June 2018 Highlights in this month’s Spotlight Latest news from iTICKET #mtnz2018 NextGen Boot Camp – August, Lake Karapiro – our third one – registrations now open Agenda for June Zone Four Meeting, Hanmer Springs NextGen Report from James National news and updates – resource links Combined North Island Meeting report Combined South Island Meeting 14 – 16 September – info on Les Misérables tickets Amici Trust - young New Zealand performers will collaborate with New York City theatre professionals on new student edition of Newsies JR Audition info from NASDA 2018 downloadable catalogue from Origin Theatrical David Spicer announced the rights for Ladies in Black Hilarious comedies from NZ playwright Devon Williamson Techie info – NSL, Showtechnix, John Herber And much, much more ……..

MTNZ Calendar 2018 Date Event 22 - 24 June Executive Meeting - Auckland 21 July Zone Two Meeting https://www.facebook.com/events/1998932763719388/ 24 – 26 August Boot Camp at Epworth Retreat – Cambridge (Lake Karapiro) https://www.facebook.com/events/1615151615233204/ 1 September Zone One Meeting 15 September Combined South Island Meeting– Christchurch (see Les Misérables, workshop and keynote with Kerri Tilby Price) https://www.facebook.com/events/343508619456146/ 15 September Zone Three Meeting – Palmerston North https://www.facebook.com/events/1013227902157687/ 22 September Zony Awards – Distinction Hotel, Rotorua 5 – 7 October Executive Meeting – Dunedin 26 – 28 October National Training Weekend – Christchurch https://www.facebook.com/events/164836580775529/ 22 – 24 March 59th National Conference, AGM and Volunteer Training Weekend – Auckland 2019 https://www.facebook.com/events/2092158877670119/

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2 3 Musical Theatre New Zealand Strictly NextGen – The MTNZ Youth Boot Camp 3 – 24, 25, 26 August Weekend Programme

Venue: Epworth Retreat and Recreation Centre, Cambridge https://www.epworth.co.nz/

Friday 24 August 5pm All attendees to be in camp 5.15pm Welcome, housekeeping, health and safety briefing, weekend programme, introductions 6pm Dinner 7pm Knowledge Café - – interactive around the table group forum on ideas, topics, etc. that NextGen would like to discuss 9.30pm Wrap up – supper and networking

Saturday 25 August 7.30am Breakfast available until 8.30am 9am Session One commences Workshop One - FLYING SOLO Telling the Story in Song with Jennifer Ward-Lealand – accompanied by Sam Cleaver

Workshop Two – Taking Choreography/Performance from Good to Great with Destiny Anderson – this is an advanced workshop and you will need formal dance training to participate

Workshop Three - Working with Your Belt and Rock Voice with Tia Minnoch

Workshop Four - Directing 102 with David Adkins

10.30am Morning tea available 10.45am Session One continues 12pm Session One concludes (approx) 12.30pm Lunch 1.30pm Session Two commences Workshop Five - FLYING SOLO Telling the Story in Song with Jennifer Ward-Lealand – accompanied by Sam Cleaver

Workshop Six – Putting Our Imagination to Work with Destiny Anderson (beginners and no dance training required)

Workshop Seven - Working with Your Belt and Rock Voice with Tia Minnoch

4 Workshop Eight – Lighting for Directors and techies who may be interested in lighting 101 with David Adkins and Dale Henderson 3pm Afternoon tea available 3.15pm Session Two continues 4.30pm Session Two concludes (approx.) 5.30pm Q&A “chew the fat” forum with tutors and the MTNZ team 7pm Dinner, down time, networking 9.30pm Supper

Sunday 26 August 7.30am Breakfast available until 8.30am and pack out rooms 9.30am Auditioning discussion – (Tia, Destiny, Sam, David, Dale, Jennifer) – how to audition, what’s it like being on the audition panel, tips for auditionees and those on the panel 10.30am Showcase of dance and a selection of the solo song performances

Midday Farewell and close training school

1pm Vacate camp

What to Bring (you can hire bedding from Epworth for $5) • Bottom sheet for mattress (the accommodation is shared single bunk beds) • Pillow case or your own pillow • A very warm sleeping bag, bedding and a hot water bottle • Water bottle and appropriate clothing if you are participating in the choreography workshops • Towel and toiletries • Warm, comfortable and casual clothes - thermals, merino, hats, gloves, warm socks, slippers – there is heating but it is August, so come prepared • Good, solid shoes – no high heels please • Two copies of your song – in the correct key please. This is to be no longer than two verses/choruses so everyone can participate. • Note pad/book, pens, pencils

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TRAINING WEEKEND WORKSHOP BRIEFS Morning Session – 9am – 12pm (approx.) Workshop One - FLYING SOLO Telling the Story in Song with Jennifer Ward-Lealand – accompanied by Sam Cleaver In this workshop each participant is directed in a musical theatre song of their choice. There is a strong emphasis on identifying and developing acting craft, including playing actions, identifying objectives and actions, processing (developing the inner monologue) and how this focus serves the greater goal – that of engaging at a deeper level with the story of the song and, consequently, with the audience. Participants receive individual detailed direction and have the opportunity to observe their fellow classmates and engage fully in the process.

Workshop Two – Taking Choreography/Performance from Good to Great with Destiny Anderson – this is an advanced workshop and you will need formal dance training to participate • Understanding and manipulating the elements of dance- students will learn a dance sequence that they will need to manipulate through the use of choreographic devices. • Tools for creating an imaginative piece of choreography. • Learn and perform multiple sequences from different musical genres. • Tips for safe dance practice and audition.

Workshop Three - Working with Your Belt and Rock Voice with Tia Minnoch In this workshop, we will discover and explore the mechanics of belting; how to create power and control, simultaneously. We will get to experiment with voice and tone, dynamics and tension. For the rock voice, we will identify the significance of ‘intention’, engagement, and the importance of song selection. We will also discuss vocal fitness vs vocal fatigue, and how to avoid the pit falls of “losing your voice!”

Workshop Four - Directing 102 with David Adkins • The role of a Director as Leader/Visionary • Working with MD’s, Choreographers and Committee’s/Producers • The Vision - and finding it! • Common Directing (and acting) mistakes • Physical staging considerations • Some practical exercises (where attendee’s direct each other)

Afternoon Session – 1.30pm – 4.30pm (approx.)

Workshop Five - FLYING SOLO Telling the Story in Song with Jennifer Ward-Lealand – accompanied by Sam Cleaver In this workshop each participant is directed in a musical theatre song of their choice. There is a strong emphasis on identifying and developing acting craft, including playing actions, identifying objectives and actions, processing (developing the inner monologue) and how this focus serves the greater goal – that of engaging at a deeper level with the story of the song and, consequently, with the audience. Participants receive individual detailed direction and have the opportunity to observe their fellow classmates and engage fully in the process.

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Workshop Six – Putting Our Imagination to Work with Destiny Anderson (beginners and no dance training required) • Understanding and manipulating the elements of dance. • Tools for creating an imaginative piece of choreography. • Learn and perform a sequence from a musical. • Tips for safe dance practice and nailing the movement audition.

Workshop Seven - Working with Your Belt and Rock Voice with Tia Minnoch In this workshop, we will discover and explore the mechanics of belting; how to create power and control, simultaneously. We will get to experiment with voice and tone, dynamics and tension. For the rock voice, we will identify the significance of ‘intention’, engagement, and the importance of song selection. We will also discuss vocal fitness vs vocal fatigue, and how to avoid the pit falls of “losing your voice!”

Workshop Eight – Working with your Techie Team for Directors • How to communicate with designers, operators and crew • Technical rehearsals - who’s in charge of what, and what goes wrong • What to consider • What goes wrong with plotting • What goes wrong with design • Lighting for effect vs ambiance (it’s all smoke and mirrors!) • Controlling an audience with lighting • Q&A if we have time

Meet Our Fabulous Tutors David Adkins Born in London and raised in NZ, David has directed for a number of societies in the Auckland region. David’s theatrical experience includes directing, choreography, stage management, lighting design and operation, sound design and recording, props, crew, set design, production management and the very important role crucial to any production - tea person! David also worked professionally in the UK theatre scene in the late 80’s for two years as assistant stage manager and stage manager of a professional . Onstage David has undertaken leading roles such as Jesus (Godspell), Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls), Bill (), Fagin (Oliver) and the MC (Cabaret). Leading roles in plays such as Run for your Wife, Caught in the Net, Boeing Boeing and Noises Off and Wilbur in . Later this year, he will be directing Sister Act for Amici at the ASB Waterfront, and next year producing Mamma Mia and The Doris Day Special at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna.

Out in the “real world” David has a long career in the corporate arena of retail, having held senior roles in major retailers operating throughout NZ and Australia. An Associate Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management, David has been a regular guest speaker at Auckland University and counts teaching as one of his most favourite things. David has a solid understanding of the challenges that societies face, both large and small, and the difficulties that committee’s face in producing shows – and dealing with all the personalities that form a show company. David has done several workshops for MTNZ and other arts and entertainment industry groups and was a workshop tutor for last year’s boot camp. David has most recently directed Sister Act the Musical for Amici Productions at the ASB Waterfront, and Production Managed Mamma Mia! for AMT/Amici Productions at The Bruce Mason Centre”.

7 Jennifer Ward- Lealand Since training at Auckland’s influential Theatre Corporate, Jennifer has worked extensively in theatre, film, television, musical and radio for over 35 years. Jennifer was a founding board member of the Watershed Theatre and a co-founder of The Large Group and The Actors' Program. She is currently President of Equity New Zealand, Patron of Q Theatre, and serves as a trust board member of Arts Regional Trust and Actors Benevolent Fund. In the 2007 New Years Honours List, she was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre and the community. In 1989/90, Jennifer toured NZ and internationally with THE FRONT LAWN and in the early 90s moved to Australia to appear in the comedy TV series FULL FRONTAL, and played Viola in the Adelaide International Festival’s production of TWELFTH NIGHT.

On stage her work includes THE GOAT, THAT FACE, BERLIN, BREL (Metro Magazine’s #1 Cultural Experience 2012), THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING (Best Ensemble & Excellence Awards, Auckland Theatre Awards 2015) for Silo Theatre, TWELFTH NIGHT, LE SUD, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, THE HERETIC and LYSISTRATA for Auckland Theatre Company, RITA AND DOUGLAS for Armstrong Creative. Most recently she appeared as the title role in ATC’s MRS WARREN’S PROFESSION.

Jennifer’s film work includes THE FOOTSTEP MAN, DESPERATE REMEDIES, THE UGLY, FRACTURE and LINDA’S BODY. Television and webseries include FULL FRONTAL, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS, HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS, SHORTLAND STREET, DUGGAN, INTERROGATION, AUCKLAND DAZE, THE ALMIGHTY JOHNSONS, THE GOOD WORD, AWKWARD LOVE, HIGH RD, FRIDAY NIGHT BITES, THE RING INZ II, DIRTY LAUNDRY and new NZ feature film, VERMILION (released in June 2018)

Theatre directing credits include. JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS and THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP for Silo Theatre, TIC TIC for Strata Creative, THE LAST FIVE YEARS and FALLOUT: THE SINKING OF THE RAINBOW WARRIOR for Last Tapes Theatre Company, the Wellington season of HUDSON & HALLS for Silo (BEST PRODUCTION WELLINGTON THEATRE AWARDS 2016), SUPER HUGH-MAN for the Auckland Live Cabaret Season, rehearsal directing the National Tour of THAT BLOODY WOMAN and MADAME BUTTERFLY for Festival Opera. Most recently she directed CONVERSATIONS FOR DEAD RELATIVES for Flaxworks Theatre Company and A GAMBLERS GUIDE TO DYING for Burrowed Time.

Jennifer devised and performed the cabaret FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN featuring the songs of Marlene Dietrich which she has toured extensively throughout New Zealand, and in Australia. She works regularly as a voice over artist and can be heard as the character of DORABLE DUCK on the children’s television series BUZZY BEE and narrates the series FIND ME A MĀORI BRIDE.

She is also a keen student in te reo Māori, beginning in 2008 at the Kura Pō at Pūkenga, Unitec. Since then she has studied at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (Te Arataki Manu Kōrero 2012, Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi 2013, Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi 2016) and at Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki-makau-rau/ AUT (Te Pihinga 2014, Te Māhuri 2015) www.jenniferwardlealand.com

8 Tia Minnoch I first took to the stage as a chubby little girl in tap shoes with a loud voice. It is fair to say I wasn’t the most technical, or delicate, of performers. What I lacked in technique, I made up for in passion. It has continued to be that way ever since, though thankfully I have acquired a lot more knowledge and technique since then, while enjoying a professional career in the music and performance industry that spans over 20 years.

My most memorable musical theatre credits include principal roles in (Florence Vassey), Joseph (the narrator), and “Dusty” in Dusty-The original Pop Diva. I have also been a choreographer for shows such as the NZ premiere of “Back to the 80’s”, have performed at numerous Christmas in the Park events, and been lead vocalist in a variety of bands including tribute shows, rock, pop and jazz ensembles, and currently, a retro covers band, Sweet Assassin. My experience in studio recording, musical direction, song-writing, and producing, gives me a well-rounded appreciation for all aspects of a creative project, be that as a vocal coach on a large-scale stage show, or collaborating with musicians for an up-coming gig.

As a vocal coach, my objective is to create an individualized approach that supports the development of singers, at any level, through singing & performance technique, song selection, audition preparation, or music therapy. There is great satisfaction in seeing potential in students and assisting them to reach their goals. https://www.facebook.com/tia.minnoch.vocal/

Destiny Anderson Originally from South Africa, Destiny trained as a ballet dancer with the Royal Academy of Dance. Her passion for the performing arts has led to her tutoring in NZ for 15 years. She graduated from Unitec in Auckland in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing and Screen Arts, and has performed in Australia, Japan and Poland with award winning choreographers, including ‘Shona McCullagh’ and ‘Fleur de Thier’. Destiny has also toured NZ with ‘Michael Parmenter’s Commotion Company’. Whilst completing her Postgraduate studies, in 2010 she was nominated for ‘Best Established Female Performer’ for her performance in ‘Tempo Dance Festival’. Cementing her performance, Destiny went on to choreograph work for ‘Tempo Dance Festival’ in 2013. In 2014, with a growing reputation as a performer, Destiny played the role of ‘Lisa’ in the Auckland Music Theatre and Amici production of ‘Mamma Mia’ at the Civic Theatre. She has been involved in many successful musical theatre productions alongside Catherine Carr and John Hellyer, earning nominations for best choreographer in the St Peter’s College productions of ‘’ and ‘Our House’. In 2015 she was awarded Best Choreographer for ‘Pippin’. Away from theatre, Destiny is the specialist dance and drama teacher at Somerville Intermediate School and a guest lecturer for Arts Education at Massey University. She has recently finished a successful season as the choreographer of ‘Mamma Mia’ with AMT and Amici Productions at the Bruce Mason Centre.

Sam Cleaver Award-winning Musical Director Sam has been hooked on musical theatre since playing the title role in a local production of ‘Oliver!’ at age 10. An accomplished pianist and singer, he is in high demand as an accompanist, vocal coach and soloist. Sam’s original piano compositions are published as part of the Trinity College examination syllabus, and he has toured Australasia with several professional touring groups. Currently residing in Hamilton, Sam is passionate about creating theatrical and musical opportunities for the wider community.

9 The cost is $55, so we are going to need sponsors and LOTS of them but MTNZ sees this as an investment in the future of our community theatres …… and of course it’s part of our key initiatives this year. Email me [email protected] to sign up for early bird registration information. More details/registrations will be available and on line from 1 June. We have opened up this camp to 18 – 35 year olds

Societies – the registration fee is $55 (+ $5 linen hire for those of you flying or don’t want to provide your own) so please send your NextGenners to this amazing training, development, upskilling and networking opportunity. So sponsor your members 

Transport – we will be offering pick up and drop off from Hamilton airport (via Countdown for supplies), surrounding bus stops (Tirau, Cambridge, Matamata if we need too) and Emma will bring the people mover down from Auckland, so Mainlanders, you can fly to Auckland. Dan will bring his car from Tauranga – so transport won’t be an issue. Keep up to date with our Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/1615151615233204/

Sponsorship – help MTNZ help the NextGeneration As we are engaging more tutors than last year, our costs will double and we want to keep the registration fee as low as possible so we can have as many NextGenners participate in this awesome training weekend. If any corporate members or individuals would be interested in investing in the future of our arts and entertainment industry and New Zealand communities with our NextGen Boot Camps – please email me [email protected] or President Dan [email protected] or speak to your Zone Rep . THANK YOU IN ADVANCE 

REGISTER NOW http://www.mtnz.org.nz/nextgen-registration/

Get social with MTNZ …. Zone Two https://www.facebook.com/groups/1635330969870389/ Zone Five https://www.facebook.com/groups/122817841707880 Zone Three https://www.facebook.com/groups/496022667412554/ Zone Four https://www.facebook.com/groups/1811737122184633/ Zone One https://www.facebook.com/groups/119390715385605/ NextGen https://www.facebook.com/groups/1147356508627657/ MTNZ Community Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtnzcommunity/ MTNZ Public Page - https://www.facebook.com/MTNZI MTNZ Wardrobe, Props and Costume Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/837561869750881/ MTNZ Technicians Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/780860628775953/

MTNZ On Line Resources Log Books for techies - http://www.mtnz.org.nz/guides

Technical ETNZ resources and info including the Guide to Safe Working Practices latest version https://www.etnz.org/resources/

Stage Whispers Nelson conference video https://youtu.be/NzDpE_8j55s

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MUSICAL THEATRE NEW ZEALAND – ZONE FOUR MEETING To be held in the ANGLICAN CHURCH HALL 33 Jollies Pass Road, HANMER SPRINGS Saturday June 9th, 2018 - 10am Meet and greet from 9.30 am

9.30 am Meet and greet.

10.00am Welcome, housekeeping, apologies Introductions (with your most positive Society moment over the past year)

10.15am Grass Roots Proposal Surveys Awards

10.30am NextGen Boot Camp – Patrice Hammond National Training Weekend – Christchurch 26 – 28 Christchurch Combined South Island Meeting -Christchurch 15 September (chance to see Les Mis at discounted prices)

11.00am Production Team Q and A session

11.45am Marketing – Chris Tomas

12.30pm LUNCH

1.30pm MTNZ Strategic Planning Session – see note below 3.00pm GENERAL BUSINESS 6pm Pre-Dinner drinks 7pm Dinner

Knowledge Café Strategic Planning Workshop for Zone Meetings 2018 MTNZ – Into the future strategic planning workshop – the next five years In 2015, the national body went “on the road” to talk to our members about what they really wanted from the national body. Our strategic plan was ratified and is still a living document that guides the MTNZ Executive in all aspects of the organisation – operationally, culturally, board meetings, AGM, reporting and today is all about you as individuals having your say and input in defining the future direction of MTNZ at a national level – the next five years. I am sure all of you attending today would agree that community theatre is enjoying a period of revival, with higher audience attendances across the board and higher numbers of aspiring performers wanting to be a part of the action. However, most of us struggle to balance the books each year and see fewer people wanting to volunteer for the less glam roles backstage or worse still sitting on a committee. So today we want to hear from you, what do you think a national body can do to help and support your organisation and community over the next five years. The Executive will workshop the ideas from our members at our meeting in October in Dunedin and will present the next five years of key initiatives at the AGM at the Auckland conference in March 2019.

11 NextGen Report with James Wright

What an amazing year it has been, not only for NextGenners but for the wider MTNZ community as well. I attended my first ever conference in Nelson this year and what an event that was! NextGen presence was very evident, which to me was a very settling feeling. The biggest question I was asked in the lead up to conference was “what is there at conference for NextGenners?” The answer was EVERYTHING. NextGenners can benefit from ALL aspects of conference. Aside from the fact that we had a NextGen Waananga aimed at the topic of NextGenners, it wasn’t solely FOR NextGenners. The ideas raised came from those of all ages but the best thing was the conversation. A 1-hour session isn’t going to solve world peace but it can get minds thinking, thoughts ticking, and ideas flowing – all on the topic of NextGen.

I’ve had a few burning questions in the back of my head as of late. The one that strikes me the most comes from a long standing member of a local society here in Napier. She spoke to me on the topic of NextGenners and their unwillingness to engage in training and/or receive advice from the members who have been “doing this a long time.” She suggested that perhaps they are of the feeling that they aren’t in need of further training because they “don’t need it.” Rather than be offended, I decided to take this question to the attendees of our NextGen Waananga at the Combined Nth Island Meeting. The overall idea was that it’s more a case of time, energy and commitment rather than not actually needing the training per say. Some of the discussion spoke of the difference in which NextGenners portray emotion and that perhaps it can come across as arrogance or disinterest. This topic alone lead to many more which in turn, produced what I thought to be a successful waananga, and a successful combined meeting at that. Kerri Tilby-Price (our guest speaker) was fantastic. Her outlook on the volunteer industry was an outlook which must be heard by all. If you ever get the chance to listen to her speak then I suggest you grasp that opportunity!

Lastly, our Boot Camp! This is being held in August this year just outside of Cambridge at the amazing Epworth retreat. We decided to hold it again in Cambridge as the venue was PERFECT for a Boot Camp. We do the best we can at making sure our training weekends are applicable, affordable and accessible. The boot camp is applicable because it targets both on stage and off stage training. This year we have incorporated a vocal belting workshop as well as a directing 102 as a follow up to last year’s directing 101. This, along with choreography and Jennifer’s flying solo workshop makes this camp one not to be missed. The camp is most certainly affordable. The cost of $55 covers training from NZ’s best choreographers, techies and directors including the wonderful Jennifer Ward-Lealand. The camp is very accessible! Cambridge is only a hop skip and a jump from Auckland and Hamilton as well as a reasonable driving distance from most areas of the North Island. The MTNZ exec are always all too happy to help in any way we can. Check out our members’ Facebook page, the NextGen Facebook page or our public page for details on this, or you can email [email protected] for a rego pack.

That is all from me for now. Just quickly, if you are 18-30 and want to be a part of our Facebook community then join the group MTNZ NextGen Community on Facebook. You can also follow our Instagram which is MTNZ_NEXTGEN. James 12 National News

The MTNZ Executive will be discussing this at their meeting in a few weeks’ time on what MTNZ can do around events for NZ Theatre Month – so watch this space.

Kate’s Notes from the Creative NZ Nui Te Korero – Road Map to the Future – May 2018 General Notes - $5 million for NextGen initiatives in the next five years - 80% of New Zealanders attended an arts event - Arts should be inclusive and accessible to all – we defo need this in our strat planning going forward if we want to tap into the funding. - 39% decrease in volunteering in the arts since 2011. I challenged them on this (yes I spoke up) and asked why they didn’t include MTNZ stats in their survey – Dan and I are having a meeting with CNZ next Monday and will have a discussion around this. - MTNZ way ahead on cultural and NextGen initiatives compared to a lot of other arts organisations. We are doing really well. First Stream – Reaching Out – how to get a better return from supporters - Ask for a donation when buying a ticket - Business card competition still really good – that way you get ALL their info for your database - Start writing name tags and people will engage with the person handwriting their name tag and get them to “sign in” with an email address – perhaps something we can do for combined and zone meetings  - Fundraising/applying for grants use images – get your story across - Digital membership - Have an attractive proposition to be coming a member of an organisation – make people feel part of a community - Donate now – red button on your website and social media - Tap and go donation at shows etc. you can set tap and go for a donation. $4 seems to be the best option. “Arts is not only good for the local economy but also for the soul

Worth checking out this presentation http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/assets/paperclip/publication_documents/documents/631/original/audience_ alas_new_zealand_2017_final.pdf?1526983746

This too: http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/development-and-resources/research-and-reports/new-zealanders-and-the- arts-2017 - Regional breakdowns in both reports which you could share with your databases as well at young people engaging in the arts.

Sexual Harassment and Bullying Policy/Template for Society Members This is proceeding well and the final draft is currently being looked over by our Hon Solicitor. So will update our members once we have the OK. In the meantime, here are some useful resources around you could check out

13 1. State Services Commission policy guideline: http://www.ssc.govt.nz/sexual-harassment-policy- guideline 2. Massey University Harassment policy: http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/fms/PolicyGuide/Documents/People%20and%20Organisational %20Development/Harassment%20and%20Discrimination%20at%20Work%20Policy.pdf 3. The Community Law Manual: http://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-5- discrimination/race-gender-and-other-illegal-grounds-of-discrimination-chapter-5/ 4. There is also a sexual harassment policy bot here: https://autom.io/

Our next template/guideline/policy on Child Protection is currently being worked on and we hope to have that in place by the end of the year for our society members to use. With all this more relevant and “now” policy required by our members, we have deferred the constitution template until 2019 and it will be part of our key initiatives for 2019/2020.

Combined North Island Meeting Was held in Napier 18/19 May, hosted by Napier Operatic Society. Huge thanks to Sonya Aifai and her team for all their support. Friday night was a “beers and burgers” meet and greet and then Saturday the day was kicked off by the amazing Kerri Tilby Price from EXULT. We had amazing feedback about this awesome presenter and speaker and she will be presenting at the Combined South Island meeting on growing great volunteers - do you wish you had more people helping out, more often? Do you attract a steady stream of volunteers but find they never stick around for long? This workshop was fantastic and everyone got a great deal out of it. The workshop gave everyone loads of practical ideas for making their organisation a place where everyone wants to volunteer. So Mainlanders, make sure you come to the South Island meeting and hear Kerri. In the afternoon there were workshops on marketing, junior theatre, health and wellbeing, production management, using apps and a NextGen Wananga. Then off to the Gin Trap where 40 musical theatre people gathered to network and exchange ideas and get to know to each other. Great weekend and thank you to everyone who contributed – and wonderful to see our Life Members Valda Peacock, Ngaire Holmes and John MacGibbon in attendance too 

Kerri presenting 14

The Engine Room

Production Management Workshop

Theatre Marketing Hui/Forum

15 Zone One with Emma Bishop After an extremely busy month in April the Zone has quietened down on the performance front with many companies now in rehearsal for their next productions.

It was great to see Zone One well represented at the Combined North Island Meeting in Napier - especially from the Next Genners. The response from the Playhouse next gen contingent was that they absolutely loved every minute leaving them inspired to make a difference to their our club! Sometimes it is about taking a leap as we all know that we leave these opportunities invigorated and inspired. I know this group are now encouraging their friends to attend the upcoming BootCamp as well.

We must congratulate Education Members Takapuna Grammar on their recently National publicity on Newshub featuring their Arts Access relaxed performance of 'Little Women'. What an exceptional way to cater for diversity whilst building audiences. Manukau Performing Arts are also working hard in this area with having signed performances and marketing campaigns for their last four or five productions.

Finally it was with great sadness that we farewelled NSMT Life Member Bruce Abbott. Bruce with wife Daphne have been a part of the NZ Music Theatre landscape for many years in both the South Island at Dunedin Operatic and North Shore. Our love goes to Daphne and family at this time.

News from Centrestage Orewa … We have recently had two really successful productions with , March 9-24, directed and choreographed by Rosie Watkinson and musical direction by Patrick Brennan. And Seussical Jr, April 17-21, directed and choreographed by Anna Mortlock, musical direction by Billie Hart. Annelie Maddock was vocal coach for both productions and Seussical featured over 45 incredible young people onstage.

Centrestage has just launched a major fund-raising campaign for a desperately needed refurbishment of our foyer and other public areas, including bathrooms. One of the major events is our sponsor-a-seat campaign. For $250 a sponsor has their name (or business or family name) on a plaque on one of our seats in the auditorium for the next five years, from January 2019. This is a huge campaign for Centrestage and we need to raise a considerable amount of money, so we welcome any support! If any MTNZ members who have a connection with Centrestage wish to support us by sponsoring a seat, they can do so via our website at www.centrestagetheatre.co.nz

Other events are a sponsored show by Showstoppers in August (14th to 18th), this will be held in our foyer with proceeds to the refurbishment fund, and a High Tea party to be held on the afternoon of June 23. Details of all fundraising events are available on our website.

Coming up in June from 1-9th we have another of our fund-raisers, Queen – It’s a Kind of Magic, a musical revue of the music of Queen. This is being performed cabaret style in our foyer. This will be followed by CYT senior students doing in July, our play The Crucible in September and finally our big end-of-year musical, The Wizard of OZ which will be playing through late October and November.

16 Pukekohe Performing Arts NZ PREMIERE!!

6 – 14 JULY 2018

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar - A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favourite crack-a-lackin' friends as they escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar. Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends - Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo - have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape - with the help of some prodigious penguins - to explore the world. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to "Move It, Move It!" Directed by Hayley Va’a

Zone Two with Tracy Holmes Hello from Zone 2. Well, what a busy year it’s been so far! Starting with Conference in March in Nelson – a great turn out from Zone 2 as always and those who went enjoyed the beautiful South Island sun, great seminars and a very Shakespearian Saturday night. Once I returned home, it was straight into planning to try and attend as many of my societies shows as possible, and to date, my driver and I have attended seven shows over six weeks, with more being booked as the months roll on. Show including ‘Into the Woods’ at Morrinsville Theatre, mashing fairy tales together with a great cast, ‘Groovy’ in Putaruru – a great show, with a talented young cast as we stepped back into the 1960’s, High School Musical presented by Musikmakers Hamilton, again, a very talented young cast, taking us back to the Noughties, a stunning production of ‘Catch me if you Can’ presented by Tauranga Musical Theatre, St Peter’s Cambridge delighted audiences with their youth production of ‘Miss Saigon’ and last but not least, we hit the road the Whakatane last weekend for a creepy but hilarious production of ‘The Addams Family’ presented by Theatre Whakatane. I would like to thank all the societies and schools for the complimentary tickets and the hospitality we have received at the shows. It is great to see so much talent coming out of the zone – simply stunning!!! I look forward to all my future visits over the coming months as I continue to visit all my other societies.

We also hit the road to Napier for the combined north island Zone Meeting, where Rochelle presented her ‘Beyond Health and Safety’ Workshop and Ngaire and I presented the Production Management workshop. These were both received well and it was a successful weekend enjoyed by all that were there. I am now in the planning of our next Zone Meeting being held on 21 July, this will be hosted by Tauranga Musical Theatre in Tauranga and the Zony nominees will be announced at this Zone Meeting. I am meeting with the judges in Rotorua on 9 June to finalise the nominees.

17 Also, while in Rotorua, we will be going to the Distinction Hotel to finalise the details for the Zony Award evening – book the 22nd September 2018 into your Calendar now. Tickets will be on sale on iTICKET – Tracy will let you know when. So, two dates to mark in your Calendar Zone Two – 21 July and 22 September 2018. You’ll hear more from me soon.

Performing Arts Taumarunui's first play of the year was Roger Hall's poignant and affectionate peep behind the scenes of a retirement complex, the very witty Last Legs. The play was well received by Little Theatre audiences and brought some of the town's older actors back to the stage. Quite a treat! Excitement is now building for the fantastic Calendar Girls, written by Tim Firth and on stage in August. The play has been cast and rehearsals are underway with Tim Leahy as director. Calendar Girls is a bold step personally for the cast members and also for the society, but everyone is relishing the challenge of this superb piece of writing. Calendar Girls opens on August 25.

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REPORT FROM ON-STAGE TE KUITI Drama classes for primary and secondary children kick started in February at the Little Theatre. Two hourly sessions held twice weekly, tutor Natalie has now 30 young people on board enjoying learning new skills. Although Natalie has been asking for a small fee per session, she is going for funding from the #MeToo organization to help with costs e.g. photocopying, hireage, etc. Two of her students took part in our April commemorative tribute to WW1-“We Will Remember Them”. I compiled this show with the emphasis on the songs of the era, enhancing the set with pictures from The Front, projected onto the cyclorama. We had great feedback and, as with other shows, were able to give back to the community by donating a percentage of the ticket sales from the first night’s performance. $300 was given to the Te Kuiti RSA Welfare Fund. This was our first show with iTicket handling the sales. Overall it was a good experience, but we have had some lessons learnt for next time. The next show is underway with rehearsals- “The Wedding of the Century” by Devon Williamson is due to showcase the last week of July and first week of August. Under the direction of Susanne from TALOS, we have a cast of new blood, with a number being first time performers.

Zone Three – out and about with Zone Rep Sharron Pardoe Catching up with MTNZ members after the Combined North Island meeting in Napier

Marketing hui at the North Island combined meeting with Kate Ghent and Andrew Potvin.

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Opening night at in Upper Hutt with our Patron Donna & GM Kate

Catching up with life member Allan Jones at Napier Operatic Society's Oliver

Patron Dame Donna Philpott – still an active and wonderful supporter of MTNZ & Zone Three

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Wellington Footlights Theatre We've got a few big announcements that we'd love for you to share with MTNZ.

The first is that our production of Chess is coming to the new Te Auaha theatre in Wellington, from July 5-14! This will be our biggest production yet, with a full band and an amplified cast of twenty. I've attached the poster. People can go to our website www.wellingtonfootlights.co.nz to purchase tickets.

The second is that we're looking for production team members for our production of the musical If/Then, coming to Wellington in November 2018. I haven't confirmed this but I'm pretty sure it'll be the New Zealand premiere of this musical that was produced on Broadway in 2014. All roles are open for people to apply (such as lighting, costumes, set, stage manager, musical director etc), so please let your membership know that if they're interested, please email us at [email protected].

NZ Premiere – Disenchanted - The Levin Performing Arts Society is just 4 weeks out from opening night of this hilariously funny musical. The big questions originally were – do we need a set or just perform it using stage curtains, do we do costumes or not and finally band or piano only. Looking online for ideas just gave more questions than answers so let’s make this show our own and not worry about what others have done. The band part was a simple solve – although the show has parts for a 3 piece band we have an extremely clever MD / pianist and needing him to be interactive with the cast throughout the performance this was an easy choice. Costumes have been a lot of fun. Productions seem to range from a no fancy costume scenario and just wear everyday clothing with a suggestion of the princess theme. With no Disney frilly or exploitive costuming permitted we have our princesses all giving a nod to their Disney name but avoiding giving the traditional appearance. Think Cinderella meets Lolita or Snow White crossed with Steampunk. I/m sure you get the picture and from a costumers perspective it’s been a bit of a laugh. As for the set – who could settle for just using stage curtains when we have all these princesses. A castle was definitely called for and with three main princesses to consider why settle for one castle. There had to be 3 ( or at least one all stage encompassing large one) with 3 princess specific entrances. Rehearsals have been a bit of a riot as the small cast playing multiple princess personalities try to keep their composure whist singing some of the funniest lyric’s I’ve heard in a long time, the MD losing the plot on a regular basis as he discovers just what context the songs he has so carefully taught fit into the overall script, and the director not quite sure which direction is going to be followed or if she is going to see something completely different each night. This is a show I’d thoroughly recommend other societies consider.

21 Upper Hutt Musical Theatre We have just finished an amazing season of Blood Brothers with the audiences coming out of theatre saying how much they loved the show and that they had to use many tissues. The cast, band and production crew worked tirelessly to make this show the success it was and we are very proud of their success. The only down side was the website "Viagogo" trying to sell unofficial tickets for two-three times at the true price and also stating that performances were sold out when they weren't. We would like to thank Kate Ghent and our Zone Rep Sharon Pardoe for their support and advice in this matter. But we have no time to dwell on this show as it is onwards and upwards to the next show Into The Woods which is being directed by first timer Tia Pyne. We have an information evening on Tuesday 5th June with auditions being held on 16-17th June at UpStage Theatre, 26A Moonshine Road, Upper Hutt. Contact Jenny on [email protected] or 0274 503 291 for audition.

Hi MTNZers  Here in little old Waipawa, we are kicking up a bit of a storm... We are a small society; Waipawa has a population of 2100, we have a truly amazing theatre- CHB Municipal Theatre, and we have an amazing membership who get involved, get behind the club and we really pride ourselves in just giving things a go. Well, we have really set the bar high this year and we are “giving it a go” big style! We have taken on the challenge of doing The Phantom of the Opera. We are frantically busy constructing set, making costumes, painting everything in sight, making masks, rehearsing, making wonderful music and generally having fun! Under the guidance of the amazing John Harding and the equally amazing LJ Easter, the cast and crew are being stretched and challenged in every way... The orchestra is sounding fantastic; with Helen Walker in the driving seat, they are set to play the show of their lives, just wait until you see them (is that a give- away?! You will see them very well)! To say we are excited about this show would be an understatement... we know we have taken on a great big challenge and we are going to wow our audiences! Our cast are amazing. Our set is stunning. Our costumes are outstanding. Our orchestra in sublime. We can not wait to get this show on stage... come to little old Waipawa and see us 

22 Family tabby cat helped inspire enormous lion for stage show

Engineer Bobby Logan with one giant paw of the lion he has created for Hawera Repertory's production of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Watching the family cat walking helped Bobby Logan design an enormous lion. The Taranaki engineer and part-time drummer has spent countless hours designing and making Aslan for the forthcoming Hāwera Repertory production of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Logan is more than six foot tall and the lion towers over him. Watching the family cat, Whiskers, move helped Bobby Logan create a working, walking Aslan sculpture for Hawera Repertory's production of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. As one of the key characters of the show, it has to interact with other cast members, talk and even touch the children with its huge paws, all without computer-generated special effects. Logan used a combination of science and engineering know-how to create it. "I don't know that I'd call it art. It's just a bit of experience and a bit of knowledge and imagination - I like playing with stuff," he said. The family's pet tabby cat, who likes to hang around when Logan's working in his shed, helped inspire him. "I watched Whiskers and thought, so that's how a lion walks." He'd spent many hours on the project. "I stopped counting at 70 hours, but I reckon I'm over 80. There was at least as many hours again in thinking time and sleepless nights figuring out how to do it," Logan said. He started by studying lion anatomy. "I found an image of a lion skeleton for scale, and drew all the parts, the jaw and the legs, then scaled that up to my height." The lion's 'skeleton' was made of many plywood parts connected with aluminum fittings, so it was light enough to travel easily around the stage and move like a real lion. He drew all the shapes on to the timber and plotted them into a jet-cutting machine at his business, Reid Machining and Engineering, before cutting out all the pieces. Then it was back to his home workshop to assemble the parts into Aslan. The lion skeleton is now in the hands of show director Sam Turner and a team who are adding fur, a mane and other features to bring it to life. It takes several king-sized bedsheets to cover the sculpture, the final look of which is being kept secret until opening night. Logan has been involved with various repertory shows but generally he's in the background, he said. "I'm a drummer, so when the musicals are on, I'm down in the pit drumming." The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe opens at the Hawera Memorial Theatre on June 22 and runs until June 30, with three matinee sessions. Photos by Catherine Groenestein

23 Zone Four with Ross Benbow A lot of shows happening this month and next which has impacted on the Zone 4 meeting in Hanmer this coming week end, but if you want a great weekend with hot pools, theatre talk, night’s out for dinner give our Zone Administrator a call and book into Hanmer Springs. We would love your company and if you cannot stay the night make a day trip to attend the meeting. Lots of shows coming on in the next few weeks in Kirwee, Halswell, Waimate, Greymouth, Nelson and Reefton to mention but a few so get your glad rags on for some winter theatre fun. Looking forward we have the Next Gen Boot Camp at Lake Karapiro August 24-26 so make sure your younger members know about this and maybe help them to get there. The Combined South Island meeting is in Christchurch on September 15th and the National Training Weekend is in Christchurch 26-28 October. Make a note of these dates, let your members know about them and make sure you come and extend your theatre knowledge. The MTNZ executive spend time and money to bring these opportunities to you but if you don’t seize the opportunity it may not happen again. Book now and don’t miss out.

Variety Theatre Ashburton - Mona Reddecliffe; Patron Passed Away 14th April 2018. In 1960 after many successful revues presented by the Ashburton Kindergarten Mothers Club, Mona, along with Olga Moon and Muriel Hopkinson, held a meeting in Noel and Mona’s Reddecliffe’s house with likeminded people to address the need to form a musical society. A huge amount of interest was shown and after a public meeting, the Mid Canterbury Operatic Society was formed, which later became the Ashburton Operatic Society Incorporated or Variety Theatre Ashburton as its commonly known today. Mona was a member of the founding committee then took up the position of society secretary from 1963 – 1977. A role she did superbly. Mona was very active within the society not only serving on the committee for many years but undertaking numerous production roles including set building along with husband Noel. One year Noel and Mona were building a set for one of the productions in their backyard on Middle Road and a great gust of wind came along blowing the set down much to their disgust.

Mona was also a consistent member of the wardrobe department and up until 2 years ago was still helping to sew labels on costumes. She may have needed a little help to thread the needle by then, but Mona enjoyed the shared lunches and of course, a story or two from Nancy Winter. Mona was appointed President of the Society in 1979 and remained in that position until 1985. In 1979 the Society also rewarded Mona with Life Membership for her ongoing hard work and dedication. After the society purchased the Regent Theatre in 1993 Mona became a member of the Regent Theatre Management Trust. Around the same time the Friends of the Regent Theatre group or FORT was formed, made up of Mona, Herb and Nancy Winter, Dennis Holmes and Iris Officer-Holmes, Derrick and Margaret Cullimore, Daphne, Esme Copping, Joan Hardy and Phyllis to help raise funds for the Ashburton Trust Event Centre. The target was set and even though the group doubted they would succeed, over a 14 year period and various fundraising activities such as themed dinners, sing a longs and raffles, the group managed to raise $50,000 and the bar in the Foyer of the Ashburton Trust Event Centre is named the FORT Bar after this group. Mona was present at the first meeting held to form the NZ Federation of Operatic Societies or Musical Theatre New Zealand has its known today. Mona attended many of the conferences held throughout New Zealand and enjoyed dressing in costume for them. In 1993 the Federation honoured Mona with one of its first Merit Awards. These Awards recognise individuals within societies who have given outstanding support for at least 25 years whether on-stage, back-stage or administration as nominated by their society. In 1996 Mona was appointed Patron of the Ashburton Operatic Society Incorporated – a position she held with passion and enthusiasm. Each year Mona would be asked before the Annual General Meeting if she would like to continue as Patron for the following year and her answer would be “yes if they still want me”. Every show on opening night a card would appear on the noticeboard backstage thanking the cast and crew for their efforts and wishing them best wishes for the season.

24 You would usually find Mona in the foyer of the Theatre greeting the public as they arrived and in the early days if the need arose for Mona to be ushering, she would be dressed in costume pertaining to the show on stage at the time. Director David Williams said he would always receive a card from Mona on the final night of the production thanking him for his Directing skills, the talents of the cast and the entertainment value the show gave to the public. Out of all the societies David directed for, Mona was the only Patron that he ever received such letters from. Mona always took an interest in our families asking after them and she would even phone some of our members at Christmas time to give her greetings. So like the end of any good show – even though the spotlights off, the bands gone home and the final curtains come down – I’m sure Mona for years to come, you will always be with us in the wings

North Canterbury Musicals has just finished a 12 performance run of Jekyll and Hyde the Musical which is loosely based on the classic thriller 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. The production received some great reviews praising the cast's performance and particularly that of our Leading Actor 'Lance McBride' who carried the very demanding role in a most outstanding manner. As we all know, however, it is not just the cast who deserve the applause because it takes the efforts of everyone involved to bring any production to the stage. We have had a fairly steady flow of hirers using our Beauty and the Beast costumes with three hires booked this year. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or check out our website ncms.co.nz to look at the photos.

The society has been busy this year working on some much needed repair and maintenance work to our building. This involved several working bees to strip off weather boards from the exterior. We have also undertaken to replace the old wooden windows with double glazed aluminium frames and have added insulation to the walls as we are progressing. At this point in time we are probably a little over half way. The photo of the building shows the older windows and cladding on the left hand side with the upgraded finish on the right side of the building.

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The South Canterbury Drama League are thick into rehearsals for Menopause the Musical on at the Playhouse, Church Street, Timaru from the 22nd June to the 30th June. These "Women on Fire" have been working hard on this show with dancing, singing and acting and the cast are having a blast. A fight over a bra at a shop leads to a realisation that we're all really the same despite lifestyle differences. This funny look at "us" will delight audiences and will be a great night out right down to the themed cocktails so book now at iTicket outlets and iTicket on line.

The South Canterbury Drama League, will be holding their inaugural SCDL Singing Competitions in July. These competitions are for children and teens of all ages and entry is open to anyone who would like to have a go. Our aim is to provide a friendly, nurturing environment where competitors feel supported to do their best. Competitors will be judged on technique, performance, and musicality in a range of categories and age groups. Jo Castelow, ATCL, LTCL, NZ IRMT, from Ashburton has been appointed our adjudicator for 2018. Entries close June 4. Email [email protected] for an entry form or more information.

School Holiday programme: This is going to be a regular fixture on our League calendar. This is a great opportunity for children who may not have the chance to be in our Junior shows to learn a little about theatre, make new friends and have some fun. This July school holidays sees Kimble Henderson (Director) and Sharleyne Diamond (Musical Director) heading the creative team for the "All Stars" holiday programme which will take children right through from auditions to performance of the musical "Once Upon a Dream." On at the Playhouse from the 9th-13th July, the available spots for this are just about at capacity but contact [email protected] to inquire about a space for your child.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast has been cast and rehearsals begin shortly. The cast had their first get together recently and are really excited about beginning the process of what will be the Leagues main show for the year. With music and a story line most of us know, this will be a delight for audiences both young and old and will be the last show in our Timaru Theatre Royal for possibly the next 2 years as it will be undergoing some major refurbishments. Come along to say goodbye to the old look Theatre Royal and join with us in celebrating with this family favourite show. Tickets are on sale now through iTicket outlets and online or go to our website - dramaleague.org.nz Sept 21st - 29th.

Open Day Sept 8th: We will be running an open day on the 8th Sept at our Church Street home, The Playhouse. This will run from 10-4pm and will incorporate tours, food, workshops and entertainment from our sections. A great opportunity to see what the League has to offer. Everyone welcome.

August 17-Aug 24th will be the season run for a very special showing of Voices from the Front a Gallipoli Story by Amanda Stone. Auditions are on 10th June 9.30am-12pm. Contact Stefanie Crawford [email protected]

Above photo - The cast of Menopause the Musical. "That's mine, I saw it first"

26 David Bosworth announces new business and is a new associate member of MTNZ

After 20 amazing years as co-owner of the Light Site, I have decided it is time for a change. On March 31 I left the Light Site, and setting up my own business, focussing on theatre rigging and consulting work. In the meantime, please be assured that it will be business as usual at the Light Site. Grant and the team will continue to provide the same amazing services as they always have. So for all your lighting hire, event, sales and consulting services, you can continue to contact the Light Site in the normal way. I will continue to have a strong relationship with Light Site, and indeed may still have involvement with some Light Site events from time to time. My Light Site clients can either contact Grant (see below) or me on my Light Site address ([email protected]) and we can get things sorted for you. This email address will remain ‘live’ for now. In terms of what I will be up to, my new business is called ‘4th Wall Theatre Services’ (‘4th Wall’ for short). I will be focussed on providing Theatre Mechanist, Project Management, Design and Consultancy services. I will also be working towards providing services associated with the new Theatre Technician qualifications, in terms of training and assessing.

4thWall contact details David Bosworth [email protected] 0274 358956 (unchanged)

Light Site contact details Grant Robertson [email protected] 0274 358951 General [email protected] 03 372 9101

I would like to say thank you so much to all those I have had the pleasure to work with at the Light Site over the last 20 years. It has been a privilege to work alongside amazing clients, suppliers and staff. Also, a particular thank you to Grant who has been the most amazing business partner one could have. I wish him well as he sails on!! I look forward to catching up with you all in my new role!

Regards David Bosworth https://www.facebook.com/4thwallnz/

27 Zone Five with Tania Graham It seems like only yesterday that I was appointed the Zone 5 Rep but a lot has happened since March. The Zone 5 meeting was held on the 4th May 2018 in Dunedin and was really well supported. I would like to thank MTD for the use of their rooms and Taieri Musical for the catering. We covered a lot of topics at the meeting and it was great to have Kate and Helen in attendance sharing their knowledge and all the MTNZ info. The knowledge cafes are a fun way to share ideas and hopefully all the societies are benefitting from the results that were sent out. Following the Zone 5 meeting was the OSTA’s AGM. This event is growing in the South and will keep the OSTA’s judges very busy this year. Seven of the 14 shows registered have already been completed!

The South Island meeting is being held in Christchurch over the weekend of the 14 - 16 September. It would be really good to have some zone 5 societies represented as there will be some great workshops that would be beneficial to a lot of you. If you can’t make it that weekend please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like anything raised. I am really excited to be representing the zone 5 region and am looking forward to getting to as many shows as possible over the coming months. My door is always open and I look forward to supporting you all in any way I can. Cheers

Down in South Otago, we have been busy Playing Around! Back in early 2017 we had a daft wee idea that grew a little, so we packed up our bits an bobs - set, props, lights and the odd bit of stage makeup - into a covered trailer and we set off around a few of the small local halls taking theatre out to the locals. Audiences were small, but all very receptive, so this year we decided to go Playing Around again. Audiences were again warm and receptive, and encouragingly larger than last year! Eight one act plays work really nicely, with an interval in the middle and some home baking on offer for the audiences. Fun has been guaranteed, just as much for the players as for audiences. Roll on 2019, and the next rendition of Playing Around. Photo below is of our intrepid thespians, taken in the smallest most remote hall we visited - Tahakopa Memorial Hall, way down in the Catlins.

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Late last year West Otago Theatrical Society along with the West Otago Community Board made the decision to move forward with a much needed Sound and Lighting equipment upgrade. This was going to be no mean feat, so with the financial support of $20000 from Trusts Communities (MLT), $25000 from The Community Trust Of Southland, and a combined total of $50000 from WOTS which included an interest free loan from MTNZ Capital Assistance fund, over $90000 worth of new gear was purchased. Between Hans van der Linden and Jeff Rea, they managed to spend every last cent to secure a new state of the art Sound system and Lighting Design equipment. Basically everything was upgraded from analogue to digital which now means we have a far greater capacity to run moving lights etc and do more pre programming before a show. Lighting cues will have endless possibilities with 12 moving lights and mostly LED lights purchased. New Amplifiers and speakers installed in the Theatre mean you will hear absolutely everything! Wow how lucky are we to have such wonderful resources at our fingertips!

Taieri Dramatic Society These are photos from the two one act plays recently produced by the Taieri Dramatic Society in the Fire Station Theatre ,Mosgiel . The two plays by NZ playwright April Philips were Bonking James Bond & Snip directed by David Thomson.. These were well received and everyone that came enjoyed them .

We are currently in rehearsal for Dragon Princes a Children's Production with both Adults and children written and Directed by Society Member Brian McCormack this is to be Staged in the July school holidays . We are also rehearsing an adult play ,Bangers & Mash Written and Directed by Society V.P Geoff Smith, this will be staged in Late August .

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A big hello from Remarkable Theatre in Queenstown. We are very happy to have joined MTNZ again recently and we are looking forward to performing our next show - Away by Michael Gow and directed by Lisa Warrington at the Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall for 6 shows between 12 and 22 September 2018. We also ran our garden show 'Local Writes' in Queenstown Gardens for 9 shows in February. Each show included 7 locally-written short plays and were each separately directed and gave many of us that attended the director's workshop, given by Jonathan Hendry last year, the chance to put what we learnt into practice. Great to see us being able to perform some of our own locally-written plays.We have also recently run a weekend workshop on performing monologues by Lisa Warrington. This year, we also started monthly Remarkable Theatre nights at Sherwood to encourage those interested in acting. These have been well-attended and have included those trying acting for the first time as well as our more experienced actors. We also ran the Pint-Sized Play competition in pubs in Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka. This is an international play writing competition where we choose 8 to perform and audiences vote on the top 3 plays.

Fiordland Players are in rehearsal for Maverick Musical's The Jungle Book. On stage July 5-6-7. We have a new member now living locally from Dunedin, Brian Johnston. Great for us, he is worth his weight in gold to us. The choreography will be so much more than we have done for decades. Plus we received some funding which is allowing us to create heaps of new costumes. We are optimistic this will be a great show.

News From Alexandra Musical Society.... We have just completed a sell out season of our Childrens theatre Production Hey Ho Pinnochio. Directed by Pat Lines with assistance by Billie Tohill as musical Director and Bev Dowling as choreographer it was a very popular show for an audience of all ages. An excellent place for our upcoming future stars to learn and develop stage craft and skills.

Our Main production this year will be Whistle Down the Wind by Andrew Lloyd Webber and to be Directed by Bryan Atiken. Auditions to be held on 9th and 10th June. This show to be staged September 22 to 28 as part of our blossom festival activities. Great to have a good trun out for our AGM held on 28th, where we ratified the changes to our constitution and welcomed in two new members to the committee. Great to have Frankie Boyte and Nick Meissel join the team.

Our executive remains the same but with the addition as Julie Ruffell as our second vice president. Also at the AGM the first of our newly reinstated service awards were presented. Our Patron Russell Fawcett presented the first three awards.....

1. To Julie Ruffell for general services to the Society. Julie has been on our committee for 14 years has had terms as president and vice president, secretary, box office manager, worked in our front of house and bar teams. She has designed and coordinated posters and programmes the last of which earning 3rd prize in the MTNZ programme competition. She is a tireless worker for the society.

2. The second award was presented to Sonia van den Yssel Taylor for her vision of setting up and running our Competitions which are held annually for all aspects of performance. 30 Sonia continues to be at ths helm after 16 years. She has also served on the committee and has directed Stars in Their Eyes and been production manager for several show. She is current PM for our next production Whistle down the Wind.

3. The third was awarded to Glen van den Yssel..... Glen has been our Mr lighting for the last 7 years providing his services as lighting designer and operator for all AMS shows as well as nearby societies. He is our tech manager and has just taken on the Health and Safety Officer role for the society. We need him cloned.

President Trevor presented our Youth Award (for members under 25yrs with outstanding service to the society - Thomas Gibbons has been working with the society since he was 9 years old. Initially as sound track operator which lead into sound operator and sound manager. He has mostly been behind the scenes but has played a variety of instruments in Stars in their eyes and in our major productions in the bands and the orchestra. He is currently developing our new website. Congratulations to all of the recipients.

It was great to have Greg Thompson as our guest speaker. Greg is an OSTA ambassador and former judge who came to tell us all about the OSTA judging process and lots more. We all left a little wiser. That’s all folks!!

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Musical Theatre Oamaru’s Children’s Theatre At the end of April, MTO Children’s Theatre celebrated its 6th production, The Pied Piper a delightful little 1 hour show from Starshine UK. Our 25 children aged 9 – 13 years did themselves proud and our loyal team again did a fantastic job. The Opera House Ink Box was a great venue to stage the show. Plus we are really proud to have three of our past cast members onstage in Mamma Mia! in July.

Children’s Theatre is a wonderful training ground for the future of any Society and in Oamaru we are delighted with the support we receive from audiences and grant organisations.

The people of Hamelin are delighted the rats have gone!

The Mayor and Councillors plan to outwit the Pied Piper

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2019 NEW ZEALAND SINGING SCHOOL New Zealand Singing School: Te Wānanga Toi Waiata Auditions for the 2019 New Zealand Singing School are now open! Submit your audition by 31st August. Successful students will be notified by early October. Visit www.singingschool.org.nz for further details and to sign up and submit your audition online.

Limited places are available for Trainee Tutors and Trainee Accompanists. Visit www.singingschool.org.nz/teach to find out more.

Observer enrolments are also open. Visit www.singingschool.org.nz/watch for further details.

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Young New Zealand performers will collaborate with New York City theatre professionals on new student edition of Newsies JR.

A cast of over 40 young New Zealanders will take part in an exciting week-long pilot of Newsies JR., a new student version of the 2012 Tony-winning Disney Theatrical Productions Broadway production. The select group of students will participate in an intensive workshop on Monday 29th October – Friday 2nd November 2018, the week leading up to the second annual Junior Theatre Celebration New Zealand (JTCNZ) event, which will be held in Auckland on Saturday 3rd November 2018.

Newsies JR.is a 60-minute version of the stage musical, which in turn was based on the 1992 musical film “Newsies,” inspired by the Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. The musical features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Newsies JR. is a new version adapted for student performers and will be performed by educational musical theatre programs in the future through Music Theatre International. “MTI Australasia is so excited to be able to support the development of up-and-coming musical theatre stars in New Zealand through our Broadway Junior program,” says Stuart Hendricks, Managing Director of Music Theatre International (Australasia).

Now in its second year, the 2018 Junior Theatre Celebration New Zealand (JTCNZ) provides an opportunity for young Kiwi’s ages eight to 18 years to celebrate their love of musicals and experience the transformative power of theatre. The event is produced by AMICI Trust’s Junior Theatre NZ, in collaboration with international partner iTheatrics and sponsor Music Theatre International (Australasia). “This is a truly amazing opportunity for New Zealand’s young performers to be recognised as having the ability to create high-class Music Theatre. We are so excited and grateful that Disney and Music Theatre International has allowed us permission to workshop their show,” according to Emma Bishop, National Coordinator, Amici Trust’s Junior Theatre NZ.

The Newsies JR. pilot offers young people who love musicals the opportunity to be part of a process that mirrors the demands of developing a musical in the professional theatre world. Rehearsals are fast-paced and intense. The workshop culminates in a staged presentation of the show as part of the Celebration opening on Friday 2nd November “Applications are now open for students to submit an application to participate in this new pilot program. However, at this time students can only be selected if their group has registered for the Junior Theatre Celebration NZ,” says Emma.

Throughout the week, dialogue, music and choreography are work-shopped and tested to ensure the musical adaptation is suitable to be performed by student musical theatre performers. Students get to perform with peers who care just as much about the arts as they do. Because the young thespians are performing a musical that is actively being developed, the production will focus on storytelling and not production values.

The pilot program will be directed by Timothy Allen McDonald, musical theatre author (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, Between the Lines) and founding chairman of iTheatrics New York and Marty Johnson, iTheatrics Director of Education and Resident Director, New York. This year we are thrilled to announce that the role of choreographer is to be filled by up and coming New Zealand Choreographer Hamish Mouat, 35 Resident Choreographer National Youth Theatre Company & Kristin School, Auckland. Hamish has also had three years international experience as Guest Staff Director and Guest Artist for the Metropolitan Educational Theatre Network, Southern California. iTheatrics is the leading international authority on musical theatre for young people, headquartered in New York City. Timothy Allen McDonald founded iTheatrics in 2001 as a way of making theatre more accessible for young people and, in turn, leads a dynamic and talented group of artists and educators who are indeed changing the world through the transformative power of musical theatre. The Junior Theatre Celebration New Zealand (JTCNZ) draws groups representing primary and secondary state and private schools, along with private acting studios from both islands. At the 2018 Junior Theatre Celebration NZ youth theatre groups will perform a 10-minute extract of their Broadway JR™ production for adjudication by industry professionals, take part in a variety of workshops, with the celebration ending in an award and closing ceremony.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuniorTheatreCelebrationNZ/ Website: www.nztheatrics.org.nz For media inquiries, Emma Bishop, Amici Trust’s Junior Theatre New Zealand National Coordinator: 021 413662 / [email protected]

Basic Details: - Pilot Week: Monday 29th October – Friday 2nd November 2018 - Junior Theatre Celebration Friday 2nd November – Saturday 3rd November - For Pilot applications and JTCNZ18 group registrations, go to www.nztheatrics.org.nz

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Further to our announcement at MTNZ Conference in Nelson regarding Vouchers; we have had a great response from the societies regarding the use of them. The John Herber/NZ Fire-Shield Vouchers can now be redeemed for the following, either on product or sending a member on a course: Suggestions: Products: Courses: Inspecta-Shield Fire Retardant Boot Camps Gauzes Directors Course Curtains Producers Course Stage Tracks & Fittings Lighting Course Slit Curtains Sound Course Back Cloths Tech Course Pop-Up Drapes Zonal Meeting or Combined meetings Sand Bags Next - Gen

Redeemable on any products we produce. These are just but a few suggestions.

Ideally, if you are going to use vouchers for the courses you will need to send Vouchers back to us with the persons name that you wish to send on a course and the dates of course. In exchange for these vouchers you will receive payment towards there expenses. You can email all the information to [email protected]

We are hoping that this new way of using the Vouchers will assist the societies in being able to use their vouchers. Vouchers can also be used on ETNZ training courses.

A great chance now for more societies to start thinking about putting a Showbill together for the 2019 conference.

Inspecta-Shield Fire Retardant Sand Bags

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Your 2018 TRW Digital Catalogue of Musicals is here! You can now download the latest TRW pdf catalogue of musicals. This guide to choosing your next musical features: New Broadway titles, New Off Broadway and TYA shows, High School Editions, Young@Part® and more. Click here for TRW's new 2018 Musical Theatre Buyer's Guide>> https://origintheatrical.sharefile.com/share/getinfo/s044b80e0d9a451a8

Available to order online at origintheatrical.com.au Click here to see all the shows with $10 digital perusals >> http://origintheatrical.com.au/article/3869dd0e-ccf1-49e7-8f78-950f59df90fb.html FREE SCRIPT READS Sign up to our newsletter at origintheatrical.com.au and keep in the loop on how to read scripts for free. Each fortnight we offer a new script, available to read for free.

------origintheatrical.com.au | [email protected] | ph: +61 2 8514 5201 42 David Spicer Productions is pleased to announce the release of the rights to the hit musical Ladies in Black, adapted for the stage by an entirely New Zealand born creative team led by singer song writer Tim Finn. The scrumptious coming of age musical is set in the 1950's. The lead character is a teenager Lisa who joins the staff of a fashionable department store while she waits for her exam results. Over a summer that changes her life, she befriends the colourful characters of the women's clothing department. Each is on the precipice of change - facing independence, working for a living and what it means to be a women. The Age called it "a unicorn of the stage: a full-blown, home grown musical that actually works" and "probably the best Aussie musical since Priscilla went global." It wrote "Tim Finn's songs range from Broadway-inspired numbers to true blue ballads, from witty patter songs to shares of blues and jazz standards. They're beautifully integrated with the dramatic action, and the comic lyrics are priceless." A movie based on the same novel will be released later this year.

Order perusals at https://www.davidspicer.com.au/news/ladies-black

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