Children and Teen classes

These are private group classes for teenagers and children 10 years and older in speech and drama. The classes aim to develop confident speaking, acting and presentation skills through specialist training which involves fun creative voice, speech, process drama and communication activities.

Prospective students are interviewed and, if successful, placed with a suitable group of 2/3 participants. These classes run during school terms only. Each group works towards a Speech New Zealand or Trinity Guildhall London certificate examination in speech and drama.

 

End-of-year devised production

Theatre brings much joy to those who are involved. Devising a show and performing in it is a creative and satisfying activity for people of all ages. Drama in its widest context, is known to develop all eight intelligences (kinesthetic, linguistic, spatial, musical, logical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic.) Drama is also a useful medium for channeling the energies of our youth and they learn valuable skills while having fun.

In term 4, students can work towards an end-of-year student devised production which is performed in a Wellington theatre. In 2010 the Production was “Under Investigation”  I devised a scenario of random scenes from around the world that intricately link together. The students explored the ideas of “we are responsible not only for what we do but what we don’t do in this world,” as well as the higher intentions behind our attitudes and behaviours.  The students improvised the scenes and I helped them develop the scripts and “Under Investigation” was born.  Under Investigation was performed by 30 children and teenagers on Sunday 12 December at the Gryphon Theatre in Wellington. 

 

Past and present student achievements

Past and present students have achieved in the areas of public speaking and leadership:

Maria English won the World School’s Debating Championship in Athens early in 2009, the world championship for the Cambridge AS Level English Literature.  She was the Head Girl at Samuel Marsden Collegiate in 2009 and is now studying at Cambridge University in England.  Please see Maria’s testimonial.

Rayhan Langdana won the NZ Human Rights Commission – Race Unity Speech Award 2009.  Rayhan spoke at the Human Rights awards evening at Te Papa on Monday 24 August 2009 and received a standing ovation!  Rayhan has been elected as the Head Boy at Wellington College for 2011. 

Simone Blaylock has been elected as the Head Girl at Samuel Marsden Collegiate for 2011. 

Present students who have achieved in the performing arts:

Bethany Miller received the 2010 Antoinette Award for the Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for her performance in the Diary of Anne Frank, Repertory Theatre.    

Georgia Rippin was seen as the Narrator in the television series “Time Trackers” released in 2009.

 

What past students most valued about Speech and Drama lessons

I completely enjoy Speech and Drama lessons.  The lessons met and exceeded my expectations. The insight Diane has into the pieces and performances of each individual student, which stems from the manner in which she builds strong connections with them.  This is a course that allows people to become performers, helping them build skills that are useful in many, many areas.  Rayhan Langdana ATCL Performer
I enjoyed developing pieces through various exercises to fully understand them.  This is a really comprehensive course to extend and develop a wide knowledge of literature and communication through the voice.  Clementine West ATCL Performer

For more information please contact Voice and Performance.