College productions win four categories at Showdown Awards

The talent, commitment and dedication of the College performing arts staff were recognised at the annual Showdown Awards held last night. This year’s College productions, West Side Story and The Crucible both won a well-deserved set of results.

The Senior School musical, West Side Story was announced as winner of ‘Outstanding Musical’ along with Year 13 student Findlay Murray for the ‘Best Supporting male in a Musical’ in the role of Action. The Crucible also gained two awards with Production Technician, Mr Glen Mortensen, picking up ‘Best Lighting Design’ and Year 13 student, Ben Elias, achieving ‘Best Supporting Male actor in a Play’ for his performance as Judge Danforth.

Presented at SkyCity Theatre, and run by the Auckland Community Theatre Trust, the night is the culmination of the organisation’s mammoth task of watching dozens of Auckland Secondary School drama and musical productions in order to determine the most outstanding students and staff in a variety of categories. Both West Side Story and The Crucible were nominated by the judging team for a total of 19 awards in both acting and technical categories.

Feedback from the ceremony was that the productions were two of the stand-out performances of the year, combining tight stage-craft with talent and passion to make for great theatre. The performances, both dramatically and musically, that were drawn from the students were said to be rich in both technique and emotion.

Congratulations to the students, Mr Ross Gerritsen, Head of Music and Ms Emma Bishop, Head of Drama who richly deserve these accolades.