Arts News Term 4, Week 4

THE THRILL OF SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS 

St Margaret's College and Christ's College are excited to be embarking on the epic journey of Les Misérables the High School Edition in 2026. This will be Co-Directed by Hannah Clarkson (Christ's College) and Anna Turner, with Musical Direction by Amanda Woods. 

This musical epic is based on the 1862 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. Set in early 19th century France, Les Misérables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a french peasant, and his desire for redemption. After stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child, Valjean is imprisoned for 19 years and released in 1815. When a bishop inspires him with a tremendous act of mercy, Valjean breaks his parole and starts his life anew and in disguise. He becomes wealthy and adopts an orphan, Cosette. A police inspector named Javert pursues Valjean over the decades in a single-minded quest for "justice". The characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists attempt to overthrow the Government at a street barricade in Paris.

The production team is so excited to be welcoming students to the Pre-Audition workshops which 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. 

We can't wait to bring this revolutionary epic to the stage in May 2026 and for our students to shine.

Auditions are happening across Week 6 with various options on either 11th, 12th, 13th or 16th November. If you are keen to audition, please complete the Google form HERE to sign up for an audition time.

The excitement begins…

Students eagerly awaited the announcement of the 2026 Production. Once it was finally revealed, Sophie McGuire, who has just performed the lead role in the run of the Middle School Production, went home and researched Les Misérables.

What interests you about the 2026 production?

I didn’t know the show so I wanted to find out more. There are lots of challenging musical numbers and it’s on a large scale, so I thought it would be a new and exciting challenge for me. The ensemble in A story of Rona was quite small in comparison, but I was in the Mary Poppins ensemble last year so I have some experience. I’m going to be a Senior next year, so I’m looking forward to meeting new people and working with a male and female cast.

What did you learn from being in the Middle School Production?

I got to know the cast well and make new connections across different year groups. Being a lead role was definitely out of my comfort zone, but it’s raised my confidence to audition for bigger roles. Hopefully I can be a role model and inspiration to the younger students.

How do you feel when you’re performing?

Before I go onstage, I’m freaking out and worrying about the audience watching me. But I trust in what I’ve rehearsed, become one with the character and try and block out distractions in the audience. I’m no longer Sophie, but the character I’m playing.

After I’ve performed I feel really proud, I try to reflect on any mistakes and I just feel joy and happiness.

What’s your advice for anyone who’s considering auditioning?

Give it a go as you never know what’s going to happen and it’s good to push yourself.

Good luck with your audition Sophie!

DRAMA

MDS A Story of Rona 

“A Story of Rona” has now been told. The Middle School Production had audiences laughing, clapping, and cheering, leaving them with huge smiles on their faces. The double cast’s outstanding performances showcased the talent and versatility of our middle schoolers, weaving in Te Reo and Māori tikanga.

Traditional skills such as poi and taiaha were at the forefront of this story. We are grateful to Matua Sonny for sharing his skills and knowledge with the cast.

Throughout the shows, there was a buzz of excitement backstage, and the cast, although nervous, couldn’t wait to be on stage. Students not only had to learn their lines, but some cast members also had to adapt to their costumes and headpieces, especially when walking down the stairs, singing, and during a fight scene. Credit goes to Jennifer Seymour for her impressive cardboard headpiece and pillar designs and creations. Huge congratulations to all staff and students involved, we greatly appreciate your energy, enthusiasm and support!

MUSIC

SMC Orchestra performed last Monday at the Sedley Wells Combined Orchestra with Christ’s College, performing a piece from their current repertoire. The orchestra is now busy preparing for Christmas Carol Services.

The Junior School are working hard on their upcoming play — a devised piece created by the students themselves and led by director Annette Searle. The show is based on one of Annette’s earlier works, Proud to be a Kiwi, which has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect our Junior School’s RED philosophy. The new production, titled The Missing Scrolls – Search for the Kiwi REDs, celebrates all things Kiwi with each class performing in their own unique scene. Audiences can look forward to spotting penguins, native birds, national heroes, and plenty of classic Kiwi ingenuity!

One show only …Tuesday 18 November at 5pm in the CLA. Free entry. See you there.

The Lions Christchurch Music Festival is fast approaching and the Yr 5, 6 and 7 girls will be performing en masse on Tuesday 4 November at the Christchurch Town Hall. They will be performing a variety of songs from memory that they have been rehearsing at school. This will be a momentous occasion singing alongside over 1000 students from schools across Christchurch. 

This is the largest annual event in the South Island dedicated to developing young musical talent and fostering a lifelong passion for music.The Festival contributes to the richness and cohesion of our community, bringing it together to create and enjoy an enterprise that instills in our children both confidence and pride.

The Town Hall will be bursting at the seams with proud whanau and supporters.

Caitlin Ching (Yr 8) will be representing SMC as a choir ambassador and we have the following girls playing in the orchestra each night during the Music Festival week: Julia Nguyen, Melvena Geng, Miu Miu Young, Olivia Guan, Shevonne Bohlin, Stacey Zhao, Zara Bristed

VISUAL ART

Senior Art Portfolio Exhibition: A Night of Outstanding Creativity

On Tuesday evening, the Art Department hosted a fantastic exhibition showcasing our senior students' portfolios. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the truly outstanding work created this year.

The exhibition highlighted a diverse range of artworks, demonstrating how deeply personal and unique each student's approach to the curriculum has been. It served as a powerful testament to the high level of skill and dedication of our young artists.

Ka pai tō mahi, artists! (Well done, artists!) You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments.

SMC Carol Service

Girls will be performing at the annual Carol Services at the beginning of December at 5pm and 7pm. A Yr 7 class will be presenting a play titled 5 Gold Rings, and the Chamber Choir and Middle school Choir are included alongside the school orchestra.

Showcases

As we approach the end of the year, there will be two further events showcasing the talent of our young musicians and speech and drama students.

CELEBRATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Nova Gainsford, Siena McGillivray, Amy Gilbert, Indi Symmons, and Charli Forman, who placed 4th with their dance troupe at the National Young Performer (PACANZ) competition over the weekend! Competing against more than 70 other troupes from across New Zealand, this is an exceptional achievement and a testament to their talent and teamwork.

Phoebe He (Yr 7) competed in Auckland in the Irish Dance National Championships, where she achieved second place in the 9-13 age group in the 4 hand competition and an impressive fifth place in the 6 hand division. Congratulations Phoebe!

Congratulations to the Year 10 "Battle of the Bibliophiles" - nationwide literature competition winners:  Lucy Penney, Juliet Young, Jessica Gearry, Isla Pettit, Grace Millar, Elise Sherratt.

Ruth Agnew speech and drama results

Speech NZ Grade One Flexi
Hazel Harris - Honours

Isla Ballantyne- Honours Plus
Speech NZ Grade Three Flexi
Maya Dwivedi- Honours Plus
Yijia Han- Honours Plus
Ada Copeland- Honours Plus
Diya Arun - Honours Plus

ARTS OPPORTUNITIES

After opening at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch this winter, Hagley Theatre School’s original plays have just had their international debut at L’ARLECCHINO ERRANTE 2025 Festival in Pordenone, Italy - whoop! Next up is an intimate staging of Faust's tale at Te Wā community space and a large ensemble retelling of Homer's Odyssey at Altiora in the Christchurch Arts Centre. 

This exciting trajectory is testament to the excellence of our students and our programmes. Do you want to be a part of it? Do you know someone who might? Enrolments are now open for our 2026 intake and auditions will take place on our central city campus Saturday November 1st. Click here for more information.

https://www.hagley.school.nz/senior-college-enrolment-26/

Isaac Theatre Royal Arts Champions 2026 – Call for Expressions of Interest

We’re thrilled to open expressions of interest for the 2026 Arts Champions programme!

Our inaugural 2025 Arts Champions have had an incredible year—attending a wide range of performances including La Bohème (NZ Opera), Come From Away and Blood Brothers (Showbiz), Home, Land and Sea (RNZB), In Other Words, and Hagley Theatre School’s devised performances. They’ve also taken part in workshops on audition techniques, ballet, and contemporary dance, and enjoyed opportunities with The Court Theatre and Te Wā Creative Space.

Are you passionate about the performing arts? The group meets roughly once a month to attend shows, take part in workshops, and connect with industry professionals. We understand students have other commitments, so the programme is designed to be flexible. 2025 Arts Champions are welcome to attend the programme for a consecutive year. Register here

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Lions Christchurch Music Festival - 4 November

Middle School Arts Awards Assembly - 11 November

2026 Production Auditions - 11-13,16 November

Junior School Play - 18 November

Music Itinerant Showcase - 24 November

Speech & Drama Showcase - 25 November

SMC Carol Services - 1 December