Recently we have been working on creating original mini-pantomimes based on fairy tales. The group wrote “Snow White”, “The Wizard of Oz” and “Sleeping Beauty” into original comic plays. Covid has not made it any easier to perform. We still have constraints around audiences, use of costume and set, as well as finding everyone in school to actually complete a performance. I am hoping this … Continue reading Pantomime
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
Heya all – it has been a time I am aware. However, things have somewhat settled, and I have been digitising and uploading more teaching resources. Why? Well, we had 2 massive lockdowns in my neck of the woods. I spent the first one as our schools digital teaching expert helping the teachers prepare and engage our rural students online. The second one, well, I … Continue reading Resources for Teaching Drama
Yeah, it has been crazy busy! Day 6: Pepeha Day Today was designed around preparation for our trip to Kohunui Marae. We worked on our Waiata, and talked about the pepeha of the song. So, a pepeha is basically a genealogy that connects to your family as well as the area you are from. When you introduce yourself with a mihimihi, you share your pepeha, … Continue reading The Arts Project: Day 6 and 7
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
Today we challenged the students to create “a thing” whether it be Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Art. The most important part was the set up, the how-do create things. We covered how you can use things directly, such as quotes, or the stories of different people. Looking at art, and trying to create the story of the people in the picture. Then we discussed … Continue reading The Arts Project: Day 3
Recently we have been knee deep in rehearsals for our version of HMS Pinafore. Here are a selection of behind the scenes shots of rehearsals and the set construction phases. Mostly we like to re-use elements from previous productions then update them with tweaks and paint. Ultimately we need to buy our own set of scaffolding, as it is so versatile. Continue reading Behind the Scenes
To summarise my experience with the Teachers Go Global programme has been the hardest thing to write. To say the experience was life altering seems trite, but so true. For most of my life, I have never really felt “at home”. This has extended to frequent moves, an extended list of places I don’t want to live, and a need to be near a certain … Continue reading Performing on the Globe Theatre Stage
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
Beyond Theatre 