop technical excellence while building confidence, teamwork, and creative expression.

The co-curricular dance program spans Years 1–12 and culminates annually in a major Dance Concert and Dance Soirée, celebrating performers at every stage of their journey.