Grammar is proud to announce that Year 12 graduate Darcy Strode from the Class of 2025 has been accepted into the internationally renowned American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City for the June 2026 intake. Darcy has also been awarded a $50,000 scholarship, recognising her exceptional talent, dedication and potential in the performing arts.
Darcy鈥檚 achievement marks an exciting milestone in a journey shaped by creativity, discipline and a deep commitment to artistic excellence.
Headmaster Phil O鈥橰egan congratulated Darcy on her remarkable achievement. 鈥淒arcy embodies the spirit of a 榴莲社区 graduate. As well as talented, she is hardworking and deeply committed to her craft,鈥� Mr O鈥橰egan said.
Throughout her time at Grammar, Darcy embraced every opportunity to grow as both a performer and a student, crediting the school鈥檚 culture of effort, success and holistic development for nurturing her ambition.
A standout experience in Darcy鈥檚 performing arts education was the 2023 Performing Arts Tour to London, where 50 students and 10 teachers undertook professional level training at Danceworks London, Thomas Page Dance Studios and Pineapple Studios. Students also attended several West End productions, including Les Mis茅rables and 42nd Street. 鈥淚t was one of the best trips I鈥檝e ever been on,鈥� Darcy said. 鈥淢y friends and I still smile every time we think about it.鈥�
One of Darcy鈥檚 proudest accomplishments was her lead role as Kathy Seldon in the 2025 Senior School Musical Production of Singin鈥� in the Rain.
鈥淏eing entrusted with a lead role in a school filled with so much creative talent was incredibly affirming,鈥� Darcy said. 鈥淏alancing the production with my Year 12 workload taught me resilience, time management and determination.鈥�
Darcy also discovered a passion for performance poetry, a journey that began in Year 8 and continued through to her final year. She performed at events including the International Women鈥檚 Day Breakfast, and for her English Extension Two major work, she wrote and recorded a 15 minute performance poem titled Momenta. She describes Grammar鈥檚 support for niche creative pursuits as 鈥渋nvaluable and deeply appreciated.鈥�
Darcy will relocate to New York next year as she prepares to begin her diploma in musical theatre at AMDA, while continuing auditions for additional programs in Europe and Australia.
鈥淢y dream is to become a working musical theatre performer,鈥� Darcy said. 鈥淕rammar has instilled in me the resilience, perseverance and determination I need to pursue that dream. I鈥檓 also grateful that the school helped me develop passions beyond theatre, including English, poetry and Sociology, which I hope to explore further in the future.鈥�
Mr O鈥橰egan added 鈥淗er acceptance into AMDA, along with such a significant scholarship, is a testament to her dedication and the strength of our performing arts program. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to seeing her shine on the world stage.鈥�
