The College commitment to the Arts programme is particularly evident in the ever-growing interest amongst students in the dramatic arts. Drama students have a dedicated space with three drama classrooms and associated costume and props storage, for the teaching of drama and for performance rehearsal. Elliot Hall has a full stage, professional light and sound equipment and seating for almost a thousand. Senior Class Productions are held in the Dance Studios.
Curriculum
Students study a core course in Drama in Year 7 as one of the ‘essential learning’ areas of ‘The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum,’ and can take Drama as an option from Year 8. From Years 11-13, students have the option of studying NCEA Drama or International Baccalaureate Theatre Arts. There are numerous performance opportunities within the academic programme which give our students a strong foundation of knowledge and experience that will set them up for opportunities beyond the College gates.
Productions
Two major musical productions are staged each year as a collaboration between the music, drama, and dance departments; one for Middle School students and one for Seniors. Students of all ages are encouraged to be involved. Each Senior Drama class does its own class production during the year.
For those who do not enjoy being in the limelight, there are many roles in lighting, backstage, set construction, makeup, hair design, and front-of-house. The technology available supports our stage productions and the senior students involved in this aspect of the shows build technical knowledge and play an important part in mentoring younger students. Actors and, those that make up the rest of the drama team are always acknowledged for their talents.
Co-curricular Programmes
Middle School Production:
An annual auditioned production where our top-performing Middle School students showcase their talents on stage. Recent productions include ‘Frozen’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, ‘Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat’, ‘Peter Pan,’ ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.’
Senior School Musical:
This is a major production in Term 1 each year with a large cast, backstage crew and orchestra. The cast for the musical requires the combined talents of acting and well-trained singing. This production also gives ample opportunity for those interested in backstage work.
Senior School Play Series:
The annual Play Series involves our Senior College drama students performing their NCEA assessment pieces for an audience. Often edgy productions that push the boundaries for the students and audience alike, are sophisticated productions. With minimal props and costuming, the focus is placed clearly on the actors and their stagecraft; their ability to not only deliver their lines but to use complex dramatic skills to fully engage their audience.
Theatresports
More than 150 students and 25 coaches train weekly to compete in in-house competitions as well as part of the Auckland Theatresports Youth Programmes competition. Under the guidance of the Drama Department, the College has made the finals of this competition every year for the past fifteen years including winning the Auckland title in 2008, 2014, 2020, and 2022.
Middle School Drama Club
A weekly club for Years 7–10 for students to learn more about the craft from dedicated itinerant tutors. The Drama Club often presents a showcase for parents.
Combined Years 7-13
Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Competition
Run by the Drama Department, this is an opportunity for students to express their passion for Shakespeare. There are both student-directed and staff-directed performances of selected scenes from many well-known Shakespearian plays. These are entered into regional competitions and a number of them have been selected for the National finals, where students get the opportunity to travel to Wellington, participate in workshops, and present their performance for a very large audience including national judges.
Itinerant Programme
The Drama Department has a well-resourced itinerant programme with dedicated speech and drama teachers who provide tuition for students through either individual or paired classes.
Students can elect to compete in local Speech and Drama competitions, as well as sitting annual graded examinations through the Trinity College of London.
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