Drama Performance ‘Thank You So Much’

Drama is a three phase operation, on stage, back stage and behind the scenes.

With each performance I have seen an improvement in delivery from our actors. They have lifted their game and carried their characters well, and I am so proud of them all. As one student put it this morning ‘they have developed the characteristics of their characters’, which was rewarding to hear, but thinking about it later I wondered if it was complimentary, given the murderous intent this lot have all developed over the last few months!!

All of this would not have been possible without a lot of work that goes on to support their role. It has been as always, a real team effort.

Behind the scenes –

The huge job of food preparation and serving: Ylva Maxwell and Dalene Potgieter, [sitting in the audience] and tonight Sue Marquet, Hospitality students, and senior students

Setting up of tables for first ‘High Tea’, and then 2 evening performances – again Sue Marquet and Denise New and of course student help. I arrived this morning to find Denise and year 9 student Janaya at the tail end of all the dishes –what angels!

George Jensen and the construction crew – for making items as needed for that realistic look, a butcher's block and the fire surround, and now storage boxes for our lights. Whaea Jess and Whaea Ngaire, teacher aides- for your creativity in the classroom.

Kerry and Sharon in the front office - for ticket sales and liaison with our audiences.

Recognition also to our lovely Hostess for Evening performances and make up coach– Chevana Tariu

Back stage – well actually set construction, painting, and hanging of paintings, antlers, curtains and general repairs when needed – Brenton Searancke

Stage hands – Mana, Ariki, Siniva,

Lighting, and sound effects – Logan MacRitchie and Caleb Evans

Volunteer help – Eve Jensen [sitting in the audience tonight]

On stage – My actors, both major and minor roles, congratulations on your commitment to your assigned roles, for accepting a role, attending rehearsals and seeing it through. You make me so proud.

Post production

If you were a member of one of our audiences – thank you. It was so rewarding to hear your laughter, and receive your compliments about our performances, and kai. We look forward to having you back again soon.

Clean-up of the set was also a team effort;

Brenton - amazing to have the deconstruction run so smoothly and as planned

VLY AKO - my runners, packers, folders, go to's, you are awesome and really appreciated.

Sharlyn and the trades group - who moved in to finish off with the deconstruction, returning of chairs and tables, plates, and trays etc.

Denise -thank you for taking my classes last week so I could give our students experience with performing on stage before our audiences arrived - I really appreciate the work you do for me and finally;

My senior drama group - you have been the best group of students to work with, not only for performance but for taking direction and seeing something through to the end. You took on your characters and made them come to life, well done. I hope you have enjoyed this experience as much as I have.

Mrs Vanessa Lumley