Well, we made it to the North Island champs! This was exciting as last year we had plays selected, and then we entered a lockdown, and we didn’t get to go on any further. This year the celebrations were real. The struggle though was indeed improving the 2 plays that were selected in a short time period – just 2 weeks between the regionals and … Continue reading North Island One Act Play Championships
Just this last week, we took part in the Wairarapa Regional competition of the Theatrefest One Act Play competition. We had 9 plays, and 7 of these were ready for performance (covid-19 strikes again) for the competition. Some of our successful original pieces are as follows. In the coming weeks, links to these performances will be shared, with further information about the plays. Backseat – … Continue reading Wairarapa Regional One Act Play Competition
Today began with a look at refining and improving. We discussed how things could be refined and improved, from adding detail, to rehearsing, to improving the script, to adding technical elements, to changing the direction. Then we gave the students 3 hours to do just that. What they came up with was amazing. From costumes to dance routines to layered vocal sounds to slam poetry … Continue reading The Arts Project: Day 4
I’ve been passionate about Shakespeare since before I attended high school… however, I know this isn’t the case for many students… or teachers. Recently I returned from the greatest few weeks working with the Globe Theatre in London, developing a deeper love for Shakespeare and a passion for engaging even younger kids with his works. I developed this teaching unit for use in middle and … Continue reading Teaching Shakespeare
And thus we reach the last play in our list of the 12 Plays of Christmas. Today is Twelfth Night, signaling the last day of winter, and Epiphany Eve, and work beginning again in the fields… so Twelfth Night is all about fun, and removing Christmas decorations. The play “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare is all about fun. “Twelfth Night” is my favourite comedy. It … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 12 – Twelfth Night
Welcome to the 11th Play of Christmas. Today we shall look at Shakespeare’s “Henry VIII”. Unusually, “Henry VIII” isn’t performed that often, which is a sad thing because it is a great play. Following the story of Henry VIII through the end of his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon and his second marriage to Ann Boleyn. The actual story is gripping, and adding the … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 11 – Henry VIII
Welcome to Day 10! Traditionally January 3 is the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. This remembers when Jesus was officially ‘named’ in the Jewish Temple. So what better choice of play than “The Merchant of Venice”. “The Merchant of Venice” centers around a few key players. Portia, who needs to marry, is keen on Bassanio. He however lacks money, so works on a … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 10 – The Merchant of Venice
Welcome to Day 9. Traditionally the 9th day of Christmas is for the well-traveled saints… and who do we know who is well-traveled? The Moor of Venice. Othello is a well crafted tragedy setting up the relationship between the Moor Othello, a general, and his fair wife, Desdemona. It doesn’t help that they initially ran off in secret to get married, or that Othello overlooked … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 9 – Othello
Welcome to Day 8 and 2018! Yay! Today brings us to one of my favourite Shakespearean plays – “Pericles; The Prince of Tyre”. Over the last few years I have become obsessed with trying to win this award for the most unusual choice of play, which has led to me reading a number of unusual Shakespearean texts. “Pericles; The Prince of Tyre” has it all, … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 8 – Pericles, the Prince of Tyre
As New Years Eve is known as Hogmany in Scotland, what better choice for the 12 Plays of Christmas for Day 7 than ‘the Scottish Play’ itself, “MacBeth”. “MacBeth” is a tragedy centred around the character MacBeth, as he plots and takes over the role as King of Scotland. MacBeth, a soldier, bumps into witches who predict he will become Thane of Cawdor and well … Continue reading The 12 Plays of Christmas – Day 7 – MacBeth
Beyond Theatre 