Arabic version: مدرسة نيوتاون تنتج ممثلتين رائدتين في هوليوود
Two former students of Newtown High School of Performing Arts are now leading major Hollywood films, and their hometown cinema has highlighted both on its walls.
According to ABC News, Newtown in Sydney’s inner west is represented on the big screen by 19-year-old Catherine Lagaʻaia, who plays Moana in the Disney live-action remake, and 26-year-old Milly Alcock, who portrays Supergirl. Audiences could see both locals on the big screen on the same day.
The school, which opened in 1990, accepts general admissions and holds audition intakes for students seeking a strong focus on performing arts. Head drama teacher Daniel Kavanagh said he remembered auditioning Lagaʻaia and noted qualities such as the ability to listen, collaborate and use creativity in activities. He described Alcock as measured, thoughtful and analytical during her studies.
The school has a program that allows students to study overseas during the holidays, and Kavanagh said the school offered Alcock a partial scholarship to attend a UK study tour when she was keen but unable to afford it. Lagaʻaia completed her Higher School Certificate while on set filming Moana in the United States, with special arrangements for exams through the New South Wales Education Standards Authority, and graduated in 2025.
An opportunity in 2019 to star in Upright affected Alcock’s ability to finish the HSC in the usual way, and Kavanagh said she finished with her schooling in 2018. Alcock went on to play young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon and Simone DeWitt in Sirens before transforming into Supergirl in the latest DC Universe film, starring alongside Eve Ridley and Jason Momoa.
Dendy Newtown Cinema general manager Elliott Collins said seeing two former students in the title roles of films as big as Supergirl and Moana was a celebration of the community and a reminder that world-class talent can come from right here in Newtown. Kavanagh said spotting posters for both films during a recent visit to the cinema was a proud teacher moment.
