Arts News Term 4, Week 2

Lights, Camera, Action: Aspiring Filmmakers Catch Their Wave.

VISUAL ART

Film Camp
The fourth year of ‘Film Camp’, the three-day annual Middle School Aspiring Filmmakers Course, took place during the first week of the Term 3 break. 24 keen Year 7 - 9 students successfully transformed our SMC school campus into a bustling, high-energy studio, culminating in the screening of their creations of cinematic achievement to their families in the Black Box. Designed for aspiring storytellers, this collaborative program challenged students to go from a blank page to a finished short film in just over 48 hours - and the results were nothing short of impressive.

Film Camp’s structure is fast-paced, immersive, fun and challenging, mirroring the rapid pace of real-world independent filmmaking. Students were divided into production teams, taking on essential roles such as director, screenwriter, cinematographer, and editor. The first day was dedicated mostly to planning and pre-production, focusing on script development, storyboarding, and location scouting within the campus grounds. This foundational work ensured that when the cameras started rolling, every minute was used efficiently. The girls also got to hear from local industry professional, Vanessa Wells who has recently created an incredible doco about women in Antarctic science and exploration.

Day 2 was a focused frenzy of shooting. Working collaboratively, students navigated the challenges of lighting, sound recording, and tight schedules. Many students also opted to film some scenes in Julius House, where we stayed. Of course, we also had a showcase of talent in a nighttime talent show following our pizza dinner!

One participant thought she had signed up to watch movies for 3 days…little did she know that she was going to make her own!

Alex Smith and Sienna O’Connell were 2 of the Film Camp participants, also members of the Middle School Arts Committee.

What attracted you to the camp?

Sienna Yr 9 - I’ve done the Film Camp 3 years in a row now. It’s really fun creating your own film and getting your own ideas infront of an audience. It’s a good opportunity to learn something different. I’ve been involved in drama, music and dance and wanted to try something new.

Alex Yr 8 - I attended last year, it was fun, and I thought it was better doing this than sitting around at home!

What did you learn from the Film Camp?

Sienna - Over the years I’ve developed different film techniques, learned skills to put something visual infront of an audience. This year was the best because of building my knowledge up and this was my final film being Yr 9 and my best one.

Alex - I learnt new filming techniques and new ways of incorporating different aspects of film like different shots and locations.

What did you enjoy most about the experience?

Sienna - I really enjoyed staying in the boarding house and learning more about that area was fun. I also enjoyed the guest speakers and learning about their careers.

Alex - Staying in the boarding house was really fun and I enjoyed the planning process and seeing our vision come into fruition.

What were the challenges you faced making your film?

Sienna - We only had a small group of Yr 9 girls so it was difficult to find enough actors and we had to use people from other groups. Staying away from home for 3 nights was also a new challenge.

Alex - The camera was out of focus so editing was difficult - I had to make it look intentional. 

Were you pleased with the final outcome and what would you have done differently?

Sienna - I was really pleased as everything came together in the end and it was definitely improved compared with previous years. 

It would have been good to divide the roles more clearly. Everyone was covering many roles and we weren’t always sure who was doing what. That’s what I would have done d

Alex - I was pretty happy with the outcome. I would probably have made the concept a little different. We realised that the main character actually wasn’t that visible during the film.

.Has it inspired you artistically for the future?

Sienna - Yes, filmmaking provides learning for lots of skills - visual art, camera work and it will help me in the future. 

Alex - After last year, it inspired me to enter an independent film festival, but I couldn’t enter as I couldn’t find enough actors. I will probably consider doing this again next year. It’s taught me to express my ideas a little more.

Day 3 successfully culminated with a formal screening in the Ngaio Marsh Theatre. Parents, family, and participants gathered to watch the finished products and hear about the learning. The audience was treated to a diverse reel of short films, ranging from witty comedies to tense, dramatic narratives, all showcasing remarkable originality and technical polish considering the time constraints. The screening wasn't just a showcase; it was a celebration of the students' dedication, teamwork, and newly honed skills. The confidence and pride displayed by the filmmakers as their work premiered for ‘Film Camp - Take 4’, is another great example of SMC Middle-Schoolers catching their wave.

Lucy Mackie, Visual Art/Photography

Senior Art Exhibition
We warmly welcome you to attend the Senior Art exhibition, showcasing the outstanding work of NCEA Year 12 and 13 Visual Arts students. Come along to support their hard work - Atrium 28 October 4-5.30pm.

DRAMA

Middle School Production
With only a few days remaining until the curtain rises on A Story of Rona, preparations are in full swing! Our students are working incredibly hard and are excited to share this story with everyone. Putting on a show is a massive team effort, and we are grateful for the expertise flowing from all parts of our school community.

We're particularly fortunate to have Matua Sonny guiding our students in the traditional arts of poi and the taiaha. The visual spectacle will be enhanced by the amazing costumes, thanks to the help of Jennifer Seymour. Her design skills are nothing short of magical, and we have been in awe of her creations!

This production should not be missed. Get your tickets….

Book tickets…here

Music Showcase
Last term finished with a hiss and roar with our annual Music Showcase.  It was an energetic showcase of performances from all different genres from the Music Department.  It was a magical evening where little sisters performed alongside their big sisters. Our tuakana teina philosophy really shines through. The joy of music flowed in every performance, ranging from the orchestra to rock bands, jazz bands to the many choirs.  The programme was jam-packed and for some students it was their first time performing to an audience!  Thank you to the itinerant music teachers and all staff involved.  A huge congratulations to all the performers!

Arts Avenue Festival - Emily Chambers
This past Friday, the incredible Arts Council put together a fabulous event - Arts Avenue Festival. 

This festival-inspired experience included face painting, food trucks, performances from dance and music, photobooth, speed debating, sphero racing, and even two fashion shows! The boho chic dress theme provided many amazing costumes with lots of sparkle and fun. 

Around halfway through the evening we were met with a spot of rain, however our guests and council were impressively adaptive in helping to pack in and move the event into the chapel. Here our Head Of Codes each reflected on the year and we held the Year 13 Textiles and Staff-Student fashion show. 

A major thank you must be expressed to all of our teachers who participated and each lucky student who designed the outfits. Mr Atkin took home the prize for “best walk” strutting the runway to Don’t Cha! However, Mr Freeman was our overall winner of best costume with a duck, some sparkle and purple flair! It was a very special way to conclude the year with celebrations of the whole arts council and our 2026 Art Prefect Jess Erasmus. 

2026 School Production
Thank you so much to all those students who have already signed up for auditions, we are excited to get into the process of bringing Les Misérables to the stage.

Pre-Audition workshops are happening on Sunday 2nd and 9th of November from 2- 4pm. These are optional and will give you a chance to meet people, sing some of the music, and learn some movement so that you feel well prepared.

Auditions are happening across Week 6 with various options on either 11th, 12th, 13th or 16th November.

See the Audition Pack attached below for more information.

Complete the Google form HERE to sign up for an audition time.

Feel free to pop by the Performing Arts office this week if you have questions for Mrs Turner, Director of Co-Curricular Arts.

DEBATING

Last Sunday, our Junior debate teams participated in the Junior Regionals at Canterbury University, where over 22 teams participated. We are delighted to have advanced to the semifinals after three challenging and intellectually stimulating rounds. The tournament featured a wide range of thought-provoking topics, for example, using generative AI as a mental health support tool, which allowed our team to demonstrate their analytical and persuasive skills. Reaching the semifinals is a significant achievement for our team, and we are extremely proud of the dedication, motivation and preparation they have shown. Additionally, one of our students Elise Sherratt was awarded a Highly Commended Speaker award for her excellent speeches, strategy and delivery across the tournament. Reaching the semifinals is a significant achievement for our team, and we are extremely proud of the dedication, motivation and preparation they have shown.

Claudia Carreno

Speech and Drama Exam Success!
The Speech and Drama team had some impressive achievements in term three.  Tina Xu received her Associate Diploma in Speech and Drama from Trinity College of London. To earn her diploma, Tina had to perform from memory two dramatic extracts, a lyric poem, a prose extract, two prepared talks on drama theory and a text prescribed by Trinity College, and answer a series of reflection questions, all in one exam! The examiners made particular mention of Tina’s performance of performance slam poet and activist Te Kahu Rolleston’s ‘Rena’, praising her “imaginative interplay of vocal rhythm and tonal colour” and her “sustained thematic commitment”.  Congratulations, Tina! 

Isabel Pettigrew, year 7, proudly displays her latest Speech and Drama achievement. Isobel sat her Speech NZ flexi Grade 3 exam last term, and was one of the SMC Speech and Drama stars to receive Honours Plus (the highest mark awarded). 

Georgia Middelberg and Diva Arun, year 3, along with Ena Yoon, Emily Hughes and Mia Wu, sat their first Speech NZ Flexi exam, Initial, and were thrilled to be awarded Honours Plus. These emerging orators are looking forward to wearing their shiny new Speech NZ badges on their blazers! 

OPPORTUNITIES

ANZCA MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIP

 - Australia & NZ Cultural Arts (ANZCA) is an international examination board offering flexible and a diverse syllabus. ANZCA is holding a Video Performance Competition.

Open to all instruments.

Preparatory to Associate Diploma grades

Students record and upload their best video by 30 November and winners will be announced February 2026.

See the attached details with QR code for entries.

Hagley Theatre School has their final Taster Day for the year this Friday afternoon - perfect for anyone considering theatre school.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:    

A Story of Rona (Middle School Production) - 19-22 October

Sedley Wells Combined Concert - 20 October 

Lions Christchurch Music Festival - 4 November

2026 Production auditions - 11-13 November

Junior Production - 18/19 November

Music Itinerant Showcase - 24 November

Speech & Drama Showcase - 25 November