A lasting legacy: The Chris Ivey Theatre

St Andrew’s Anglican College has named its new black box theatre the Chris Ivey Theatre, recognising the significant contribution of the long-standing Principal and his enduring passion for the Arts.

The announcement was made by Principal Karen Gorrie during the official opening of the College’s new Performing Arts and Administration Precinct on Friday 16 October, honouring a leader whose vision helped shape St Andrew’s into the College it is today.

Chris Ivey served as Principal for almost 18 years. During his tenure, the College grew to more than 1450 students, alongside the development of major facilities including the Richard Gowty Centre, Learning Hub and Aquatic Centre.

Chris Ivey served as Principal for almost 18 years. During his tenure, the College grew to more than 1450 students, alongside the development of major facilities including the Richard Gowty Centre, Learning Hub and Aquatic Centre.

Unveiling the theatre’s name, Mrs Gorrie reflected on the breadth of Mr Ivey’s contribution to the College, including his personal involvement in its performing arts productions.

“Chris was involved in so many things, but I think it’s fitting today to mention that he would be the assistant director of the College play and was also involved in many musicals,” Mrs Gorrie said.

“Therefore, the naming of this theatre not only speaks to his involvement, but also his passion for the Arts as well as his leadership in the Arts.”

She described Mr Ivey’s contribution as an enormous legacy, saying she was pleased to name the theatre in his honour.

For Mr Ivey, the announcement was both humbling and deeply personal.

“It’s an incredible honour to have this name behind me there,” he said.

Reflecting on his 18 years as Principal, Mr Ivey spoke of the enduring connection he and his family share with St Andrew’s, including the involvement of his family in the College’s Arts community.

“You can walk away from a place after 18 years as Principal, but you don’t just suddenly forget the place,” he said.

He described the new building as a reflection of what he continues to value most about St Andrew’s: its strong sense of community and its commitment to collaboration, courage and commitment.

“This building, to me, is a perfect example of everything I love and continue to love about St Andrew’s. I am incredibly humbled to have been part of the journey to see St Andrew’s where it is today.”

A theatre built on collaboration

For Mr Ivey, the Performing Arts precinct represents years of shared ideas, planning and collaboration between the College’s Drama and Music staff, leadership team and College Council as well as the courage and commitment required to pursue ambitious ideas and bring them to life.

“It’s a great example to me of a community of collaboration,” he said.

“When St Andrew’s says it’s going to do something, it does."

These qualities, he believes, are also central to the Arts, where people work together, take creative risks and persevere to achieve something they could not accomplish alone.  He encouraged students to embrace collaboration, show courage in pursuing new challenges and remain committed when things become difficult.

“That’s what the Arts is all about,” he said, "When the College community lives out its values, it really is incredibly Diamond Strong”.

As generations of students take to the stage in the Chris Ivey Theatre, its name will serve as a reminder of the people, shared vision and collective effort that have shaped St Andrew’s Anglican College.