April 2017

In this month’s Spotlight Greetings from MTNZ President Lesley Carthew ...... 3 57th AGM and Volunteer Training Weekend New Plymouth – it’s a wrap ...... 4 Thank you to our fantastic conference partners and supporters ...... 5 Life Membership- Ngaire Holmes ...... 6 2017 Calendar ...... 7 Competition and Award Results ...... 10 Meet the new members of the MTNZ Executive Team ...... 11 Greetings from iTICKET ...... 14 NextGen Boot Camp Announcement ...... 16 Suessical the Musical - Whakatane ...... 22 Coaltown Blues touring Zone Two ...... 24 Zone Three News and Zone Meeting Agenda - Levin ...... 29 New Plymouth Operatic announce Les Miserables ...... 33 Society Life Memberships – New Plymouth and Blenheim ...... 34 Theatre Marketers Hui ...... 35 Zone Five Meeting – Balclutha 20 May – meet new NextGen Rep James ...... 42 Lifetime Achievement Award- Jim Fenton ...... 43 ETNZ Updates including #rigsafe seminar ...... 44 News from the copyright holders and other members ...... 47

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Thinking of all our New Zealand communities this month and in Australia, of which our community theatres both here and across the Tasman, are such a huge part of, as we remember our ANZACS who served in World War One and those who have served in further conflicts since the “great war” – we will remember them.

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Greetings from President Lesley Carthew ..

Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise. - Les Miserables”

Today our family lost its centre. Dale Reid passed peacefully away at home at 3.33pm, surrounded by her girls, losing her courageous battle with Cancer. She was our beloved wife, mum and G’ma, and we already miss her more than words can say. She was our everything, and we now face the tough journey of navigating life without her here beside us. We are grateful for the many friends and family who loved Mum, and who have done so much to support us all through this incredibly difficult time. She was so loved by so many, and we are the lucky ones for having known and loved such a true beauty, inside and out.

These are the beautiful words from Sarah Kerr, Dale’s eldest daughter as she shared the news of her beloved Mother’s passing last Thursday. Dale was the wife of MTNZ Past President and Life Member Ian, a loved mother of her four girls, and a devoted grandmother Dale was a former President of Napier Operatic Society, a role she held for four years, she was a fantastic marketer, production manager, seamstress, properties manager, there weren’t many roles in theatre she did not undertake, and she will be sorely missed by us all at NOS. To Ian, Sarah, Janine, Anna and Hayley and their families, I offer our love and deepest sympathy as they tread the path without their beloved wife and mother. For those of you who weren’t at the AGM and Training Weekend in New Plymouth two weeks ago, I have to tell you it a great weekend. Thank you to Jenny Bennett and New Plymouth Operatic, you did a fantastic job with your organisation, and to all involved my sincere thanks and congratulations. I do not want to mention other individuals in fear of missing someone out, but to everyone from New Plymouth Operatic and our amazing “techies” (you know who you are), may I say again a huge thank you from me. To all those presenters of seminars and forums, how lucky were we to have you, I know that everyone went away from New Plymouth all the richer for having received at least some of your wonderful ideas and knowledge. A very special thank you to Jackie Clarke who took time out from her hectic schedule to present for us, and also to entertain us all on Saturday night (and David Atkins for the cameo!) And to all the other amazing presenters, thank you so much for travelling to New Plymouth to share your knowledge, Musical Theatre is all the better for your input. And our amazing Sponsors, where would we be without you, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 3

Musical Theatre still has to move forward with all the changes we have seen over recent times, I encourage you all to embrace the changes in Health and Safety and the New Financial Reporting Legislation, and if you need any help with these issues please contact Kate who will happily point you in the right direction - "Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change."— Confucius

My special thanks to Ngaire, Pauline and Gwen, who have left the MTNZ Executive, I hope you have fun wherever life leads you. And a big welcome to Emma, Tracy and James, I look forward to meeting up with you all in the very near future.

As I sign off, can I please take this opportunity to personally thank all those societies up and down the country who invite me to their shows, sadly I can’t come to them all, but please continue to invite me, you never know when I might be able to attend.

Kind regards to you all - Lesley

57th AGM and Volunteer Training Weekend – New Plymouth - IT’S A WRAP Thank you to all those who attended or were part of the MTNZ Annual Conference in New Plymouth.

What a fantastic weekend of fun, frivolity, networking, learning and of course, some serious moments. Congrats to all those societies who were successful in the competitions. Our congratulations to all the Merit Award recipients and Patron’s, Community Tech and Merit Award Recipients this year. Special congratulations to our retiring Zone Two Representative Ngaire Holmes on her Life Membership award.

MTNZ sincerely congratulates Jenny (and also congratulates Jenny on her recent Life Membership award for New Plymouth Operatic) and her wonderful team from New Plymouth on a great weekend and all the volunteer hours that go into these events, from pretty much a year out. HUGE hours – so thank you all so much. Special thanks to the front liners who worked with Jenny and I - Dean Clark who managed the trade stands –and the registration desk team led by John and Lorraine Ainsworth were awesome. I would also like to acknowledge the awesome Quality Hotel conference team and reservations staff. NOTHING was a problem – it was an absolute pleasure to deal with Darrin, Jenny and Janine and their respective teams. THANK YOU – such a supportive venue to work with.

We would also like to sincerely thank our corporate members who sponsored parts of conference – without them we could not keep the rego fee at the level it is.

Please remember to support our corporate members when you are looking at sound, lighting, theatre design etc. It was really good to see so many new faces at conference and great to see so many young people there as well. Our wonderful seminar speakers and forum panellists – AMAZING – thank you – and no one gets paid to do those either, so we are very lucky.

The MTNZ conference now has over 260 people attending (when I first started this job 16 years ago, we had 110 – 120) and that is a massive amount of administration and logistical work for the host society and the MTNZ resource, which is still the same as it was back then – although now, MTNZ have BOUNCE NZ and Light Site lending a much needed hand since Timaru in 2008. So as we are in the grand scheme of conferences, a very large group, it is often hard to find one venue for our requirements – so sometimes the transport logistics can be challenging for the host society as well. New Plymouth did an OUTSTANDING job of the transport and huge thanks to David and Sue Thorp and their team of volunteer drivers for running everyone about.

Feedback is always very welcome and very important– whilst we have rules that require an AGM etc. the weekend is about the membership, so if you want to send some thoughts or ideas especially seminar and forum ones or perhaps you would like to present a seminar or be on a forum panel, just send me an

4 email or email your zone rep. The Exec are meeting in June, where we will discuss any feedback and the planning for Nelson will be sorted. The dates for Nelson are 16 – 18 March. But we do hope to see many of you before then Start your fundraising now and it would be fantastic to see “EVERY SOCIETY IN THE MTNZ MEMBERSHIP” represented. Let that be the challenge ☺ Spread the word.

At the front of Spotlight was our calendar – it would be great to see you along to zone meetings. As you can appreciate, it is so hard during AGM weekend for the Exec and I, to talk to people etc. because we are all running about like mad things, meetings at zone levels are great because we have more time and are not in “organisation” mode and can catch up in a less formal environment which is what it is all about. Cheers everyone and see you next year in Nelson if not before. Thanks for supporting MTNZ and coming to conference and make sure you bring a new person or two next year ☺ – Kate for the MTNZ Executive

A big thanks from MTNZ to the following individuals and companies, for their assistance with 57th Musical Theatre NZ National Conference

Platinum Partners and Major Sponsors of Musical Theatre New Zealand John Herber Limited & NZ Fire Shield Limited Major sponsors of MTNZ, sponsors of the the showbill competition; Swinging in the 60s dinner and party; pens, pads

Gold Partners of Musical Theatre New Zealand iTICKET – Friday night dinner and Saturday night “best dressed” awards, lanyards; Sunday morning breakfast

Origin Theatrical Sydney - poster competition, AGM morning tea and The Origin Theatrical Champagne and Canape Hour The Light Site - lighting design and sponsored supply BOUNCE NZ - sound design and sponsored supply Music Theatre International, Australasia AGM lunch, Nola Speir NextGen Youth Encouragement Award and key initiatives for NextGen

Silver Partners of Musical Theatre New Zealand OneMusic – seminar presenter costs White Audio – seminar presenter costs and trade show ETNZ – Community Technical Awards ML Consultants – conference administration Quality Hotel Plymouth International Amici Trust – seminar presenter Sue Barker Pub Charity and Four Winds Foundation – venue hire New Plymouth Conference Committee Members: Convenor and Weekend MC – Jenny Bennett John Ainsworth; Lorraine Ainsworth; Catherine Landrigan; Patrick Landrigan; Cath Robinson; David Thorp; Sue Thorp; Angie Trigger; Krystal Leuthard; Mark Leuthard, Dean Clark 5

Judges – Peter Bingham (Programme); Steve Anker (Programme); David Spicer (Showbill); Origin Theatrical (Poster) Keynote Speaker – Jackie Clarke; Conference Opening – Kevin Landrigan

Special thanks from MTNZ to, David Bosworth and Glen Ruske and their teams for all their technical assistance with our conferences ☺ and to Jenny Bennett, the New Plymouth Operatic conference team; the Plymouth International team – Marie, Janine and Darrin ☺ and Shona and the team at the Autolodge. Thank you to Dave Spark from Pixel for running the presentations. You are all very much appreciated

All our Forum Panelists and Seminar Presenters – thank you so much ☺

MTNZ’s Newest Life Member – Ngaire Holmes Ngaire’s interest in Musical Theatre began many years ago in Tuatapere, Southland when in 1966 she first became a member of Western Southland Musical Theatre.

For a period spanning some 20 years plus she performed in countless shows Brigadoon, Sound of Music, Oliver, Annie, Pirates of Penzance, Okalahoma, My Fair Lady to name only a few and was on the committee for many of these years as President, Secretary and Treasurer. This group of enthusiastic theatre people performed in the local RSA Hall. Ngaire has some very fond memories of those days and made many long time friendships. In 1989 the family moved to Dunedin and she joined the very well-known Dunedin Choir, The Schola Cantorum. Ngaire was a member of this Choir for four years until she moved to Hamilton. This was indeed a change from Musical Theatre but she met so many new people and really enjoyed singing with such a talented group.

In 1994 Ngaire joined Musikmakers Hamilton. She performed in many of their shows until 2003 when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and was left with only one vocal cord. Ngaire was on their committee from 1994 through to 2012 and held the role of President for a number of years She was a representative on the Riverlea Board for 15 years and 12 of these as Treasurer.

Ngaire took on the role of Production Manager for many of Musikmakers productions spanning a 15 year period, producing numerous shows. Les Miserable, My Fair Lady, Oliver, Annie, Westside Story, Wizard of Oz, Rent, Big River to name only a few from a very long list and she also produced many of the Riverlea Board Christmas Shows during these years. One of the major highlights of her career would be taking on the role of Production Manager for Miss Saigon.

In 2009 Ngaire was elected onto the Musical Theatre New Zealand Executive as the Zone Two Rep. Ngaire has thoroughly enjoyed representing the zone at a national level and supporting the Societies in her Zone. Ngaire says she has made many friends throughout her life in the musical theatre industry, some who come and go and others who become lifetime friends. It gives her great joy to walk into a theatre and be made so welcome by so many new friends that she has made along this journey.

And it gives me great joy to award Life Membership of Musical Theatre New Zealand to Ngaire for her outstanding service both at zone and national level. Ngaire’s contribution and her mantra of “get the job done and done well” will be very much missed by us all. Ngaire has been a huge support to Kate over the years with various activities, especially around conference time with administration jobs and throughout the year.

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Ngaire you are a tower of strength even in the face of adversity, a mentor, a leader, an inspiration to us all and a wonderful friend – I am sure I speak for all of us here tonight when I say how proud and thankful we are to have had you on the team and wishing you and Gary all the very best for your retirement and enjoy your well-earned break. Please be upstanding and congratulate our newest Life Member – Ngaire Holmes

MTNZ Life Members at conference (a very special photo) Back Row left to right – Kevin Murphy; John MacGibbon; Graeme Philip Front Row left to right – Len Speir, Donna Philpott QSM, Ngaire Holmes, Diane Philip

MTNZ Calendar 2017 Date Event 6 May Zone Three Meeting - Levin 20 May Zone Five Meeting – Balclutha (see Taieri’s Mary Poppins) 15/16 June Executive Meeting - Nelson 1 July Zone Four Meeting - Ashburton 1 July Zone Two Meeting – Morrinsville 4 – 5 July ETNZ Conference – Wellington 18 – 20 August NextGen Boot Camp – Zone Two – Epworth Retreat, Cambridge 28 October ZONYs – Whakatane 28 October Combined South Island Meeting – Oamaru 4 November Executive Meeting - Auckland December EVANZ Conference – Wellington 16 – 18 March 58th National Conference, AGM and Volunteer Training Weekend Nelson

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We acknowledge and thank the following for their ongoing support of our activities:

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Congratulations to the following – please note Merit Award recipients will be acknowledged in June Spotlight to give societies a chance to recognise them at AGMs etc.

ETNZ Community Technical Achievement Awards Youth Award – Nathan Hancock, Musikmakers Hamilton Technical Award – Brent Smith, Napier Operatic Society

The MTI Australasia Nola Speir Patron’s NextGen Encouragement Award Patrice Hammond – VarietyTheatre Ashburton Zac Johns – Auckland Music Theatre

Origin Theatrical Poster Competition 2017 Third Equal Variety Theatre Ashburton - Oliver! Musikmakers Hamilton - The Addam's Family Second Papakura Theatre Company - Alice in Wonderland Junior First Showbiz Christchurch - Evita

John Herber/NZ Fire-Shield Showbill Competition Judge: David Spicer Presenter: Diane Phillip – John Herber Third: Variety Theatre Ashburton - Oliver Runner Up: Waipawa Music and Drama – Sweeney Todd Winner: Waipawa Music and Drama – Footrot Flats

Programme Competition ACT Multi A Award – Presenter: David Spicer, Executive Board Member Third New Plymouth Operatic Society - Sister Act Second Hamilton Operatic Society - The Rocky Horror Show First Showbiz Christchurch - Evita

New Plymouth Operatic Multi B Award – Presenter – Kevin Landrigan, President New Plymouth Operatic Society Third North Shore Music Theatre - Hair Second Old Rockers Inc - Statehighway 48 First Musical Theatre Dunedin – ‘Spamalot’

The Colin Denby Memorial Multi C Programme Award 2017 Presenter and Citation - Sharon Stevens-Cottle Third Manukau Performing Arts - Dreamgirls Second Abbey Musical Theatre - Sweeney Todd First Upper Hutt Musical Theatre - Oliver!

The Jan Faith Single Sheet Programme Award 2017 Presenter and Citation: Chris Thomas Second West Otago Theatrical Society - Stepping Out First West Otago Theatrical Society - Footrot Flats

The Gwenda Ruegg Multi D Programme 2017 Presenter and Citation: John White Third Manukau Performing Arts - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Second Whangarei Theatre Company - Nunsense First Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society - Bad Girls

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The Viv Richardson Multi E Programme 2017 Presenter: Dean Clark Citation: Jenny Bennett Third North Shore Music Theatre - 13 Second Napier Operatic Society- Nunsense First Invercargill Musical Theatre - The Wizard of Oz

Your MTNZ Executive for 2017 Patron: Mrs Donna Philpott, QSM

Life Members: Mrs Donna Philpott QSM, Mr Tim Blennerhassett, Mr Jim Fenton QSO Mrs Shona Spencer, Miss Sandra Sewell, Mr John MacGibbon Mr Kevin Murphy, Mr Len Speir, Mr Markham Lee, Mr Graeme Philip, Mrs Diane Philip, Mr Ian Reid, Mrs Ngaire Holmes

President: Mrs Lesley Carthew, Napier Vice President: Mr Daniel Pepperell, Tauranga Zone One Representative: Ms Emma Bishop, Auckland Zone Two Representative: Ms Tracy Holmes, Hamilton Zone Three Representative: Mrs Sharron Pardoe, Wellington Zone Four Representative: Mr Ross Benbow, Nelson Zone Five Representative: Mrs Helen Horsnell, Dunedin Nextgen Representative: Mr James Wright, Napier Business Advisor: Mr Kevin Murphy, New Plymouth Hon Auditor: Mr Len Speir, Tauranga Hon Solicitor: Mr Markham Lee, Christchurch General Manager: Ms Kate Ghent, Wellington Capital Assistance Fund Mrs Lesley Carthew, Mr Daniel Pepperell, Mr Kevin Murphy and Zone Rep CAF Administration Ms Kate Ghent

Thanks for the best of times New Plymouth, and see you in sunny Nelson

Introducing Our New Executive NextGen Representative - James Wright In the scheme of life, musical theatre is relatively new to James. He joined Napier Operatic Society in 2012 when his brother was asked to audition for ‘Chicago’. Being the competitive person that he is, he decided he could do it as well! And so he did. Since then he has caught what we all know as the musical theatre “bug”. Although having never sung in front of an audience, danced in a serious manner or acted out anything other than the odd “sickie” in high school, James took the chance and ran with it. Now, he can safely say he would never look back.

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James went on to involve himself in shows such as ‘Hairspray’ where he played Link Larkin not only in Napier but in New Plymouth as well, ‘Mamma Mia’, where he played Eddie, ‘The Addams Family’, where he played Lucas, ‘Jesus Christ superstar’, where he understudied the role of Judas and was given 5 performances, and most recently ‘Mary Poppins’, where he played his most challenging yet exciting role to date – Bert! James has also been in the ensemble for numerous other shows including ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Evita’. James also found his feet backstage as well. You might catch him pushing trucks as part of the stage crew, stage directing the youth theatre shows, running the sound and microphone desk or even helping out in the kitchen for Napier Operatic’s dinner theatre. This year, he is looking to his most challenging role yet, and that is to direct Beauty and the Beast for the youth theatre.

James is looking forward to his role as NextGen representative, because he wants to show people that you can grow and build your skills within your own societies because these are skills that you can not only use at the theatre, but skills you can take away and use for life. His goal is to encourage the youth to follow the same path that he did, because our ‘Next-genners’ are exactly that; The next generation.

Zone Two Representative – Tracy Holmes Tracy in a nutshell… Tracy was born in Tuatapere Southland in 1975, Tracy grew up in Southland both in Tuatapere and Otautau as much as she would have liked to be involved with theatre as a child she was unable due to being very ill and spending most of her childhood in and out of Southland and Dunedin Hospital, Tracy had 2 liver transplants in 1986. She does have great recollections of seeing her Mum Ngaire on stage and has particularly good memories seeing both her Mum and Sister Shelley on stage in Oliver in 1985, so it was quite ironic that her first show was Oliver. Tracy first got involved in theatre officially in 1999 where she was in the chorus for Oliver for Musikmakers Hamilton. Unofficially she was on stage as a hedgehog with a yellow polka dot bow tie at high school at Logan Park High School in Dunedin. Since her first show for Musikmakers she has been involved both on and off stage for many shows as Production Manager, Production Secretary, Props and Wardrobe helper and multiple other tasks wherever she was asked or required. Tracy was also Secretary for the Riverlea Theatre Board for a number of years.

Tracy’s first taste of MTNZ was at the Ashburton Conference in 2005 where she was dressed as Gretl as one of the Von Trapp Family singers! She has not missed a conference since. She has been the Zone 2 Administrator for the past 8 years, during this time she has learnt a lot about how MTNZ works and has worked with her Mum Ngaire to grow and progress Zone 2 to the remarkable Zone that it is today ☺

Zone One Representative – Emma Bishop Emma was pretty much born into theatre as her mother was rehearsing a show whilst she was pregnant. Emma spent the first 19 years as an active member of both Opera Otago and Dunedin Operatic, with highlights being performing in the 1994 Consortium of Les Mis and 1995 Merry Widow with Dame Malvina Major

Emma attended Otago University as a voice student of Honor McKellar but relocated to Nelson to attend performing arts school as it became apparent that musical theatre was her number one passion. She moved to Auckland in 1998 following a stint as Columbia in Rocky Horror for the Nelson Arts Festival. Emma trained as a performing arts teacher specialising in Music but then went on to complete her Masters in Dance Education. Emma has spent the last 15years as a full time educator and is currently the President of Drama NZ, the National Subject Association for Drama in Education

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Emma has been a member of a number of Zone One societies including PLOC, PTC, MPA, HARLEQUIN and AMT where she has been on the Executive committee for six years having just been the Chairperson for the last three. She was the Consortium Rep for AMT/AMICI on EVITA and MAMMA MIA

Emma has a vast experience in all facets of theatre including performing, directing, choreography, musical direction, vocal coaching, Lighting design, set design, costume design, and marketing having received a total of 27 nominations for AMI now iTicket Showdown awards including winning Best Costumes three times, best Lighting, best sound, best set and best direction. Emma has also received two NAPTA nominations for Costume design.

Emma’s passion for Musical Theatre and its importance in education has seen her appointed as the National Co-ordinator for The AMICI Trusts Junior Theatre NZ, which promotes and develops the use of Junior theatre and the Broadway Junior product in NZ.

Emma is currently freelancing - working on such projects as Producing and Directing Ugly Shakespeare, producing the first every Junior Theatre Celebration Day and Associate Producing events for the Auckland City Council.

The MTNZ Facebook community page – you should be on it Do have a prop you are after, some random wardrobe piece, want some advice – this is the page ☺ This is our community page – it’s a closed group so no spammers can be annoying and this is YOUR page to network and find info etc. instead of emailing me – post your request here …. This is our member community page – it is closed so just ask to join – this is becoming quite popular for lots of info that is relevant to our members, and noticeboard items https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtnzcommunity/

New NextGen Community Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1147356508627657/ This is a page for the NextGenners (16 - 29) in the Musical Theatre New Zealand Community. On here you can share photos, experiences, ideas and connect. If you're moving towns and want to be involved in the society in your new town, or are after singing lessons, or if you know of auditions happening for a show, or you have a show you want others to come along to, or anything along those lines, post on here and we can help each other out!! We should even have our own hashtag!! #mtnznextgen - have fun sharing your experiences with everyone!!

Conference Photos Click on the link to the Dropbox - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/shwz99sra56rtxk/AABlIHSFWmNPv-lszT1vDwExa?dl=0

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Dave Barret’s (Blenheim Musical Theatre) trip to the NZ Musical Theatre Conference, New Plymouth, March 2017

Executive members Dave and Blair McLean attended, along with Tony Stone (society member), as representatives of BMT. Here’s what it was like according to our man on the inside;

The conference was held over two days and involved hosting the 2017 MTNZ AGM, 14 workshops, 8 seminars, one huge trade show and two dinners that doubled as merit award ceremonies and life membership awards.

Over the two days of the conference I attended the following workshops/seminars on behalf of the BMT committee:

• Health & safety regulations for societies and the new rules covering productions and rehearsals. H&S reps and requirements for correct procedures. • “Marketing Your Musical” and rules/copyright issue when dealing with Face Book for this. Run by musical rights holders and an APRA representative. • Marketing musicals, top 10 tips. • “Face Book 101” and how to use correctly for societies. • “How To Work With Your Team” and management issues. • iTicket marketing and design. • Sound design and common problems encountered with sound production.

All these workshops and seminars were geared towards solving society problems/queries through question and answer sessions and gave members an informal forum in which to discuss and work around commonly asked themes. These sessions highlighted that all societies face common obstacles in their day to day running and that MTNZ has a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with society issues that is readily available for all members to access.

Overall the consistent theme for the weekend was “Networking” and that by working together with MTNZ and fellow societies was the key to producing successful shows and solving most society dilemma’s. Through interaction with other societies and using experts in their fields at conference, we as a society, have good advice on hand and plenty of avenues to seek professional help with the staging and running of high- class musicals. MTNZ conference is open to all financial members of musical theatre societies to attend (not just committee representatives) and is a wealth of information and networking for any individual who wishes to grow their experience and knowledge inside the musical theatre environment.

As an aside, next year’s conference (2018) is being hosted and held in Nelson, we will publish dates and workshop agenda’s closer to the time. Be great to see a high number of BMT members attend and experience, what is, a most enjoyable weekend.

Thanks Dave. We all want to know… did you get up and sing!?

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NextGen Boot Camp – Cambridge REGISTRATIONS OPEN 1 JUNE Musical Theatre New Zealand Strictly NextGen – The MTNZ Youth Boot Camp 2 – 18, 19, 20 August

Weekend Programme

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

Friday 18 August 3pm All attendees to be in camp 3.30pm Welcome, housekeeping, health and safety briefing, weekend programme, introductions 4.15pm Knowledge Café - – interactive around the table group forum on ideas, topics, etc. that NextGen would like to 6pm Dinner 7pm How to best work with your team on a production & how to resolve conflict with David Adkins From onstage to backstage, this forum and discussion (we want your ideas too) will give you tips and ideas on how the roles of the management team (Director, Musical Director, Choreographer, Production Manager, Technical people etc.) and the committee/board can come together to produce a great experience for all involved 9.15pm Wrap up – supper and networking

Saturday 19 August 7.30am Breakfast available until 8.30am 8am Technical NextGenners depart for Morrinsville Theatre 9am Session One commences Group One – Master Class - Flying Solo with Jennifer Ward-Lealand Group Two – “Manipulation of the Elements of Choreography Vs. Genre” Exploring the interpretation of musical styles and how it affects movement quality – advanced dancers with Teesh Szabo Group Three – directing with David Adkins 11am Session One continues 1pm Lunch 16

2pm Session Two commences Group One – “Nailing that dreaded Movement Audition” – for ensemble and movers level with Teesh Szabo Group Two – Master Class - Flying Solo with Jennifer Ward-Lealand Group Three – directing with David Adkins 3.30pm Afternoon tea 3.30pm Session Two continues 5.30pm Down time 7pm Dinner 8pm Come together and practice group dance 9pm Supper and networking

Sunday 20 August 7.30am Breakfast available until 8.30am and pack out rooms 9.30am Technical NextGenners depart for Morrinsville Theatre 9.30am Q&A with tutors – Jennifer, Teesh and David with Daniel

10.30am Showcase of group dance, a selection of the solo song performances and a selection of script from the directing students

Midday Close training school for dancers, singers and directors; lunch and clean up camp

1pm Vacate camp

What to Bring • 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 • 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 Groups One and Two MASTER CLASSES FLYING SOLO Telling the Story in Song with Jennifer Ward Leyland In this workshop each participant is directed in a musical theatre song of their choice. There is a strong emphasis on identifying and 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.

About Jennifer …. Since training at Auckland’s influential Theatre Corporate, Jennifer has worked extensively in theatre, film, television, musical and radio for over 30 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 New Zealand Actors Equity, Patron of Q Theatre, and serves as a trust board member of Arts Regional Trust , Silo Theatre, Clarence St Theatre 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 and BETWEEN THE SHEETS and LUNCHEON at the Basement.

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 AND DIRTY LAUNDRY. She is currently working on the new NZ feature film, VERMILLION.

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 CHOICE for The Blue Baths in Rotorua and most recently the Wellington season of HUDSON & HALLS for Silo (BEST PRODUCTION WELLINGTON THEATRE AWARDS 2016). Jennifer devised and performed the cabarets FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN featuring the songs of Marlene Dietrich, and THE LOOK OF LOVE 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.

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 18

Choreography/Dance/Movement/Channelling Your Inner Sausage Roll with Teesh Szabo

Group One - appropriate level for the “Just give me a bucket now or the sausage roll level (aimed at singers who need to move) “Nailing that dreaded Movement Audition” - discovering the inner dancer in you and be ready to wow that panel of creatives at your next audition

Group Two - appropriate level for the “Triple/Double turns and 90degree level and above performers) “Manipulation of the Elements of Choreography Vs. Genre” Exploring the interpretation of musical styles and how it affects movement quality

About Teesh … A Palmerston North based Choreographer, Dance Educator, Director and Actor, Teesh’s journey and career has taken her around the world. Working on London’s West End Stage with shows such as Martin Guerre, Whistle down the Wind and Mamma Mia, highlights have included sharing the stage at the London Palladium with her biggest musical theatre idol Chita Rivera and theatre greats Tommy Tune, Cyd Charisse and Russ Tumblyn. She has also been fortunate to see the world performing on the high seas with Princess Cruise Lines and working as movement choreographer for many of our top ice skaters here in NZ. Equally passionate about dance education Teesh works with various dance and performing arts studios and is the Movement Specialist for Junior Theatre NZ dedicated to the development and promotion of junior musical theatre in New Zealand. She is currently developing a resource book titled “Destination DANZ” and is excited about sharing this with both students and teachers of Musical Theatre in the near future.

Proud to be associated again with Musical Theatre NZ NextGen boot camp, Teesh jumped at the chance to return for the 2017 weekend and the opportunity to work with another group of talented energetic thespians. You will be challenged in ways you did not think you would. Just remember… “If you stumble, make it part of the dance”

Group Three - Directing 101 with David Adkins (this is an all-day workshop, so if you do directing, you can’t do choreography or Jennifer’s masterclass – this workshop includes practical directing and working with script) • The roles of the management team (Director, Musical Director, Choreographer, Production Manager etc) • What does a director actually do • The vision • Responsibilities • The need to educate • Preserving the illusion • Selecting a show • Time table formulas • People • The rehearsal schedule • Preparing and meetings • The crew • Auditions • Rehearsals • Dealing with beginners and prima dona’s 19

• Common directing errors • What happens after opening • Plus a whole heap of other little bits and pieces and information • Practical exercise with participants “directing” each other using scripts provided by David before the weekend workshop.

About David …. 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 cabaret. Onstage David has undertaken leading roles such as Jesus (Godspell), Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls), Bill (Me and My Girl), 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 Hairspray. 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.

Group Four NextGen Lighting Workshop with Dale Henderson (this is an all day session, so if you do lighting, you can’t do any of the other workshops. This is not a lighting design course and will be held offsite at Morrinsville Theatre.)

Dale will focus on understanding a range of lighting equipment, appropriate maintenance, how it links together, its safe rigging and operation.

Topics/Programme • Introductions • Health and Safety • Equipment – Types of Luminaires - Care - Use - Control. • Equipment – Dimmers, Lighting control • Equipment – Moving Lights and Special effects • The Production Process - Production Teams - Production Meetings. • Rigging – Focus – Plotting • Colour • Industry qualifications and training

About Dale .. Dale is a Director of Events Tauranga. With over 30 years experience as an Entertainment Technology technician, both professionally and in not for profit situations, Dale has a wide range of skills which he regularly shares with upcoming technicians. He is a past President of Tauranga Musical Theatre, past President of the Entertainment Venues Association of NZ, recipient of the MTNZ

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Merit Award, and is the current chairman of the Entertainment Technology NZ training subcommittee (responsible for developing the new Entertainment Technology qualifications). Dale has a special passion for Musical Theatre, Health and Safety, and training in the Entertainment Industry.

Feedback from the first NextGen Boot Camp held in Dunedin last year … • As a singer I loved Jennifer’s session, I came home gushing about how amazing it was! I really liked that when each person went up to sing, even though they were performing, we were all learning. Every time a new person got up to sing we were observing Jennifer to see how she got to the real message with the singer, and what techniques were used to get there. With each of us she was able to get us to connect with our song and I will use the techniques I’ve learnt when I perform. • I'm still in awe with Jennifer's ability to turn the most inexpressive of us into real actresses and actors. Her connection with people is something truly special and amazing to be a part of. The classes exceeded expectations greatly and will packed with tips that I'll use to the full and upmost in future theatre opportunities • Teesh was so friendly and welcoming. It was so beneficial and interesting- the class really opened up my way of thinking when it comes to dancing. Teesh turned a not so confident dancer it to a confident dancer, by simplifying and explaining thing without using dancing terms and jargon- was such a great experience and I learnt a lot! • I greatly enjoyed Teesh’s workshop and as someone who has only really learnt dancing in musical theatre shows, it was nice to see that if you have a good choreographer you won’t be able to tell the difference between trained and non-trained dancers. The format of that session worked well for me as we started small and simple and then worked up from there • 10/10 - I felt great atmosphere was created by being out of reception, accommodation was just as I like camps to be! Great workshops also, Jennifer and Teesh were so clear in their individual points to teach - definitely taught applicable skills & ideas. The crowd of people there were all bubbly theatre enthusiasts like myself which meant everybody got along together really well. • I really liked the format of the weekend, I thought it was good to get the MTNZ questions and feedback done on the first night and it was interesting to hear how other societies worked. Being in a camp setting with no cell phone coverage was brilliant, we were away from the hustle and bustle and it really gave us the chance to connect with one another and put all of our energies into our vocal and dance sessions. • Cheese featured in every meal and awesome, awesome people

Feedback from David’s directing courses he has presented for MTNZ • David’s presentation was exceptional. He had a good sense of humour and was easy to understand. He never made any questions directed at him seem silly or irrelevant and kept me glued to him the entire day as so much of what he said was making sense. I have been to many conferences and training seminars and often it is hard to stay awake and stay focused especially if there is only one presenter. This was not the case with David • David was very entertaining and relevant. Interacted extremely well with the group. Responded to all questions respectfully and answered succinctly. Excellent planning and structure

Zone Two with Zone Two Rep Tracy Holmes Hello from Zone 2 everyone! I am so thrilled to be the new Zone 2 Rep, it is going to be an exciting challenge but one that I am looking exceptionally forward to! After years of hard work Mum AKA Ngaire gets to put her feet up..well a little bit anyway! I am sure I will call on her assistance now and again ☺ talking of Mum AKA Ngaire we must congratulate her on the amazing achievement of Life Membership to Musical Theatre New Zealand, what a tremendous honour for her and one she has worked phenomenally hard for and is so well deserved.

Once again as another MTNZ Conference has come to and end, a simply fabulous weekend filled with laughter, friendship, learning, meeting new people, and of course some stunning dance moves on Saturday night. 21

As I stood in the hallway on Saturday lots of people stopped and commented about the wonderful time they were having and that they had learnt so much, the most motivating for me is when one of the NextGeners stopped and said “wow this is amazing, I am learning so much and have written so much down” it is so awe-inspiring to see the younger people getting so much out of the weekend. Thank you to Kate for all the amazing work and long hours that you have put into conference.

I know everyone is busy rehearsing, blocking, packing-inn, auditioning, costume making, prop making etc etc.. their first shows for the year. Good luck to everyone as they express their local talent on and off the stage, never to be forgotten all those that work backstage, lighting, sound, dressers etc. Zone 2 I hope to get to as many shows as possible this year, my calendar is filling up fast!! I hope to see you all at our first Zone Meeting of the year 1 July in Morrinsville.

Theatre Whakatane So you think Seussical is a stage musical for kids because it is based on the stories of Dr. Seuss? – You could not be more wrong! SEUSSICAL is a BROADWAY SPECTACULAR for all ages and life-stages!

Don't be fooled into thinking that just because there is a cat and an elephant that this is a show for children - Dr Seuss sent very important messages in his writing and this is as much an adult show as it is for children. Yes, there are plenty of kids on stage, but more adults! Yes the Dr. Seuss stories are seen as kids stories but as all adults will remember there are many messages within these stories talking to the meaning of life, of goodwill, friendship, morality, discrimination and, above all, love. Seussical is in fact an all-action, colourful, costume-filled, song- driven, choreographic Broadway Extravaganza that should be seen by all of the Eastern Bay, whether you have you have kids or grand-kids or not!

Director Sue Harris and the team that brought you Bugsy, Oliver, Peter Pan and Annie amongst others are in the middle of Seussical rehearsals at Theatre Whakatane’s new Gateway Theater with a cast of over 50 people ranging from older stage-savvy performers to many first-timers including a wonderful number of parents and children on stage together for the very first time. Sue and her team of Emma Twigley (Musical Director) and Sam McLeod (Choreographer), all agree that the show has many challenges with such a big cast and complex staging (we are not allowed to tell you more!). They agree that audiences be surprised by how much character and depth the Seuss characters have. Nothing is one dimensional and it’s certainly not silly, nor simple. Audiences may be expecting a panto style but that's not the case at all – there is definitely a lot of fun and games but there are also a lot of challenges and heartache that the characters go through – just like real life.

Just a brief report as we recover from Conference. Our main show for 2017 is Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”, and with the hiring of costumes from North Canterbury, so it was great to be able to catch up at Conference to organize transport details. Another great thing to come from Conference was hearing the idea from another society about using cinema advertising for the show (especially seeing as the live version has just come to the movies).

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We have taken that on board, and our advert for the stage version will be shown before every screening of the movie, and also for other children’s and family movies over the school holidays!

The Audition. A gateway into the world of people who pretend they’re someone else. She had watched Grease a thousand times. Again and again. She belted out Summer Nights, and You’re The One That I Want in her pyjamas every night. This morning she had spent hours in front of the mirror, making sure that everything looked just right. The others in the room, who looked more nervous than anyone she had ever seen before, wished her luck, and she politely smiled back. Once she walked through that door however, every ounce of confidence she thought she had flew out the window. The hairs on her neck prickled. She felt the penetrative gaze of the auditioners stabbing into her neck. She turned to face them, and as she did, she felt ravenous butterflies piercing her stomach and her head in a murky haze. This happened every time, but for some reason, it always felt new.

For many actors, the hardest part of being in a production is the auditioning process. From being forced to read lines, to singing songs that you barely know and awkwardly half-dancing, the process is often agonising. Unfortunately, this is a necessary step in being cast for a show, and although slightly torturous, it can lead to great experiences.

In the 2016 production of Grease, put on by Thames Music And Drama (MAD), the auditioning process was a quintessential step in finding the correct actors for the parts, and making sure everyone would be actively involved in trying to put on the best show possible. Supplying details about yourself was important for the registration process for Grease. This included your height, clothing size, and any previous experience you had with music/drama. While initially seeming intrusive, this helped the behind-the-scenes crew of the show get some idea of what they would need for the actual performances. The process was streamlined to make you feel at ease with opening up about yourself, and communicating with what Hauraki Plains College (HPC) Year 12 student, Letitia Mackenzie called “your second family.”

Letitia prepared for her audition by “practising the songs needed for the part that I was going for (Sandy), and practising acting like she did in the movie.” This allowed her to “get in the zone” and feel as comfortable as she could with the material before the auditions actually began. HPC English teacher, Ms Krista Maley said “I purchased Grease on DVD and made sure I knew the role of Frenchy well, as this was the part I auditioned for.”

“I was simultaneously excited and nervous, but I tried not to be too stressed about it,” said HPC Year 13 student, Felix Effinger, upon arriving at his audition. “It’s that feeling before you run the 100m, when you’re feeling apprehensive, but there’s no turning back now,” said Felix, on sitting in the waiting room. After watching the second hand on the clock reach 12 one last time, you finally got the call to go in. It was your time to shine.

Once you arrived inside the cold, empty auditioning room, you received a warm greeting from the director and musical director. After you introduced yourself, the audition began.

Singing a song was the first step. You were told that it could have been from the show you were auditioning for, or something you already knew and sung well. An often used audition song is Happy Birthday to You, as it can be sung in many different styles. When Felix was auditioning for Grease, he came into the audition having only prepared for the role of Kenickie, by learning Greased Lightning. He was asked to sing Alone at the Drive-In Movie, which he was unfamiliar with. Unfortunately, this led to him “singing like fingernails on a chalkboard.”

You were then asked to dance in the audition, which was very simple, mainly consisting of just being in time with the music. This was to give the director an idea of if you were able to stay in time with the music, if you had any experience in dance, and if you could take instructions on board. 23

Reading an extract from the script for whatever character you were auditioning for came next. You would usually be asked to also read another character’s part also, so that the director could see what you might be suitable for. If you struggled with cold-reading the script, then you would be encouraged to recite something from memory, such as a nursery rhyme. The auditioners asked you to read in a range of voices, which ranged from ecstatic, to seductive. While speaking, you were encouraged to project your voice, to see how you would fare onstage.

Thames MAD President, Ewan Grant-Mackie said that the most important thing expected from an audition is “a willingness to give it a go”, and the ability to “listen and take direction.” “It is very important that you can sing in tune, and in the style required. It is no good singing operatically for a Rock and Roll show” he added.

The afterglow of the audition was a time for remembering, and reflecting, and you could not help but be optimistic. Rehearsals for MAD’s next show, Beauty and the Beast started very soon, and you were praying that you got a good part. Sitting alone in your room, you reminded yourself of those funky dance moves, and how your two left feet kept tripping you up. You cringed at the memory of those forced smiles, as you stuttered your way through those lines. You groaned as you remembered just missing that high note, and the cheeky snicker from the musical director as he tapped away on the piano.

You were sitting in your pyjamas on the side of your bed reminiscing, when suddenly your phone vibrated. An email notification appeared. The subject was “Auditions.” Your sweaty palms hesitantly tapped on the notification. It is your time to shine.

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THE METEOR GOES INTO ORBIT With refurbishments in their final stages Hamilton’s Meteor Theatre is gearing up for its 2017 season, with a celebration of stories from our local past and present. The Meteor has been closed from January to May for a $1.2 million seismic strengthening and renovation project. The re-vamped theatre is opening its new front doors with a play about Hamilton’s Garden Place. The season for “One Hill of a Fight: The iconic New Zealand play ‘Coaltown Blues’ follows with performances from 6th to 10th June. This entertaining and moving one-man drama (with songs) is the story of a young boy growing up in a NZ coal mining town during the Depression, War and post-War. As a lead in to its Meteor season, the theatre has joined forces with Chris Green of Black Beech Theatre in a “Meteor at Large” venture to take the Mervyn Thompson written play out around the regional towns. ‘Coaltown Blues’ will be performed in Huntly, Te Aroha, Te Awamutu, and Matamata during May, with a slightly shortened version also being performed in local secondary schools. Green has been taking his revival of the play around the country for the last four years to wide critical acclaim. “We are looking forward to welcoming Chris and Coaltown Blues to a Hamilton audience, once he has let other Waikato towns in on the great piece of theatre he has created” says Deborah Nudds, Meteor Manager. ‘He’s such a talented performer, is so passionate about the play, and the story he tells has real resonance in our region. Make sure you see it, when it comes to a town near you”

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Zone Three – Sharron Pardoe – Zone Rep As some of you will know I was a member of the Napier Operatic Society executive for nearly six years before moving to Wellington in 2012. For four of those years I was VP to then president Dale Reid who sadly passed away on March 31. Dale was my mentor and we became good friends. She was always prepared, her attention to detail and research was remarkable and she was never short of an innovative idea.

The year after we came on to the executive the society produced Beauty and the Beast and Cats at the Napier Municipal Theatre, both in the same year. They were huge successes and I know Dale was very proud that at the end of that year the society’s hard work meant they could freehold their premises. Dale received a Musical Theatre New Zealand Merit Award at the last Napier conference in 2014 and I was so proud to be there to see it. Dale loved and was involved with theatre for a big part of her life. Her husband Ian, talented daughters and grandchildren continue that love.

Following on from a successful MTNZ conference in New Plymouth we are looking ahead to our zone meeting and training day on May 6 at the Levin Performing Arts Centre venue. The day will start at 11am and we will cover the meeting basics and talk about the upcoming Next gen Bootcamp and our Grassroots communication proposal. After lunch we will hold some workshops including one based around children’s theatre and being presented by Sonya Aifai from Napier Operatic.

Sonya started the theatre school in 2000 with the kids of members. Its first production was in 2001- Little Red Rocking Hood and since then has staged at least 1 production each year. Now in its 16th year the membership draws over 300 youngsters and graduating members are now directing and choreographing shows, leading heads of department and being elected to the society's executive. Several have gone on to professional careers in theatre. Do you have dwindling membership? Do you have only 1 lighting man who needs a rest? Do you need an injection of income? YOU NEED TO START A THEATRE SCHOOL! This seminar will provide a framework for you to develop your own theatre school and enhance your existing theatre group

I hope to see as many of you at the Zone meeting as possible - this is a great opportunity to learn about how MTNZ can help you, to pick up more skills and to network with like-minded people.

Wellington G&S are staging "The Merry Widow" AUDITIONS we are still looking for a high baritone to sing the Principal Role of the half fairy , Strephon. Stage age 20 - 40 'ish. More details can be found on the GNS Website www.gns.org.nz

Upper Hutt Musical Theatre Following our recent AGM, we have two new Life members in Julianne Jackson and Wendy Harland. Julianne has been involved with Upper Hutt Musical Theatre since 1999 when she performed in her first show for UHMT – Time Warp. Since then she has tread the boards for UHMT in 6 shows: Time Warp, Twist & Shout, Be-Bop-A-Lula, Encore!, & Leading Ladies,. However it is in the last 10 years that Julianne has nurtured a passion for the other side of the production continuum. Julianne has been Director, Musical Director, Vocal Coach and Conductor for several productions and is known to take on multiple production roles for a single show. Julianne’s health professional background and integrated principles of ongoing professional development have carried over into her musical theatre life. She believes strongly in continuing to strive for creative excellence and improvement in all aspects of musical theatre which was hugely reflected in her time on the committee and as President. Julianne has attended director’s workshops, MTNZ conferences and Zone 3 meetings. Julianne love being part of the musical theatre community in any capacity and is committed to supporting musical theatre locally and also throughout the region.

Wendy has been with the society since 2003 and has been a huge driving force behind our publicity and Front of House management. She has been an active member on the committee since 2009. Wendy has been very passionate about our society and always has a “can do” attitude. She has often been the face

29 of UHMT at audition time, meeting and greeting stressed auditionees, settling them in and making sure the audition panel is running to time (not an easy job!). Wendy has decided to stand down from the committee this year and take a well-deserved break but she fully intends on staying involved whenever she is needed.

Rehearsals for our upcoming production of The Musical of Musicals - The Musical are going very well with an awesomely talented team. Production dates are 17 - 27 May at UpStage Theatre, 26A Moonshine Road, Upper Hutt. Further details available via our Facebook page or website www.uhmt.org.nz Planning is also underway for our second show this year of All Shook Up and two shows for next year - watch this space! We were very pleased and honoured to win the Colin Denby Programme Award for our 2016 Oliver! programme at this year’s MTNZ awards. Thank you so much to everyone that contributed towards the programme and its success.

Here are some photos from Arts a Go Go! Performing Arts School for Kids' recent production of Fiddler on the Roof Jr at Lower Hutt Little Theatre. The feedback from the audience, parents and kids was wonderful and we are thrilled with how it all went. The kids were aged 6 to 16. "Tevye", among others, was outstanding at only 10 years old (Lewis Collins) but with an acting and singing ability and maturity in understanding the part beyond his years...not to mention being hilarious when called for! We spent a lot of time in making sure the show was authentic and the kids learnt a lot about Jewish culture.

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Musical Theatre New Zealand Zone Three Meeting Hosted by Levin Performing Arts Society - Theatre situated at 659 Queen Street East, Levin Saturday, 6 May 2017 at 11am AGENDA

11am: Welcome and Housekeeping - Lorraine Lepper

11.05am: Roll Call

11.15am: Society Reports (Please email a written report to Sharron no later than May 2nd) You will be asked to provide three highlights of this report on the day. Corporate Guests you will be given the opportunity to speak

11. 30am MTNZ News • Statement of Service Performance Summary (Sharron) • Next Gen Boot Camp (James) • Insurance (Sharron) • CAF Fund (Sharron) • 2018 Conference (Sharron) • Xero • Competitions (Sharron) • Merit Awards (Sharron) • Grassroots community project (Sharron) • Zone 3 Awards

12.15pm Lunch - provided at Venue

Annual and Show Online Surveys Please note during this break Sonya will be available to demonstrate how to fill in the surveys online

1pm: Seminars/Workshops ● Health and safety with Steve Lloyd - outlining the requirements for societies and a Question and Answer forum. ● Do you have dwindling membership? Do you have only 1 lighting man who needs a rest? Do you need an injection of income? YOU NEED TO START A THEATRE SCHOOL! This seminar will provide a framework for you to develop your own theatre school and enhance your existing theatre group - facilitated by Sonya Aifai 31

● Working with wigs. Caring for wigs, styling tricks and tips. Just watch or bring your own. ● Marketing forum. Bring your best ideas to share about selling and marketing your shows. What works, what doesn’t, the role of social media etc.

2pm: Seminars Repeated This gives everyone the opportunity to attend two of the seminars on the list.

3pm: General Business

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New Plymouth Operatic Society

The Time. Is Now. The Day. Is Here.

New Plymouth Operatic have announced that New Zealand’s favourite musical, Les Miserables, will be staged at New Plymouth’s TSB Showplace in July 2018, representing the premiere of the NZ Musical Theatre Consortium’s 25th Anniversary tour.“Just about without exception, Les Miserables is a firm favourite with everyone at New Plymouth Operatic” said Society President Kevin Landrigan.

“I was fortunate enough to be a member of the onstage company for both of NPOS’s previous productions (in 1994 and 2002)” reminisced Mr Landrigan “And still, Les Mis sits on top of the tree as probably my and many other’s favourite shows, but that is a number of haircuts ago now, and it is exciting to be able to bring back Les Miserables to a whole new generation of our members and audiences.”

“If you look at, say, our cast and crew from 2016’s Sister Act, probably between one third to a half of those people were not even born when we New Plymouth Operatic first presented Les Miserables in 1994.” Mr Landrigan noted.

The 1994 Les Miserables was the first ever Consortium production in New Zealand, and it is the same consortium partner societies from around New Zealand who have banded together to bring Les Miserables to New Zealand once more, and what better way to celebrate the Consortium’s 25th birthday!

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25 years ago, seven musical theatre societies from around New Zealand joined together to bring this iconic musical to our New Zealand audiences for the very first time. The same 7 societies have great pleasure in doing the same once again, 25 years later, in a marker of what has been a quarter of a century of great friendship between these societies, which has been to the great betterment of all those societies. “New Plymouth Operatic are delighted to be invited by our Consortium partners to lead and premiere this new production” said Mr Landrigan “it is a recognition of the superb work New Plymouth Operatic and our members did to lead the Sister Act project last year, which has been rewarded here” Mr Landrigan added. New Plymouth Operatic’s Patrick Landrigan will project manage the New Zealand Les Miserables build and tour on behalf on the NZ Musical Theatre Consortium. Andrew Gibson will work alongside the build team as well as taking the role of Stage Manager for the New Plymouth season.

“The rights for Les Miserables have been unavailable for some time, and we have had to chase pretty hard to get them” concluded Mr Landrigan, who also added “2018 and Les Miserables sees a continuation of blockbuster musicals New Plymouth Operatic and our consortium partners have been able to secure and stage for our audiences, with negotiations currently underway for more blockbuster musicals for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.”

Les Miserables auditions penciled for later this year.

It is with great honour that New Plymouth Operatic bestow a life membership to Jenny Bennett.

Jenny has been involved with New Plymouth Operatic since 1975 (she must have been very young!) appearing onstage in Lil’ Abner. More than 40 years later Jenny is still involved with as much passion as ever.

Her first on stage performances came at the age 12 in the 1975 productions of Music Hall and Lil’ Abner. She was involved both on and off stage in many of the productions over the next 8 years before she left New Plymouth for a few years settling in Sydney. On her return to New Plymouth in 1992 she quickly rejoined the society production and back stage crews, taking on numerous tasks including props, programme creation, marketing, and production manager. In recent years Jenny has been our regular props supervisor and she and her team always enjoy the experience. They are known for their back stage performances including tap dancing and post-show skits usually led by Jenny. Jenny was elected to the New Plymouth Operatic executive in 1997, where she served for 20 years, until her retirement in 2016. Jenny held the role of President of New Plymouth Operatic for 4 years from 1999-2002, and Immediate Past President from 2003 to the present day. In a small but successful team, Jenny’s continued service on the board is an asset to our society.

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In 2012 Jenny’s service to New Plymouth Operatic was recognised as a recipient of an MTNZ Merit Award. In 2017, Jenny took on the huge task of local co-ordinator for the Musical Theatre New Zealand conference which was hosted by New Plymouth Operatic. Like many of our society’s members, Jenny’s involvement has been a family affair and she has followed in the footsteps of her mother, a seasoned performer and life member of NPOS and her father, a long time committee member and honorary vice president. She has also encouraged her former husband and sons to catch the musical theatre bug and all have been on stage and worked backstage for the society in numerous productions, most memorably the whole family performed in the cast of our 2005 season of Oliver. Jenny’s commitment to NPOS has not slowed, she was a performer in our recent hugely successful Xmas dinner & dance shows, and onstage performances in The Producers (2012), Mamma Mia (2015) and Mary Poppins (2017). She is continuing in her role as Immediate Past President on the society Board and will likely be seen, and heard, for many years to come.

Zone Four Blenheim Musical Theatre held its Annual General Meeting on Monday 20th March and we now have three new committee members along with the six continuing on for another year. Our outgoing President Blair McLean was presented with a gift for successfully completing a three year term and he is replaced by Viv Patchett, a long serving Life Member we have two Vice Presidents, Alison French and Dave Barrett and a Committee of Janeen Hippolite (Treasurer), Linda McKinley (Secretary), Robin Sutherland, Andrew Ritchie, Mark Ham and Ken Hippolite. A Life Membership Award was presented to Linda McKinley who has served 36 years made up of on stage, back stage, HOD of makeup and three stints as Secretary.

We are presently well into rehearsals for Annie and opening night is May 11th going through until May 27th, this will be staged in the ASB Theatre, Blenheim. Next year is a big year for BMT as its our 100th Centennial in February and in May 2018 we are going to stage Mary Poppins and have a sub-committee organizing the centennial celebrations to coincide with this production. We also have Duncan Whiting appointed as our Director for Mary Poppins! Can we please through Spotlight ask if anyone is interested and wants to know more about our Centennial Celebrations to please contact the Secretary, email [email protected] as we are compiling a database ready to be able to send information out to.

I will be organising the third annual Theatre Marketers Hui on the afternoon of June 6, prior to the CNZ conference the following day. I initiated these during my time at The Court Theatre (also as Comms Manager) and very much want to continue them.

The aim of this hui is for those directly involved in theatre marketing to share ideas, problems, discuss similar issues in an informal yet supportive way with those who face the same challenges. The first two were hosted respectively by Circa in Wellington and The Court Theatre in Christchurch and were very successful in building a more collaborative environment. This year we will be hosted by Auckland Theatre Company. Now that I am with Showbiz Christchurch, I’d like to extend the invitation to MTNZ members whose primary role is theatre marketing to join this conversation, and invite them to email me with expressions of interest. There is no cost to attend the Theatre Marketers Hui. [email protected] Wendy RileyCommunications Manager

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“This show is a great excuse to hear some rocking pop tunes performed with style and verve and enjoy some Broadway standard production values.” Read full review: The Press review by Charlie Gates

Christchurch talent coup in entertaining ‘Desert Queen’ fabulousness “Staging Priscilla Queen of the Desert has to be one of Showbiz Christchurch’s most ambitious undertakings. Cast and crew must grapple with the challenges of 500 costumes, 200 wigs and headpieces (primarily sourced from previous productions), the choreography and vocal demands of an array of disco tunes and pop songs and some moments of pure pathos in the midst of camp chaos. For the most part, Showbiz can be proud of this epic spectacle.” Read full review: What’s Up review by Ruth Agnew

Priscilla shakes her groove thang “Full of fabulousness and the original pre-meme Felicia, this camp costumed comedy caper has more mince and flesh on display than the Mad Butcher. More funny, funky, flash cheese than the Canterbury cheesemonger.

“The Christchurch crowd is always a bit staid and standoffish to start with but by the frocking-up of the Australian-themed finale the marvellous cast had earned the standing ovation. This accomplished quick-change diva-licious cast deserves a crowd ready to party. Eat your heart out, Adele.” Read full review: Backstage Christchurch review by Margaret Agnew

Amid the Gloss, Most – but Not All – Comedy Rooted in Truth “Showbiz Christchurch does spectacle really, really well. Their production of Aussie jukebox musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert plays to their strengths; it is a glitzy, glamorous, camp, high energy carnival that really pushes its cast to deliver an outrageously over-the-top evening of entertainment.” Read full review: Theatreview by Erin Harrington

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Zone One Pukekohe Performing Arts We have a busy year planned for 2017 and are off to a great start! Rising Stars Youth Theatre

Our Youth Theatre is up and running and we have approx. 25 student enrolled in term one. The students are loving the classes and are being prepared for auditions next week by their awesome tutor Hayley Va’a.

The Continental Quilt

Bob Lack returns to PPA to direct this fabulous play for us. The cast are well underway and it is making me laugh already. Performance dates: 26 May – 3 June 2017.

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Auditions are being held on the 9th April 2017. Performance dates: 7-15 July 2017.

Auditions tbc. Performance dates: 20 Oct – 4 Nov 2017. Applications for the creative team are being sought. Get in touch if you want to be a part of this wonderful show!

John Antony directed the first musical performed at the Pumphouse back in 1977 (A Music Hall)!!!!!! Public open day celebrations are Saturday 6th May if anyone is interested in coming and having a look at all the old photos etc....

HERE & NOW FESTIVAL 21 – 24 APRIL ASB WATERFRONT THEATRE A four-day takeover of the ASB Waterfront Theatre by the youngest talents in town. Featuring three exciting new shows created especially for the Festival as well as new works in development, a big schmooze fest, workshops, talks, music, DJs, a party and more!

Including:

OUT TO LUNCH – Sunday 23 April 12:30pm Eat, drink and see new artists try out their stuff, then stick around to tell us what you think!

APOCALYPSE HIGH by Will Robertson (book and lyrics) and Andy Manning (music) Experience the making of a new high school musical – but not as you know it! Freaks, geeks and the future of the planet are all in danger as the forces of nature gather to slug it out at Apocalypse High. Music theatre fans get a chance to hear a new work in development by Billy Elliot and That Bloody Woman performer Andy Manning and collaborator Will Robertson. Will and Andy have got some of their friends together to perform excerpts from the show for you.

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Zone Five with Zone Rep Helen Horsnell 2017 Conference and AGM and training weekend is a wrap! New Plymouth were great hosts and as usual Kate did a fabulous job of organising. Lots of knowledge was gained and the usual networking and hilarity. The AGM was opened by Jackie Clarke who later did a workshop and entertained in the evening.

The executive have had a number of changes this year, with zone one electing Emma Bishop as their new rep, zone 2, Tracy Holmes takes over from her mother who retires from the position and was made a life member of MTNZ. Here is wishing a fabulous retirement, an inspirational lady. We said goodbye to Gwen Lyon, next gen Gwen, who has completed her term and James Wright from Napier takes over.

The AON insurance scheme continues to get more members each year and if you are not already signed up, get them to quote for you, you may save a lot of money for your society. They are looking at a “loss of revenue from a show due to natural disaster’ ie fire , flood, earthquake etc. We will let you know as more information comes to hand.

A new focus for us is getting to grassroots level with all our communication and opportunities for training. Our knowledge café , have certainly shown that many of your members don’t even know we exist and are unaware of what we could provide for them. Dan has worked on this initiative and will be asking for your help with getting the word out to your data bases.

OSTA’S 2017 – A new team of judges are in place and the first show has finished. Please come to the AGM next month and have your say and support the team who are doing this for you and your society. Looking forward to another fabulous year of shows.

May 20th – Zone 5 Meeting in Balclutha - Agenda to follow James Wright our new NextGen Rep and Kate Ghent our General Manager are attending this meeting.

In the morning, Kate is running a Strategic Planning workshop, and I know a few groups have not as yet done one for their society. I can’t stress enough how important it is for governance, surveys, grant applications, charities reporting. Also attending the meeting is David Bosworth from the Light Site in Christchurch, he has kindly offered to run a health and safety 101 and a general Q&A on all things techie. If you have not started your health and safety plan you should attend this meeting and David is available to answer questions if you are stuck. You cannot ignore health and safety as it is not going to go away. Remember there are templates to help with the process. Our new NextGen Rep James will have a Q&A Forum for the Zone Five NextGenners – so please make sure your NextGenners come along and meet James.

If we could have numbers for this part of the meeting as we will need to organise lunch. The zone 5 meeting will start after lunch with the OSTA AGM to follow. We need your support for this to continue. For those not wanting to attend the OSTA meeting there will be a Facebook 101 workshop run by Kate. These have been very well attended in the past and helpful for running your Facebook page.

Taieri’s production of Mary Poppins is on in Dunedin in the evening for those that want to stay, 1 hours’ drive away. Anyone wanting tickets at a special rate for the Saturday night performance contact Tania Graham of Taieri Musical [email protected]

October 28th - South Island Meeting – Oamaru this year We will have a session on the new reporting standards and changes to the incorporated society act. Sue Barker from Wellington will repeat her forum and seminar from New Plymouth conference and she will take a workshop on this to help those who are not sure what is required.

The new Incorporated Societies Act and your constitution – what your Society needs to know Presenter: Sue Barker – Sue Barker Charities Law 42

Sue will discuss the new Incorporated Societies Act and how this will impact the non-profit sector going forward. Bring your current constitutions and work through them with Sue and your questions as well. This is a follow up session from Craig’s seminar on the new reporting to Charities and we encourage all Society members to send at least one person to this seminar with Sue. Like the Health and Safety Act and the new reporting standards, all non-profit organisations need to know the changes and the implications – so be in the “know”.

Invercargill Musical Theatre are up and running with Sister Act which will be staged in July. The very enthusiastic cast are keen to get into rehearsals and we have a great deal of public interest in this show already.

It was great to have a cast of 18 perform a song in the recent Southland Entertainment Awards 30th anniversary show. At the show we also presented the IMT Lifetime Achievement Award to our Patron, Mr Jim Fenton. Jim has been a performer, director, executive member, President, regional rep, Life member and Patron of IMT, spanning a period over 60 years. His contribution to our society is unsurpassed so it was an honour to bestow this much deserved award to him during the prestigious Awards evening. We look forward to a very busy and successful ear ahead.

Photo caption…Mr Jim Fenton, IMT Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

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Entertainment Technology Qualifications Update ETNZ (Entertainment Technology NZ) recently announced at the MTNZ Conference that the ‘Technical Qualifications’ that are being developed are currently being reviewed by NZQA again, and it is expected that these should be approved and listed on the NZQA framework sometime within the next 3 months (although that timeframe is not guaranteed).

Meanwhile – a number of industry experts have been reviewing the Level 4 Unit Standards that will provide an additional level of detail to the Level 4 Qualifications. WE NEED YOUR HELP. Very soon these Draft Unit Standards will be available for consultation. This will be MTNZ members chance to review them and provide feedback on whether you think they are right… or wrong … or provide any other constructive feedback you may have. The Level 4 Qualifications are at a level that should be very achievable for many MTNZ members. The timeframe for consultation is quite short (approx 3-18 April) – so please keep an eye on the ETNZ Website (www.etnz.org ) or the ETNZ Facebook page, and when you see the link to the consultation appear, PLEASE DO click on the link, read the documents, and provide feedback. ETNZ really wants to 44 make sure the qualifications are right, and this is YOUR chance to let us know if anything has been missed, or any other feedback you may have. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please don’t hesitate to email : [email protected]

Dale Henderson Chair : ETNZ Training Subcommittee

ETNZ CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW

ETNZ 2017 Conference and Tradeshow. 4-5th July at Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown, Wellington. You can download a brochure from the ETNZ website, EARLY BIRD Prices close on the 10th April, so don’t delay.

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