Performing Arts - Toi Whakaari
Te toi whakaari, ka ihiihi, ka wehiwehi, ka aweawe te ao katoa.
Artistic performance makes the world sit up in wonder.
The Performing Arts Department offers a half year taster course at year 10 and then runs NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3 options for senior students, which are full year courses. Each of the levels combine Dance and Drama elements and the senior courses consist solely of Achievement Standards. Several performance evenings are held each year and students also have the opportunity to see a wide range of live theatre performances as part of their senior courses.
Within co-curricular options the department offers students the opportunity to take part in an annual school production. There are positions available for technical crews as well as performers and full on-site training is provided. We have a strong tradition in Dance, with the department running several crews which compete in numerous regional and national competitions. A dance leadership programme is also offered to senior students.
The performing Arts courses and co-curricular programmes are all designed to encourage communication of self and ideas and foster skills to empower our students to become enquiring, confident and motivated learners and leaders within the MRGS community.
Awesome ´CATS" Experience
Harlequin Musical Theatre very generously donated 20 “CATS” tickets to the Performing Arts Department, completely free of charge. Our students were given premium seats in the circle for the opening performance and at the end of the show they had the opportunity to meet members of the cast.
Taking place at the Civic Theatre, the show was action packed from start to finish. The singing, dancing, scenery, music and costumes kept the audience spell bound in their seats. “I thought the singing and Make-up was fantastic” said Jordan Harris. “I liked how the actors really got into character and behaved just like cats all the time” marvelled Uinise Tulimaiau. “The fireworks were really cool – I loved the whole magician section” states Brooke Clarkson.
This was a fantastic experience for our students to see a world renowned show and we are truly grateful for the kind and generous donation from HMT.