July 2016 - Musical Theatre New Zealand

July 2016
In this month’s Spotlight
Greetings from President Lesley ............................................................................................. 2
NextGen Boot Camp Dunedin-19 August 2016 – all you need to know ................................ 4
Notices and updates – conference awards; OneMusic; Health and Safety .......................... 7
Welcome to the 60s – New Plymouth conference 2017 ......................................................... 9
My Journey - Gwen Lyon ........................................................................................................ 10
Zone Two news –Thames, Taupo, Rotorua, Gisborne, Steps Performing Arts ................. 12
The Building Block Buddies and Magical Jukebox Show .................................................. 14
Zone Three – Porirua, Upper Hutt, Sister Act - New Plymouth, Broadway Jnr, iTICKET
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Zone Four– meeting agenda for 23 July, Timaru; Christchurch, Takaka, Country Players,
new Society member NelsonTheatrix ................................................................................... 20
Zone One report with Pauline Vella – Opera Factory, Whangarei ...................................... 33
Never Audition Again – prepare to work not audition – workshop info.............................. 34
News from Zone Five – Mary Poppins opening in Invercargill, Balclutha is not just a small
town – from gumboots to glitter; Grease the Arena Spectacular ..................................... 37
Two new associate members – David Adkins and Christine Daverne .............................. 42
Billy Elliot the musical – Auckland Theatre Company have found their Billies .............. 43
Evita option with Origin Theatrical using the consortium set ............................................ 46
Light Site – wireless comms system & pixel drape available for hire ............................... 49
Kenderdine Electrical – Highlite range
............................................................................... 51
ENTECH roadshow and Firework Professional training opportunity ............................... 52
Showtechnix – one complete source .................................................................................. 53
News from the copyright holders including Jekyll and Hyde, Singing in the Rain from Hal
Leonard; Christmas Carol from Dominie; Song Contest from David Spicer and Rock of
Ages and Heathers from Origin ...................................................................................... 54 - 70
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Greetings from President Lesley
As I write this I am in Melbourne, satisfying my obsession with Marilyn Monroe, and seeing “Matilda”, but
more about these two events later.
It is very cold in Melbourne, nine degrees when we arrived last Friday, and not getting much above 13 or
14 degrees in the daytime, a bit cool for this girl from Hawkes Bay, where when I left, temperatures were
still hovering between 18 and 20 – how lucky am I to live in such a fabulous part of our beautiful country.
In early June, in Christchurch, the Executive met for the first time since Conference in Rotorua. It was
great to all catch up in a slightly more relaxed environment outside conference, and we welcomed Dan to
the fold as our new Vice President. We missed Terry’s humour, but I’m sure he’ll be pleased to read that
some things were still “parked”. We worked for a couple of hours on Friday afternoon, and then had a
quiet “tea” in our meeting room, and just spent the evening relaxing. Saturday, we worked all day, and
welcomed “Hon Sol” Markham Lee, to join us for part of the meeting. We managed to cover a lot of
business, and great to see that Kate and Jenny Bennett from New Plymouth have organised a great
Conference for Conference New Plymouth, March 2017. High on our agenda of course was Health and
Safety, Financial Reporting, and of course the Next Gen Boot-Camp to be held just outside Dunedin at
Berwick Camp, 19-21 August. I can only encourage all Societies to look at sending one young person to
this camp. The registration cost is only $45, which covers food and accommodation, so the cost to our
Societies would be the transport. I know that some societies (and one corporate member – thank you
John MacGibbon) have found sponsorship for their young people, and this is fantastic, the benefits to our
young people attending this camp will be immense. Tutors Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Teesh Szabo are
second to none in their chosen fields, and I know that all participants are going to have a fantastic
experience. And I am extremely happy to announce that Amici Trust have come on board and sponsored
parts of the NextGen as part of their youth theatre initiative. My thanks to the Amici trustees for their
wonderful support of what is an important and key initiative for MTNZ looking to the future (a John
Antony mantra) and we are. Thank you. And special thanks to our other sponsors for the weekend John
Herber/NZ Fire Shield and Four Winds Foundation also supported the weekend with grant funding
towards the venue hire – thank you all for your amazing support – we have some lucky NextGenners
who will benefit immensely.
After our meeting on Saturday, we all attended Showbiz Christchurch’s production of “Hairspray”. For
me, it doesn’t matter how many times I see this show, I still love it, and my congratulations to Leigh
Evans who both directed and choreographed the production, Richard Marrett for his wonderful music,
their extremely talented cast for a great performance and the “behind the scenes team” including
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corporate members The Light Site, Scenic Solutions and BOUNCE NZ. Thank you Showbiz for hosting
us, we had a wonderful night. Since I have come home, I was privileged to represent Corporate
members OneMusic, at the Hawkes Bay Hospitality Awards, thank you Greer, for inviting me to do this
on your behalf. I’m only sorry I was not given the chance to speak on your behalf; given “One Music”
was a major sponsor.
Last week I attended Theatre Hawkes Bay’s Production of “Eugenia. Written by playwright Lorae Parry,
“EUGENIA” is a gender-bending play that is set in two time periods, 1916 and modern day New Zealand.
It addresses the issues of gender roles and sexuality, which some say makes it controversial. I’m sure
the production has left a huge impression on those who participated in it. According to Parry’s note in an
earlier play’s program which I found on the internet, “EUGENIA” was
inspired by the real life stories of several women who lived their lives as
men, particularly Eugenia Falleni, and Brandon Teena, “whose brutal
murder in 1993 was a horrific example of the hate crimes which continue
today.” All very real when the Orlando massacre happened just three
days before the Napier production opened. The play was beautifully
directed by Anne Corney, and she and her cast are to be congratulated
on a very fine production.
So! Now to Melbourne! What a fabulous city Melbourne is with all its Arts
and Culture. Firstly there was “Matilda”! What an amazing experience. I
have never seen such a bunch of talented kids in all my life! Amazing
show, fantastic set, wonderful cast, the superlatives could go on. If you
get the chance to pop across the ditch, do go see this great production.
The next stop was the “Degas” Exhibition, beautiful paintings, and great
to see my favourite ballet paintings, in their original form. I also went to an
exhibition of Australian watercolours (this to satisfy the artist husband),
and then to an exhibition entitled “200 Years of Australian Fashion” – this
was absolutely beautiful – I loved it. And then to Bendigo! Loved Bendigo,
guess I’m not really a big city girl, the architecture of the city was just
fantastic, and that in itself was worth the visit. The “Marilyn” exhibition
was just amazing, her clothes were just beautiful, don’t think I realized
just how tiny she was! The exhibition ran snippets of the old “Marilyn” movies continually, I could have
just sat there all day just watching her, and appreciating the fantastic song and dance of the 1960s.
I was fortunate to catch up with my niece, Philip’s nieces and nephews, and a dear friend from Napier,
so a great holiday which culminated in an AFL game on Saturday night. What a weird sport that is, I’ll still
have rugby any day, but it sure was an experience.
So now it’s home to the theatre, and I wish all societies that are in production
and performance mode every good wish for successful seasons.
Stay warm and dry – and above all healthy. I look forward to catching up
and working with our Zone Four members in my home town of Timaru on 23
July with VP Dan and GM Kate, and I know that Sharron and Kate are
looking forward to attending the opening night of Sister Act in New Plymouth
and finalising some conference 2017 detail with Jenny Murray, the Plymouth
Hotel and their respective teams. I also wish Invercargill Musical Theatre
“break a leg” for their opening night of the NZ premiere of Mary Poppins.
And a final farewell to Terry as he wings his way to the UK early in July. We
can’t thank you enough Terry for the wonderful legacy you have left MTNZ
and I am sure you will remain on the Spotlight database 
Kind regards - Lesley.
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NextGen Boot Camp – Dunedin 19 – 21 August
REGISTRATION FEE ONLY $45 BOOK YOUR PLACE WITH THE
MTNZ OFFICE NOW [email protected]
Or to download a registration pack click here
Strictly NextGen – The MTNZ Youth Boot Camp
19 – 21 August 2016, Berwick Camp, Mosgiel (Dunedin)
Friday 19 August
5pm
All attendees to be in camp
6pm
Welcome, housekeeping, weekend structure, introductions
Group allocations advised
6.15pm
Dinner
7.30pm
Knowledge Café – interactive around the table group forum on ideas, topics, etc. that
NextGen would like to discuss
8.45pm
Wrap up Knowledge Café – supper and networking
Saturday 20 August
8am
Breakfast
9am
Session One commences
Group One – Master Class - Flying Solo with Jennifer Ward-Lealand
Group Two – “In Sync” which embraces the use of syncopation to heighten, bring
variation and excitement to even the most basic of dance steps with Teesh Szabo
10.30am
Morning tea
11am
Session One continues
12.30pm
Lunch
1.30pm
Session Two commences
Group One – “In Sync” which embraces the use of syncopation to heighten, bring
variation and excitement to even the most basic of dance steps with Teesh Szabo
Group Two – Master Class - Flying Solo with Jennifer Ward-Lealand
3pm
Afternoon tea
3.30pm
Session Two continues
5pm
Down time and dinner
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7.45pm
9pm
Come together and practice group dance
Supper and networking
Sunday 21 August
8am
Breakfast
9am
Q&A with tutors
10am
Get dressed for showcase and practice dance
10.45am
Showcase of group dance and a selection of the solo song performances
12.15pm
Close training school
12.30pm
Lunch and departures
What to Bring
• Bottom sheet for mattress (the accommodation is shared single bunk beds)
• Pillow case or your own pillow
• A warm sleeping bag 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 will be cold so come prepared
• Good, solid shoes – no high heels please and some shoes to dance in
• Two copies of your song – in the correct key please. This is to be no longer than two
verses/choruses so everyone can participate.
Please note that you must be over 18 to attend this workshop weekend – there are no exceptions.
MASTER CLASSES
FLYING SOLO Telling the Story in Song
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.
http://www.jenniferwardlealand.com/teaching.html
Since training at Auckland’s influential Theatre Corporate, Jennifer has
worked extensively in theatre, film, television, musical and radio for
over 30 years.
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.
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Jennifer’s film work includes THE FOOTSTEP MAN, DESPERATE REMEDIES, THE UGLY,
FRACTURE and LINDA’S BODY. Television includes FULL FRONTAL, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS,
HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS, SHORTLAND STREET, DUGGAN, INTERROGATION,
AUCKLAND DAZE, THE ALMIGHTY JOHNSONS and THE GOOD WORD.
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 and
most recently THE CHOICE for The Blue Baths in Rotorua.
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.
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 Year’s Honours List, she was named an Officer of the
New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre and the community.
www.jenniferwardlealand.com
“In Sync” which embraces the use of syncopation to heighten, bring variation and excitement to
even the most basic of dance steps.
Bringing together movers of any level, participants will develop skill and an understanding of how a
company can move cohesively around a stage rather than the need for split choreography for dancers
versus non dancers. We will experiment with basic dance steps bringing together spatial awareness
including shapes, musical phrasing and patterns while embracing the often underutilised beats when
setting musical numbers while working towards a showcase performance on the last day.
Trained both here in NZ and the UK, Teesh’s varied career has seen her
working as an Educator, Choreographer, Musical Stager and Performer in
theatre, productions and television around the world and back.
Since returning to NZ after a 12 year departure, her choreography work has
included MAMMA MIA, RENT, SPRING AWAKENING, CHESS and
ASSASSIANS to name just a few. She has been fortunate to work as
associate choreographer with Arlene Phillips in the UK and has extensive
experience with showcasing new works at the Edinburgh Festive, various
trade shows, TVC’s with her work receiving numerous awards over the year.
Equally comfortable on stage, highlights include performing alongside some of
the greatest legends in musical theatre – Chita Rivera, Tommy Tune, Rita
Moreno, Cyd Charisse, Russ Tamblyn and world renowned Illusionist Vince
Carmen. Adding to this is working along-side the outstanding casts of Martine
Guerre, Whistle Down the Wind as well as the Original London Cast of Mamma Mia and sailing the high
seas as part of the entertainment set up teams for Princess Cruise Lines. A passionate educator, she
has written various movement curriculums for early childhood centres in NZ and is Movement Specialist
for the Junior Theatre Project NZ in conjunction with Hal Leonard Australia and Amici Trust.
Development credits include Destination DANZ, a reference book soon to be published for the
performing arts and when there is time she also works with some of NZ’s National/International figure
skating stars Teesh is truly excited to work alongside and inspire the participants of NextGen.
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MTNZ thank the following for their support of the NextGen Boot Camp
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!! Gwen Lyon - MTNZ Next Generation Rep 2016 [email protected]
Health and Safety Update Just a reminder that we have extensive documentation available that
Steve Lloyd our H&S Advisor has generated for you all. If you would like access to this documentation,
please contact me [email protected] and I will send you the link. We haven’t posted it to the website as
yet but the documentation is available to MTNZ members at this stage. HUGE thanks to Steve for his
amazing work on this area for MTNZ – all voluntary, so we are very lucky. Steve will be attending the
Combined South Island meeting in Christchurch in September; Daniel attended the Zone One meeting in
June and will attend the Zone Four meeting in Timaru this month.
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Conference Awards and Competitions
For the Zone Two meeting, Tracy and Kate put together a presentation on all the awards and
competitions societies and schools can enter. This presentation will be rolled out at the zone meetings
this year, however, it is on line if you would like a look through it
http://www.mtnz.org.nz/content/uploads/widgets/file-manager/memos/the-awards-your-society-canenter-for-conference-and-agm.pdf
Send in your posters and programmes to PO Box 1413, Wellington 6140.
From 1 July 2016 APRA is going to increase the minimum fee for all APRA concert / event and
dramatic context licence agreements. The current minimum licence fee is $50 + GST, this will move to
$75 + GST. This increase comes following a change made in Australia, the minimum fee also hasn’t
been reviewed for 20 + years. It’s important to note that any productions with a production date that falls
on 30 June 2016 (or earlier) but not invoiced until 1 July 2016 or after will remain on the current $50 +
GST minimum fee. The new minimum fee is relevant to a production where the first performance date is
1 July 2016 or later. The main reason for the change is that we’ve undertaken a full overview of all APRA
event licence agreements, we’ve created some additional event licence agreements (namely in the
Festival space) and the minimum fee increase was part of the overview.
Greer Davies Deputy Director
How much should we have in cash reserves?
One of the vexed questions for boards of not-for-profit entities is what level
of reserves the entity should hold as operational insurance. For many
entities this issue is one that has been getting a fair bit of airtime in audit
committees and governing body meetings. So what should a prudent
organisation do?
Tomorrow vs. Today Should we use our funds now or ensure we have some funds set aside for a rainy
day? This issue highlights the natural tension between a board being prudent to protect their operational
capability against unexpected future funding cuts, and not wishing to be perceived as "storing" funds.
The issue, or perception, of "storing" funds can have some strong impacts. Generally, these are in two
main areas.
1. In membership based organisations such as incorporated societies we have seen it cause
dissatisfaction amongst the members and other stake holders who believe that the organisation should
be using its resources for current operations and members.
2. Funding - Some organisations have also struggled with funders and potential funders not providing
ongoing funding due to the perception that the NFP "appears rich" i.e. the NFP doesn't need funding due
to their levels of reserves held.
Interestingly, this latter view is often more of a fear held by the NFP organisation concerned, rather than
a reality of the view held by the funder. However there are some funders who do use this very basic
(some would say crude) financial statement approach to culling funding applications. Hence sadly the
legend continues.
Click here to continue to read this article by Craig Fisher (Audit Partner, Chairman) and Colin
Henderson (Audit Partner) RSM.
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Check out the amazing promo video for our 57th National
Volunteer Training Weekend and AGM – we look forward to seeing
you there in your best sixties gear on Saturday night and your best yellow and
black attire on Friday night. More details and information coming in the next month
or so …….
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MTNZ NextGen
My Journey – MTNZ NextGen Rep – Gwen Lyon
The reason I started in the Arts is actually because of my older
brother, though he will not appreciate me saying this…I
watched him try out a tap class when I was 2 and my mother
had a hard time keeping me seated on the chair and my
teacher allowed me to join in when I was 3. My first stage
experience was when I was 3 years old and I was dancing
along with Spice Girls impersonators at my Dance School. This
was a very exciting moment for me, because my 3 year old self
thought she was dancing with the REAL Spice Girls. So
dancing is where it really began for me. I made my way
through the years at Margaret Fairhead School of Dance (now
Limelight Academy of Dance) in Hamilton. I was one of those
very dedicated dance students, where my life, social life, free
time etc were gone as I had 8 lessons per week of ballet, jazz
and contemporary. And I loved it!
Next came singing. I first sang
when in my last year of Primary School. We had a competition that year
called ‘Hukanui Idol’ (that was when idols were a hot topic). I decided to
audition, (to this day, I still have no idea why I did!) and I managed to
make it into the Top 10 with my younger sister. It was such a fun
experience being on the stage with a costume, lights and my lil dance
routine, that this small taster was not enough – I was hooked.
When at school I played the flute and piano and was involved with
many choirs including the school barbershop chorus. I was truly terrible
at netball, but hey, I tried.
From there on I continued to grow in my singing, which started to take over my dance life a little bit. But
then, a combination of my loves was discovered when my sister played the role of ‘Mary’ in Hamilton
Operatic Society’s The Secret Garden. My mum pointed out that they were auditioning for Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat after The
Secret Garden, and she said that I should give it a go.
It should be pointed out that I had nooooo idea what
this musical was or if I could even do something like
that. However, I saw how much fun my sister had, so
I thought I may as well try for this obscure sounding
musical.
At the age of 15 I was accepted into my first ever
community musical and I loved it more than words
can say. From there I was in as many musicals as my
schedule with school, work, dancing and singing
would allow. I played ‘Mother Abbess’ in my school’s
production of The Sound of Music when I was 17.
With HOS I have also been in Hairspray, Phantom
and Mamma Mia; in which I was fortunate enough to
play ‘Sophie’. I am now in Spring Awakening as Ilse
with Black Box Creative, which is another challenge
for me entirely. I have loved my journey through
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Musical Theatre so far. I have been a chorus
member, cameo roles, leads, and everything in
between and I don’t love any role more than the
other. They all come with their own perks and
challenges.
I am also grateful for the friendships and relationships
that have come out of performing and musicals, as I
wouldn’t have met most of the amazing people in my
life if it wasn’t for performing and shows.
I am currently sitting my Honours Degree at the
University of Waikato as a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar
in Music, Dance and Theatre. I am the first to be
sitting my Honours in Musical Theatre and it has
been a very exciting and challenging year. I try to be
involved in as many areas as possible. These days I
am performing on the stage, I am with Hamilton
Operatic Society as Chairperson of the Youth Council
and Musical Theatre New Zealand as the NextGen rep, I work Front of House at Clarence Street Theatre
(and I try to sneak in as much learning of backstage as possible), and I work as a Singing Teacher. The
arts are definitely keeping me busy but well-rounded, which is what is so unique about this industry.
Community Theatre has shaped who I am as a person, how I see the world, what I want to give back to it
and what I want to do with my future, and for that I am eternally grateful. My aspirations are to be a
professional Musical Theatre performer, and I look forward to what the future may bring.
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Zone Two – Ngaire Holmes
Zone Two Rep
I can so not believe that already we are at
the end of June. Time is speeding by and it
will be Christmas again before we know it.
Busy time of the year for theatres in the
community either in rehearsal or on stage.
My June weekends were pretty much taken
up with Theatre and July is looking much the
same.
The mid-year Executive meeting was held in
Christchurch on 10th and 11th June and we
saw the Showbiz production of Hairspray.
Fantastic show, really loved it.
Took a trip to Rotorua the next weekend to
meet the Zony judges and sort the
nominations for the various awards.
Presentation evening will be held at
Clarence Street Theatre in Hamilton on the
3rd of September – tickets will be on sale
soon. Last weekend we went to Dunedin to
catch up with family and to join the crowd at
the All Blacks game, it was fantastic, great
fun time.
This coming weekend I am off with a carload to see Calendar Girls in Taupo so that will be another fun
filled weekend I am sure. Matamata celebrate their 50th birthday on the 9th of July; Gary and I attending
these celebrations and then on the 16th of July we are off to the Woolshed in Te Awamutu to announce
the nominations for the Zony Awards. A great opportunity for Societies to come together and share
some fun times. So all in all it is all on in Zone 2.
GREASE WAS CERTAINLY THE WORD!!!
Last weekend, we ended our season of this show and it was
amazing! Every show was sold out and we were turning people
away. Was it the advertising, or was it the fact that it is a “Name”
show? Whatever the case, it was incredibly well-received.
When we last did this show back in 1989, we had a cast which
had three high school students in the roles of the T-Birds and the
Pink Ladies. This time we had two who were NOT high school
students! A sign of the times?
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The use of backing tracks provided by Right On Cue Services made rehearsals easier and required less
time for the musical director (no rehearsals needed for the band), and sound levels were able to be
controlled more easily. Of course the down-side is that fewer people were involved, an issue for a
community group like ours. Again, thanks must go to Tauranga Musical Theatre for their generous
sharing of wardrobe and props and we are much indebted to them. Now, just time to catch our breath
and then we head into preparations for our AGM and catchup party for the Grease cast and crew.
Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society just finished a successful season of Oliver. Good houses but a
high cost production. Rehearsals for our next show, the Pantomime Ali Baba are well underway for
season in early September which will be closely followed by our Junior Production and a Christmas show
entitled The Christmas Card. So pretty full on for Talos.
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Rotorua Musical Theatre
‘Evita’ rehearsals are well and truly underway. All scenes have been set and now comes the perfecting
process. Even now some of the scenes are leaving the the ‘audience’, i.e. any helpers, tea, props,
backstage etc, who happen to be at that particular rehearsal, in awe of what they have just witnessed
and loath to clap for fear of breaking the spell. The orchestra are rehearsing with the MD and are also
sounding good, especially with some of Sir Tim Rice’s different sounds and notes. The real challenge
will be putting both orchestra and cast together for the first time! The season is from Friday 29 July until
Saturday 13 August. Bookings are well and truly open. Remember that for the majority of Zone 2
societies Rotorua is just an hour from your place.
Cast members travelled to Auckland recently to attend the final night of their ‘Evita’ and had a most
wonderful time, saw a tremendous show and met some fabulous people.
Planning for the 1990 ‘Evita’ cast reunion is underway and will consist of a dinner and show on the
opening night. If you were one of the cast and wish to be reunited please contact Barry ,07 348 1450,
and he will give you all the details.
‘The Addams Family’ auditions are to be held Monday 11 July, 4.00 pm / 8.30 pm and Friday 15 July
4.00 pm / 8.30 pm. The Rotorua Youth Centre has very generously offered their premises for these as
‘Evita’ rehearsals will still be in place at Casa Blanca Theatre. All information is available on Face Book
or through [email protected]
The Building Block Buddies and the Magical Jukebox Show
With four of the hottest young professional entertainers in New Zealand, The Building Block Buddies and
the Magical Jukebox, is a colourful, fun-filled and exciting show which takes the audience on an
adventure to discover the secret to the Magical Jukebox’s power.
When the Building Block Buddies discover a Magical Jukebox, they pull-together as a team, and enlist
the help from their new friends in the audience, to help charge the Magical Jukebox’s energy back up to
full power. With loveable characters, bright colours and colourful building blocks the Building Block
Buddies showcase songs that both children and parents know and love.
The KidZone!
Bring a cushion and/or soft toy to sit with other kids in front of the stage in the sort-after KidZone! This
brings the kids closer to the action and provides opportunity for the kids to interact with the characters
and each other!
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Zone Three Update
Zone Three Rep Sharron, GM Kate and Abbey
Musical Theatre Board Member – Merryn Osborne
at MATS Musicals Masterton – Bad Girls matinee.
Great show and thanks for the hospitality MATS 
Porirua Little Theatre is finishing their successful run
of 'A Great Face For Radio' from Amanda Stone
Productions. An entertaining night full of singing,
dancing and general hilarity following the antics and
incidents of the personalities of a 1970’s TV station. The
show has lots of cameo roles and opportunities for
singers and dancers to strut their stuff. With characters such as show host extraordinaire and selfproclaimed ladies’ man, Steve Rushmore and witty new co-host Alice and with her hilarious oneliners. Billy’s the bumbling sound effects guy with his mischievous banging and clanging, lovely Miss
Kitty has advice for the lovelorn, the hilarious tea ladies, Beryl and Ida share their thoughts above
steaming pots of tea, and beautiful young assistant Shirley, bounces about trying to please. Miss
Taihape, glamorously fresh from the gumboot-throwing capital of the world, is also in the studio, ready to
share a whole pile of money-saving top tips for the home. Allowing directors to choose their own songs
to suit their cast abilities, this show would suit any society.
Audience feedback - First time at PLT seeing A Great Face for Radio and what an awesome and fun
experience, you guys were amazing. The show was very entertaining and very well done. Loved the
songs and humour, we were laughing all the way. Highly recommended.
A great face for Radio3- Thanks to all the cast & crew. Once again PLT made us laugh & smile!!
Thanks for a great night! I recommend the show!!
Upper Hutt Musical Theatre
Another busy month with two working bees that resulted in one large full skip bin, many rubbish bags
and a very tidy, well organised theatre. There are still things to sort but we have made a huge start so
thank you to everyone involved. We can proudly announce this month that our wonderful society has
been made a finalist in the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards. The awards ceremony will
be held in late July/early August so watch this space and go us!
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Book online at www.ticketmaster.co.nz
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Lighting design for New Plymouth's Sister Act is heating up
Quentin Bedwell
Brad Flannagan is an electrician by day, and the head of lighting for Sister Act by night.
The Australasian premiere of Sister Act is opening in New Plymouth in a matter of weeks.
Reporter Taryn Utiger caught up with the man in charge of lighting, Brad Flannagan.
What is your role in Sister Act? For this show I am the head of department for lighting. This involves
organising all the lighting equipment for the show. I have been given a lighting plan from the lighting
designer, from this I work out what lights are required and the cables needed to connect the system. I
also put together a team of volunteers to help install, operate and pack up the lighting equipment. During
the show I am operating the lighting desk.
What's been a highlight so far? At this point there have been two. First getting the lighting plot and
seeing what is required. Second has nothing to do with lighting, but watching rehearsals and seeing the
dedication and enthusiasm that everyone is putting into this show.
What about the biggest challenge? Trying to keep the lighting equipment within budget without
compromising the design is always the biggest challenge. Once this is sorted it's normally a stress free
run to the end.
Tell us about the lighting design? The lighting design has been done by a professional company in
Christchurch. This design will travel with the show. Once we set up at the TSB Showplace it takes a few
days to plot/focus the lights for the show to get the right effect for each scene.
How many lights are being used for Sister Act and what are they? More than 120 lights are used for
this show. There are 16 high performance moving lights that have a range of colours and effects, 48 LED
lights that have different colours that can be selected from the lighting desk, and 13 of these can also
move. The rest of the lights are made up of wash and spots.
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There are also a number of LED panels used in the show. This is quite a technical show with a lot of the
LED panels moving in and out during scenes.
How heavy are follow-spots and how difficult are they to operate? The follow-spot lights can weigh
in excess of 60kg total of combined parts. Once they are set up on their stand they are easy to operate.
Being a follow-spot operator is probably the hardest job within the lighting team, as you need to
concentrate for the duration of the show.
What is something most people don't know about stage lighting? During a show season the lighting
team is in the theatre nearly every day, even on no show days. There are normally adjustments to make,
lamps to change and re-focusing of lights.
What was the first production you were involved with? The first show I helped out with was Miss
Saigon in 2009. I was part of the lighting crew for pack in and pack out. I was amazed at how much work
goes on behind the scenes to get a show up and running. Sister Act will be the seventh major production
for the New Plymouth Operatic Society I have been involved with.
What do you do by day? I am currently the electrical teamleader at Nexans. For as long as I can
remember I always wanted to be an electrician. I started my apprenticeship here in New Plymouth with
Corcoran Bros in 1988.
What do you get up to when you are not tinkering with lights? I enjoy fishing, tramping and watching
my daughters play sport. Over the summer we normally enjoy a family camping holiday near the beach
somewhere in New Zealand.
* Sister Act opens at the TSB Showplace on July 21 and runs until August 6.
- Stuff
READ MORE:
* From painting faces to painting sets with New Plymouth Operatic Society
* Watch out for the Taranaki's Sister Act nuns on the treadmills
* Nun-run sees New Plymouth's nuns whipped into shape
The 2017 NZ Singing School will be held from 5th to 15th January
2017, at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier. Enrolments
for the School opened on 31st May 2016.
Audition Requirements:
Enrolments will be online only, via our website www.singingschool.org.nz
Applicants must provide a one-page resume with highest educational qualification, vocal training and
performance experience to date. Applicants must also provide a recent 15cm x 10cm head and shoulder
colour photograph and an audition video file. This video must feature the applicant singing two songs
only. They must be contrasting songs for single course enrolments (classical or music theatre), or one
classical and one music theatre song for mixed course enrolments.
Enrolments open at www.singingschool.org.nz from 31st May 2016 and close on 31st August
2016. Successful applicants will be advised in early October.
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Broadway Junior: Theatre Kids!
Being a theatre kid is the best!
There isn't another time in your life when you will have the freedom and opportunity to play such a
variety of roles (think of leading adult characters made available to young performers in the Broadway
Junior Collection, for example, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof Jr., Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr., or The Witch
in Into the Woods Jr.). When I was growing up the Broadway Junior Collection didn't exist. I wish it had
but I am so grateful to do the work that I love today in staging theatre with young people. My passion is
arts education and the Broadway Junior Collection of shows, made available through Music Theatre
International (Australasia) here in New Zealand, could not be a better fit for my teaching and personal
philosophies.
Fresh off the success of directing the St Mark's Church School (Wellington) senior production of Shrek
Jr. I am filled with renewed excitement about this amazing collection of shows. In 2016 we celebrate the
20th anniversary of the Broadway Junior Collection, developed originally by Freddie Gershon, Timothy
Allen McDonald and Cindy Ripley. The collection started all those years ago with the first title, Annie Jr.,
which I had the pleasure of directing earlier this year. It is so wonderful seeing young people up on that
stage telling a story and growing in 21st century skills such as creativity, problem-solving and innovation.
We are also so fortunate here in New Zealand to be able to enjoy regular visits from the team who
created (and continue to create) the titles in the Broadway Junior Collection, thanks to the passion of
Music Theatre International (Australasia) and The Amici Trust presents Junior Theatre NZ. Last year we
had founder of iTheatrics, Timothy Allen McDonald, and head choreographer for Broadway Junior,
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Steven G. Kennedy. Their workshop in Auckland was inspiring and fun. It gave me new ideas to consider
in my own teaching practice. More recently, we had Cindy Ripley, the go-to-guru of musical theatre
education tour New Zealand and work with our young people in several cities. I had the privilege of
travelling with and supporting Cindy for her Wellington and Timaru legs of the tour, through Junior
Theatre NZ. I am so grateful for this incredible experience. Cindy is so inspiring and watching her work
with my students here in Wellington has had a major influence on my work.
St Mark's Church School is ready to take our Broadway Junior experience to the next level. We look
forward to travelling to Atlanta, GA, USA this coming January for Junior Theater Festival 2017 -the
largest festival celebrating theatre for young people, in the world. School sent me to the 2016 festival this
past January and it was the most energized and creative experience -with 5,832 people in attendance.
We will be presenting a 15 minute excerpt from Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. at the festival, to an
expert panel of judges, and receiving feedback and critique. Then in keeping with our Disney-theme we
will head to Walt Disney World for a Disney Performing Arts Workshop and time to play!
Stories matter. We make sense of our world through stories and we come together as communities
through storytelling. Keep telling stories and keep being involved in theatre. We have special
opportunities here in New Zealand and life as a theatre kid has never been better! Article by Robert Dil.
Robert is a passionate arts education specialist using theatre, music, puppetry, along with children's media and
literature, to advocate for children and the arts, literacy and to inspire positive growth in his students and
community. A highly experienced, globally traveled and IB -trained practitioner, Robert is also a freelance children's
theatre director, writer and musician. Previous directing credits in Auckland, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and
Wellington have included:Disney's The Jungle Book Kids, Aida: School Edition, The Miracle Worker, Disney's
Winnie the Pooh Kids, Tarzan, The Polkadots and Auckland Philharmonia's Magic Carpet Ride (Auckland Town
Hall) and most recently for St Mark's Church School, the recent Musical Theatre Club production of Annie Jr. and
senior production, Shrek Jr. Robert holds a master’s degree in Drama and Theatre for Young People with
Distinction (Charles Sturt University, Australia).
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Zone Four Update
The Zone Four meeting is coming up on July 23rd in Timaru and if you haven’t let
Dianne or Ross know numbers coming to the meeting please do so now [email protected] . We
have 40 people attending which is great  We also have a line-up of special guests coming including
MTNZ President Lesley Carthew, Vice President Dan Pepperell(with his health and safety advisor hat
on too) and our wonderful General Manager Kate Ghent so take this opportunity to speak with them in a
more intimate venue.
Accommodation Option
MTNZ team are staying at the Panorama http://www.panorama.net.nz/
52 The Bay Hill, Timaru
Musical Theatre New Zealand – Zone Four Meeting
Hosted by South Canterbury Drama League - 198 Church Street, Timaru
Saturday 23 July 2016- 10.30am - Coffee from 9.30am
AGENDA
10.30am
10.30am
10.35am
10.45am
Welcome
Housekeeping
Roll Call
Society Reports
(Please send a written report to Dianne no later than 18 July)
You will be asked to provide three highlights of this report on the day
Corporate Guests – you will be given the opportunity to speak
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11.15am
MTNZ News
 Statement of Service Performance Summary and new reporting standards to
Charities (Lesley and Kate)
 Next Gen Boot Camp (Dan and Kate)
 Insurance Presentation (Kate)
 CAF Fund Presentation (Kate)
 2017 Conference New Plymouth (Kate) – agenda, format, seminar and forum
topics
 Competitions and Awards presentation (Kate)
 Social media (Kate)
 Survey participation (Kate)
 Anything else you would like to discuss with the MTNZ Exec team
12.30pm
Lunch break
1.30pm
Health and Safety forum/discussion with Dan Pepperell and
Graeme Philip
2.30pm
Knowledge Café
Topics
 Tips on applying for funding (Dianne)
 Social media policy for a show company (Kate)
 Advertising on a shoestring budget (Dan)
 What shows work for your organisation (Aaron)
 What else can Musical Theatre NZ do for you (Lesley)
 Topics for seminars, forums and Knowledge Cafes for future conferences
(Ross)
 Technical discussion around rights (backing track creation, video rights,
publicity use) (David)
 Tips on how to run a successful committee meeting that doesn’t take three
hours (Gavin)
3.30pm
General Business
5pm
Dinner at Speight’s Ale House, 2 George Street
http://www.timarualehouse.co.nz/contact-us.html
7pm
Mamma Mia at the Theatre Royal
See you in Timaru  - everyone welcome ie. you don’t have to be a
Society committee member to attend MTNZ zone meetings
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Showbiz Christchurch
The year rolls on unabated for Showbiz Christchurch. Eight weeks after a sold out Mamma Mia! season,
it was opening night of Hairspray June 8 - 18, which also enjoyed a tremendous season. The full house
sign came out several times during the run, and the total season was close to capacity, with a
remarkable 22% of sales as student seats – Go NextGen! Evita is now underway, the show has been
cast and rehearsals starting July 3rd. Can’t wait till opening night on September 15th.
Reviews below (photos - Kurt Langer – Photographer).
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/christchurch-life/80870225/theatre-review-hairspray-showbizchristchurch
http://www.tandemstudios.co.nz/review-showbiz-cant-stop-the-beat
https://www.facebook.com/showbiz.christchurch/photos/a.776151345780566.1073741828.6718
64552875913/1132987423430288/?type=3&theater
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The Takaka Drama Society put on a recent musical production of 'Cinderella meets the Motherin-law' which is a musical comedy, this was well received by the community. The play is written by Judith
Prior and can be easily adapted to using names of a particular group e.g Pohara Bowling Club. The play
suits all audiences and has some 'corny' connotations that a mature audience can readily grasp. The
audiences just loved the show, which received loads of laughs, Anita played the Queen (doesn't her
purple dress look amazing - she stitched that together in 24 hours!) and we all had so much fun.
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PASSION FOR ‘PETER PAN’
Theatre company Country Players Inc in the small rural village of Wakefield (near Nelson) has
been running since 1955 and has a long history of encouraging and developing youth theatre. This
tradition continues in 2016 with the Group currently rehearsing for Piers Chater-Robinson’s musical
‘Peter Pan’.
The cast of 27 children and young people aged from 4 to 18 years and 12 adults (aged from 20+ to ‘not
polite to mention’!) have enthusiastically embarked on our wonderful journey to Neverland. It’s great to
see the passion of the cast and crew even so early in the rehearsal process. Last year Country Players
did a combined youth/adult production of ‘Oliver’ which was the first time on stage for many of the young
people involved. It’s wonderful to see how much growth there has been in the confidence and ability of
these young people coming into their second production; from pre-audition sessions which the group ran
to help prepare the kids for an audition, through the audition process itself and now into rehearsals. I’m
personally really looking forward to seeing the finished production which I’m sure will be fantastic; the
result of everyone’s hard work and commitment.
Country Players have been presenting their shows as Theatre Restaurants since the 1980’s but have
recently moved to a new ‘style’ of presenting theatre and food; BYO Picnic Theatre. This is proving
popular with our patrons.
The venue is set out in the manner of ‘theatre restaurant’ with
tables/chairs/candles/flowers etc. but the audience provide their own food and drink, cutlery/crockery etc.
Four of our Peter Pan shows will be BYO Picnic style, one Sunday matinee and one evening
performance of show only. The show goes on from 9th-17th September at the Wakefield Village Hall;
check out www.countryplayers.wordpress.com for further details.
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LOCAL WOMAN RETURNS TO START NEW THEATRICAL VENTURE IN
NELSON
Nelson will soon see a new theatre company treading the boards of the Theatre Royal. Local singer,
teacher and performer, Jessica D’ath and her husband Saul Gibney returned to their home town nine
months ago. A qualified secondary schools music and drama teacher, vocal tutor and composer, Jessica
has always been a passionate contributor to the theatre scene in New Zealand. In Christchurch she
performed with a number of theatre companies, including Showbiz Christchurch, before establishing her
own production company. She was also the creator of the Voices of Canterbury Festival, a secondary
schools choral festival that celebrated popular and contemporary music. This festival has now been
successfully running for six years and in 2015, proved more popular than the Big Sing, in Canterbury and
as a result was moved to the Horncastle Arena, Christchurch’s largest performance venue.
Nelson Theatrix was created after Jessica saw an opportunity to create a semi-professional musical
theatre company, to contribute to the vibrant arts scene in Nelson, and is excited to see the company
performing its first production – Wicked Women of the Stage – a mere six months after its conception.
“The goal of Nelson Theatrix is to create more opportunities for Nelson adults to perform on stage at a
high standard, as well as create opportunities for youth performers coming through to continue to
develop and hone their craft”. In addition to creating Nelson Theatrix, Jessica has started Nelson’s
newest pops choir, Contempo. This choral group will focus on performing pop, rock, jazz and musical
theatre. Both Jessica and Saul were founding members of the well-known Christchurch Pops Choir,
which formed following the Christchurch Earthquakes, an event that both Jessica and Saul lived through
during their time in Christchurch. “When we moved to Nelson we straight away saw the potential for
Nelson to benefit from a choir that had a real focus on this kind of music” Saul stated. Contempo are also
officially Nelson Theatrix’s performance ensemble with choir members being provided training and
development opportunities to perform in Theatrix shows.
Since arriving in Nelson, Jessica was selected as the only New Zealand singer to attend a workshop in
Melbourne from 13th-15th May with up and coming Broadway composer Matthew Lee Robinson. Past
attendees at this workshop have gone on to be cast in leading roles, both within Australasia and
internationally. “The people of Nelson helped fundraise to get me to that workshop. That really blew my
mind. I learned a huge amount from Matthew, and am really excited to be sharing this knowledge in the
community through Nelson Theatrix and Contempo”. Nelson Theatrix’s launch production “Wicked
Women of the Stage” is on Saturday 9th July, tickets are available through the Theatre Royal or
www.ticketdirect.co.nz.
CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Blenheim Musical Theatre formerly
Blenheim Amateur Operatic Society
This is an early notification that in May 2018 BMT, formerly BAOS, will be celebrating its 100th
birthday. If you were once a member, or a supporter, of the Society, you are invited to join us in
Blenheim in May 2018 to celebrate the Society's centenary.
Further details will be provided in future newsletters. Please register your interest by email to
[email protected] (subject line 'Centenary') by letting us know your current contact details,
membership years and the shows you were involved with. If you know, or know of, any past
members please help get this notice to them.
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Zone One Report with Pauline Vella – Zone Rep
Highlight of June was our MTNZ exec meeting in Christchurch where we were really pleased to review
such a well-run, informative and fun Conference 2016. We also reviewed the planning to date for
Conference 2017 and it is promising to be a goodie too.
In Christchurch we attended a really fabulous HAIRSPRAY at that beautiful Isaac Theatre Royal. What a
great show!
Hopefully lots of Zone One will attend, please keep your eye out for the grab a seat bargains – there was
one this week that I did a shout out about so hopefully a few of you took advantage.
The dates for conference are: March 24 -26 2017. The link to set up alerts and get grab a seat bargains
is: https://grabaseat.co.nz
June saw three Zone One shows – RENT at Centrestage Theatre Company and Dreamgirls at Manukau
Performing Arts both of which I saw and enjoyed. Seussical at Pukekohe Performing Arts, I sadly missed
but I really want to congratulate them for their marketing. I have been really impressed with their
campaign and a great use of Facebook sponsored ads.
Last weekend we held the NAPTA AGM and the ZONE ONE meeting. Of the attendance to the Zone
meeting all I can say is it was small but perfectly formed. Thanks to all who came and who contributed to
the discussions and learned quite a lot. That is all I can ask for. We had a very special guest – The New
MTNZ VP Dan Pepperell. It was great to have Dan’s support and input and for Zone One to meet
another of our hard working MTNZ team. We were both pleased that under the agenda item – What
More can MTNZ do for you – we got a thumbs up great job! It was decided that we will have another
Zone get together later in the year an informal get together and a chance to catch up with people.
Watch out ZONE ONE – we identified some training courses we need over the next two years – so
hopefully if we build it you will come 
The NAPTA AGM went very well – members were pleased with the work done by the Trustees and the
2015 event committee, and thought that the progress being made by NAPTA to return the awards event
to a prestigious affair was appreciated. The Trustees for the next year are: Eilean Rawson – Chair, Katie
Flood – Secretary, Zac Johns, Alexandra Grice and Pauline Vella. We are already onto the event
planning for 2017 – watch this space, it will be good!
Three shows for July – 13 – for North Shore Music Theatre, The Sound Of Music - Whangarei Theatre
Company, and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which I am looking forward to
attending.
A NEW HOME Opera Factory Trust are delighted to
advise that the search is over! We have found a new office and
home base to rent near our founding location of Newmarket. You'll
now find us in the upstairs studio office at St Marks Church Parish
Centre, 95 Remuera Road just a stones throw from Broadway. We
are thrilled to have an administrative base which will be a great
asset to the delivery of our mission and programme. The centre also
has a other spaces available for us to rent for our rehearsals,
coaching, workshops & some concerts. Our music resources and
costumes are stored down the road in a rented basement cage in
Nuffield St and we also rent rehearsal and storage space for our residual props and staging elements, at
NZ Opera's Technical Centre in Onehunga. Our March Opera by Twilight recital at the Mount Eden
Village Centre was very well supported, then 12 students enjoyed our ‘Shakespeare and Song’ April
school holiday youth workshops at the Dolphin Theatre.
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Our big project at the beginning of the year was the Chamber Opera Composition Contest (Jan/Feb) and
Winning Workshops weekend in April both kindly supported by Creative New Zealand. The results of our
Composition Contest led to a full weekend of exploratory workshops at NZ Opera in Onehunga, working
with the composers and selected singers, guided by the panel and composers. The weekend concluded
with a demonstration concert of excerpts from the winning entry and four other new works, presented by
fifteen singers and pianists and attended by a large and illustrious audience. Most recently we have just
held two full days of Senior Open Auditions and received great interest from almost 50 current or new
senior and advanced singers, keen to perform and participate in our activities.
Special thanks to our members, donors and funders who continue to contribute and support our mission
and future. Also, a warm welcome to many new audiences, colleagues and participants who have
recently joined us. We look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to an event soon.
Opera Factory's contact details remain the same:
Phone 09 921 7801 or 021 529 127 and email [email protected]
NEVER AUDITION AGAIN!
“Prepare to Work, Not Audition”
a Seminar/Workshop by Ted Brunetti
You will be presented in practical, accessible, simple and clear ways, invaluable information informed
from Ted’s 30 years of “hands on” experience acting, casting, directing, producing, coaching AND
teaching in film, television, theatre and new media.
•
•
•
•
•
•
LEARN MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACHES/MIND SET TO WORK and how not to separate working
from auditioning!
HOW TO PREPARE: Step by Step from the call for the appointment, to the tapings and initial
audition, to callbacks, and to performance.
HOW & WHAT TO FOCUS ON: Working Quickly & Efficiently
BREAKING DOWN THE SCRIPT: What are the best questions to ask? What is most effective use of
time and energy?
Covers FILM, TELEVISION, STAGE, and NEW MEDIA
QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION to follow Power Point.
Appropriate for actors of ALL LEVELS! From beginner to pro, every actor will take away valuable lessons
to move your work to the next level. Actors from the audience will be given sides & apply the principles
& tools that have been presented in the Power Point. The beginning of the Master Class is extremely
important. Please make arrangements to plan your day and be on time. (Allow time to park, sign in, and
get settled.)
Bring something to write with and on to take notes.
This Seminar is presented at the major film schools, acting schools, institutions, and organizations
throughout the United States & Australia.
PREPARE TO WORK NOT AUDITION is constantly evolving and updated, and has undergone
significant revisions as of June of 2016.
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Zone Five News
She's fun. She's quirky. She's a bit mad. She's practically perfect in every way.
The Invercargill Musical Theatre's production of Mary Poppins is a mere three weeks away from curtain
up and rehearsals have kicked into the next gear. Theatre Vice President Bernadette Gourley said the
rehearsals were going well and the cast were hard at work, making sure they had both the notes and the
dance steps down. "It's a high energy show with lots of fun dances, which requires a great deal of
rehearsal time and commitment and we're very proud of the people in the show," she said.
READ MORE:
* Finding a practically perfect Poppins
* Invercargill's Mary Poppins show to be New Zealand consortium's premiere
A revolving stage and the set were in transit to Invercargill and would be packed in to the Civic Theatre
on Sunday, with the cast moving their rehearsals to the theatre late next week.
Projected graphics would be a big feature of the set, including the iconic pigeons from the Feed the
Birds song. Ahead of the season, cast members Emily Burns (Mary) and Nick Purdie (Bert) visited some
Southland schools, spreading the word and magic of Mary Poppins. Burns told the pupils at Otatara
School the flying scenes were among her favourite parts of the production, but she was a tad nervous
about the size of the Civic Theatre. "Every time it's like butterflies in my stomach," she said.
In addition to letting the children know about the show being on during the school holidays, Purdie hoped
seeing him and Burns in their roles would help to inspire the next generation of singers, actors and
dancers for the stage, especially the boys. "It's special if a spark lights up and they think this is kind of
neat," he said. "One of the songs is Anything Can Happen and I love that we're hopefully bringing that
message ... There's nothing stopping them," Burns said.
Mary Poppins runs from July 14-23 at the Civic Theatre in Invercargill.
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Invercargill Musical Theatre
As opening night for IMTs Mary Poppins approaches
everyone associated with the show is busy but excited
to be involved in this most magical production. We
have assembled a wonderfully talented cast, a fabulous
orchestra and large support crew who are all working
very hard to bring Mary Poppins to life. While we have
faced unexpected challenges, being first consortium
partner to stage this production, we are encouraged by
great ticket sales to date and confident we will have a
show to be mighty proud of!
Following on straight after Mary Poppins will be our first
youth production, Wizard of Oz, which has already
attracted much interest in the community. So, plenty to
keep us busy with over the chilly winter months!
Balfour Theatre Company
Tucked away in Southland you can find a theatre that puts on a production every year at the local
Community Hall. The town of Balfour has a population of just 100. You'll find it just west of Gore.
Every night, the show pulls in an audience larger than the entire town.
Julian Lee got glammed up to meet the folk of Balfour.
Watch the video for the full Story report.
Read more: http://www.newshub.co.nz/tvshows/small-town-southland-puts-on-big-production2016062820#ixzz4DOPKr41l
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Website: http://www.grease-arena.co.nz/
Tickets:
http://www.ticketdirect.co.nz/event/details/143348/grease
-the-arena-spectacular
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Meet two new MTNZ associate members – David Adkins
David has a long history with Auckland Theatre, having
involved with Community theatre for over 40 years, and at
times involved in Professional Theatre as well.
David has taken leading roles in musicals such as Godspell
(Jesus), Me and My Girl (Bill), Guys and Dolls (Nathan
Detroit), Oliver (Fagin), Cabaret (the MC) and many
supporting roles in Musicals and Plays. However it is
Directing that has been his primary focus for the last 15
years and which has earned him many Napta Nominations.
Directing credits include, Miss Saigon, Slice of Saturday
Night, Chicago, Blood Brothers, Shop of Horrors, Paint
Your Wagon, Return to the Forbidden Planet and more.
David believes in striving to produce productions of the
highest standard, whilst never loosing sight of the fact that
community theatre is based on people coming together to
have fun!
David has experience in many of the other theatrical disciplines as well, including choreography,
lighting design and operation, stage management, props and production management – all of
which gives David a great understanding of the challenges of each department, and an
understanding of their needs and how best to achieve the goals of each.
Several years ago David started running courses on Directing around NZ, some through MTNZ
and some for individual societies. The courses, “An Introduction to Directing Musicals” involved
a full weekend commitment and were very well received in all cases.
David has recently been invited to join the Amici Management team, focusing on Projects,
Production and Direction.
A long time Committee Member and Past President of the Torbay Dramatic Society, 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 directors!
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 is currently
contracting into both the corporate and theatre world.
David has a wide range of talents and significant experience in theatre and business, and is
available for Directing throughout NZ. He is also open to discussion on bringing his Directing
workshops to your local community, and is happy to discuss all aspects of this at any time.
Excellent references are available both as a Director and Workshop Facilitator.
[email protected]
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And the Daverne School of Performing Arts
Christine Daverne M.M.S. (Distinction) B.A.
Website:
www.daverneperformingarts.nz
Email:
[email protected]
Contact:
027 – 2275281 or [email protected]
Tuition in:
 Singing
 Drama
 Musical Theatre
 Rock & Pop
 Public Speaking
Director, Musical Director & Choreographer
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THE SEARCH IS OFF: NEW ZEALAND’S BILLY ELLIOTS HAVE BEEN
FOUND
Auckland Theatre Company and ASB are delighted to announce six talented New Zealand boys have
been offered the roles of Billy Elliot and his best friend Michael in Auckland Theatre Company’s
upcoming production of Billy Elliot the Musical, presented by ASB, at the new ASB Waterfront Theatre, in
October.
The lead roles in the smash-hit production will be played interchangeably by three boys each, in order to
give each of the young performers some down time in what will be an intensive season. The role of Billy
Elliot has been offered to Jaxson Cook (11, Wellington), Harry Sills (10, Auckland) and Ben Shieff (13,
Auckland). The role of Billy’s flamboyant friend Michael has been offered to Daniel Bridgman (10,
Christchurch), Stanley Reedy (14, Westport) and Christian Swan (14, Auckland).
Set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984 miners' strike, Billy Elliot the Musical is
the inspirational story of a boy's struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. A regular
eleven-year-old lad, Billy discovers he prefers ballet classes to his usual boxing lesson. While boys doing
ballet is an issue for his macho father and brother, with the support of his beloved teacher, Billy’s
passion for dance eventually wins over his family and the entire community.
Based on the smash-hit movie, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, uplifting and heartfelt story, with book
and lyrics written by Lee Hall and music written by the legendary Elton John. The boys were cast after a
rigorous nationwide search.
ATC Artistic Director Colin McColl says, “We were astounded by the talent we saw during the audition
process. It was a big task to audition boys from the length and breadth of the country, however we are
delighted to have found six young men with such strong foundations in all the necessary areas – ballet,
tap, acting, singing and an ability to master the Geordie accent.
“We look forward to welcoming our six performers back to Auckland in July for what we are calling the
“Billy Bootcamp” – an intensive week of training with the goal of helping the boys ‘become’ their
characters before rehearsals start in early September.”
ASB Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events Mark Graham says, “We’re delighted that the six
highly talented actors chosen for the musical’s two pivotal roles come from right across New Zealand.
We look forward to seeing them all perform in the first-ever production at the new ASB Waterfront
Theatre.”
As principal partner, ASB presents the Auckland Theatre Company production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
It is the premiere production in the new ASB Waterfront Theatre and previews from Friday 7 October.
www.asbbillyelliot.co.nz
ABOUT ASB WATERFRONT THEATRE
The ASB Waterfront Theatre is a new state-of-the-art performing arts facility located in Auckland’s
Wynyard Quarter. Comprising a 660-seat, international standard theatre, bar, café, gallery space and
lounge, the ASB Waterfront Theatre is a purpose-built venue and the home of Auckland Theatre
Company. The Foundation Partners of the ASB Waterfront Theatre are Auckland Council, ASB Bank
and AUT University. Major funders include Creative New Zealand and Foundation North. The project
funders are the Edmiston Trust, Lottery Grants Board, The Lion Foundation and Lotto NZ.
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The Founding Corporate Partners are Kensington Swan and Villa Maria, and Platinum Corporate
Partners are Cooper and Company, ECC Limited, and Moller Architects. Panuku Development Auckland
and Auckland Theatre Company are Project Partners. Auckland Theatre Company is Auckland’s
flagship professional theatre company. The ASB Waterfront Theatre will help the Company reach wider
audiences and provide a space for other domestic and international arts organisations to tour and
showcase their work. The ASB Waterfront Theatre is adjacent to the ASB North Wharf building in the
heart of Auckland’s science and innovation precinct, the Wynyard Quarter.
ABOUT ASB’S PRINCIPAL PARTNERSHIP
ASB has been appointed the exclusive Principal Partner of Auckland Theatre Company.
Following ASB’s long and dedicated history of supporting cultural and community initiatives throughout
the country, this partnership, for an initial term of four years, is a game-changer to both the new ASB
Waterfront Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company’s activities.
As an anchor corporate institution in New Zealand, ASB has a genuine commitment to its community
partnerships and fostering the arts across the country. Pairing this commitment with Auckland Theatre
Company’s creative prowess and dedication to delivering exceptional live performances will allow the
two organisations to realise the potential arts can play in Auckland’s future success.
SHOW INFORMATION
ASB Presents the Auckland Theatre Company production of
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall Music by Elton John
Original production directed by Stephen Daldry
Auckland Theatre Company production directed by Colin McColl
Previews from Friday 7 October Opens 12 October
ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey St, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
More information: www.asbbillyelliot.co.nz or 09 309 3395
Music Theatre International - Australasia
With our partners The Amici Trust presents Junior Theatre New Zealand, we are providing a
school, lacking a Performing Arts Program, with the training and materials necessary to present
a Broadway Junior™ musical in their school. We received many applications from the
Wellington area and are proud to announce that the Ngati Toa School in Porirua, New Zealand
is the selected school for 2016! Shortly, we will assist them with choosing their show and
materials, and together with local Wellington JR show expert, Robert Dil, we’ll be supporting
them along their journey to make this a very exciting second half of the year. Stay tuned for
more details... #broadwayjunior #mtnz #helpinghand#lendsahand
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Go on line for more info http://www.showline.com.au/index.php/conference
or contact Martin [email protected] for further info
MTNZ Calendar 2016
Date
Event
23 July
Zone Four Meeting – Timaru – Mamma Mia
31 July
ETNZ AGM - Christchurch
19 – 21 August
NextGen training weekend – Berwick Camp, Dunedin
3 September
Zony’s – Zone Two Awards Night in Hamilton
24 September
Combined South Island meeting – Christchurch – Evita
29 October
Executive meeting – Hamilton
24 – 25 March
2017
The 57th National Conference &Volunteer Training Weekend
– New Plymouth
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T h e a t r e & E v e n t
www.lightsite.co.nz
NEW!!-
L i g h t i n g
WIRELESS COMMS SYSTEM
 Available for hire now
 Basic compatibility with major wired intercom
manufacturers’ systems
For more information, please contact David Bosworth
Phone: 03 372 9101
Email: [email protected]
www.lightsite.co.nz
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NEW RELEASE FROM DAVID SPICER PRODUCTIONS.
Song Contest: The Almost Eurovision Experience.
"Achingly funny." Herald Sun. "Ridiculously enjoyable." The
Australian. "A laugh out loud musical gem." Theatre
People. "Better than Eurovision.” Stage Whispers.
Song Contest – the Almost Eurovision Experience” is a
glitzy comedic and loving tribute to the Eurovision Song
Contest. It’s as close to the real thing as you can get, with
eleven countries competing, a multitude of anxious
contestants, a gushing hostess and all the quirkiness that
both delights us and makes us cringe in a single
breath. The audience voting is authentic with the potential
for a different winner every night. All companies or school
staging will be able to use the special contest ap to allow
members of the audience to vote.
Order your FREE PERUSAL here.
http://www.davidspicer.com.au/shows/song-contest-almosteurovision-experience
Listen to the songs here.
http://www.songcontest-musical.com/the-show/songs/
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News from…
&
For information on any of these shows, please visit: www.halleonard.com.au
License SINGIN' IN THE RAIN JR. Today!
The "Greatest Movie Musical of All Time" is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends Betty
Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay in Singin' in the Rain JR.
Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin' in the
Rain JR. a guaranteed good time for performers and audience members alike.
Singin' in the Rain JR. has all the makings of a Tinseltown tabloid headline - the starlet, the leading man
and a love affair that could change lives and make or break careers! In silent movies, Don Lockwood and
Lina Lamont are a hot item, but behind the scenes, things aren't always as they appear on the big
screen! Meanwhile, Lina's squeaky voice might be the end of her career in "talking pictures" without the
help of a talented young actress to do the talking and singing for her.
Three extraordinary roles for young dancers and a tour de force comedic turn make Singin' in the Rain
JR. a perfect choice for any group with an abundance of talent ready to shine.
* Conditions Apply
• Only available for licensing with performers aged 18 years and under.
• Available in Australia and New Zealand
• Standard Terms and Conditions Apply please visit our website for details.
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Filled with jokes, puns and portmanteau, Wonderland High celebrates the writing and wit of Lewis Carroll
as his characters come to life as students in a contemporary high school.
CREDITS: Music and Book by James Merillat, Lyrics and Book by Jesse David Johnson, With a wink
and a nod to Lewis Carroll
The first day in a new school can be difficult, but for Arthur Bloom it may prove impossible. Newly
relocated from Kansas City, Arthur discovers Wonderland High is not your ordinary High School. Thrown
into a school where croquet is bigger than football, the school store sells much more than paper and
pens, and lockers hold a lot more than books, Arthur finds that being "cool" is the only rule and even
eating lunch in the cafetorium is an ordeal. As he makes new friends (and a couple of enemies), Arthur
learns to stand up for himself, and helps others learn the importance of self-reliance and commitment to
ones' principles and passions. Filled with an assortment of characters based on Carroll's creations, like
Principal Cheshire (who is often heard, but not seen), zany Matt Adder, April May (who had her hair
done in March), Dora Mouskowitz (who can barely stay awake), Lily, Rose, Daisy and Violet (the Garden
Glees - an all-girls a capella group), and Alice (of course!), Wonderland High features an energetic
score, and plenty of comedic, age-appropriate character roles. A large ensemble makes expanding the
cast easy, and the high school setting makes scenery and costumes a breeze.
Join Curious George, the inquisitive, lovable monkey-star of books, movies, and the award-winning PBS
television show in a brand new musical. CURIOUS GEORGE: THE GOLDEN MEATBALL is a lovable
adventure specifically designed for young audiences sure to leave them singing and swinging down the
aisles.
CREDITS: Music by: John Kavanaugh, Lyrics by: Jeremy Desmon, Book By: Jeremy Desmon, Based
on the books by Margret and H.A. Rey and the Play Owned by Universal Stage Productions, One Act,
Book Musical
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All You-Can-Eat Meatball Day came just once a year. George had been waiting all month for that day, a
day almost bigger than his birthday! On Meatball Day, George helped his friend Chef Pisghetti cook
some delicious meatballs and serve them to the hungry crowd. But this year, the crowd had vanished!
Something was keeping people away. Something pretty big. And that something was Phinneas T.
Lightspeed and his speedy Meatballs-O-Matic machine. In despair, Chef Pisghetti vows to cook no more.
Determined to help his friend, George goes on a mission to enter the Chef's meatballs in the worldfamous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome.
With every swing and flip, George takes the audience through a fun-filled adventure in which he learns
more about Rome...and meatballs...and the secret ingredient to cooking! With a small cast and limited
design needs CURIOUS GEORGE: THE GOLDEN MEATBALL is a perfect show to tour or to perform at
theatres with young audience programs.
Jekyll & Hyde is re-released for ALL musical societies & schools in Australia and New Zealand
A true musical theatre phenomenon, JEKYLL & HYDE attracted legions of loyal fans even before the
show began its smash-hit Broadway run. Book & Lyrics by: Leslie Bricusse, Music by: Frank Wildhorn, Full Length, Book Musical. Conceived for
the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn; Based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Original
Broadway Tour Version (post-Broadway)
An evocative tale of the epic battle between good and evil, JEKYLL & HYDE is based on Robert Louis
Stevenson's classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personality create a
murderous counterpart. Convinced the cure for his father's mental illness lies in the separation of Man's
evil nature from his good, Dr. Henry Jekyll unwittingly unleashes his own dark side, wreaking havoc in
the streets of late 19th century London as the savage, maniacal Edward Hyde.
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Music by: Dolly Parton, Lyrics by: Dolly Parton, Book by: Patricia Resnick, Based on the 20th Century
Fox Picture, Full Length, Book Musical
9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on
the 1980 hit movie Nine to Five.
Pushed to the boiling point by their boss, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the
sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. They conspire to take control of their
company and learn there's nothing they can't do -- even in a man's world. Set in the late 1970s, 9 TO 5:
THE MUSICAL is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Outrageous, thoughtprovoking, and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is about teaming up and taking care of
business. This high-energy show is ideal for a large, mostly female cast. With its jubilant score and easily
relatable characters, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is the perfect show for community theatres.
* Conditions Apply
• Only available for licensing to musical societies in Australia and New Zealand
• Currently not available for licensing to schools in Australia or New Zealand
• Standard Terms and Conditions Apply please visit our website for details.
The famous Doctor lights up the stage in this magical tale of adventure, unlikely friendships and
talking animals.
CREDITS: Book, Music and Lyrics: Leslie Bricusse, Based on the 'Doctor Dolittle' Stories by Hugh
Lofting, and the Twentieth Century Fox film, Full Length, Book Musical
The classic tale of kindness to animals trots, crawls and flies onto the stage in DOCTOR
DOLITTLE, the big Broadway-sized family musical. All of the characters we've come to love
through the stories of Hugh Lofting and the magical movie musical are given new life in the stage
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version. The musical tells the classic tale of a wacky but kind Doctor who can talk to animals. The show
takes the audience on a journey from the small English village of Puddleby-On-The-Marsh to the far
corners of the world. DOCTOR DOLITTLE is wrongly accused of murder and, once pronounced
innocent, continues with his search for the Great Pink Sea Snail--the oldest and wisest of the creatures
on earth. DOCTOR DOLITTLE provides directors the wonderful flexibility of casting performers of all
ages and types, including a large ensemble that calls for actors to portray talking animals.
* Conditions Apply
 Available for Licensing in Australia and New Zealand
 Standard Terms and Conditions Apply please visit our website for details.
 The Broadway Junior Version™ is 60 minutes duration and intended for performers aged 18 years
and under.
From the book writer of Wicked and the composer of Children's Letters To God comes this rollicking,
emotion-filled, "slice of life"-- about love, fame, and the perils of community theatre. Birds of Paradise, a
hidden gem of a show, is Winnie Holzman's earliest Off-Broadway work and offers a glimpse into the wit
and insight of one of the industry's most clever authors.
CREDITS: Music by: David Evans, Lyrics by: Winnie Holzman, Book By: David Evans; Winnie Holzman,
Full Length, Book Musical
The Harbor Island Players is an amateur theatre group whose lives are turned upside down when a
down-on-his-luck professional actor offers to direct and star in one of their productions: a musical version
of Chekhov's The Seagull. As they rehearse, their egos and passions start to mirror the characters they
play. The approach of opening night drives everyone into a fever pitch until a sudden plot twist makes
them all re-evaluate their choices, both on stage and in life. Birds of Paradise is self-aware yet heartfelt,
with a tuneful, memorable score and characters whose eccentricities and secret yearnings will delight
and surprise the audience. A true ensemble piece, this musical is a perfect choice for groups looking to
showcase their best talent.
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Imagine breaking your box office record
this Christmas. Cheering audiences … no empty
seats ... a happy cast … and a happy you.
Chris Blackwood & Piers Chater Robinson’s A
Christmas Carol musical really does that.
And I’d like to prove it you.
Please just go here to get your free copy of the script.
Does it really attract audiences? Well, here’s what happened to Keith Badham of The Barton Players:
“We have not had a reaction to a new show like this before – the cast had an absolute ball
performing it, and I can honestly say that it is the perfect musical for an amateur group catering
for men, women, children...as well as giving parts to the less musically accomplished.
“It was our biggest grossing show ever.”
And Barton Players aren’t the only ones ... Read what Marie Hood of Newent Community College in
Gloucestershire thought:
“I can honestly say that in 15 years of teaching I have never enjoyed working on a musical as much
as your Christmas Carol. It was truly magical.”
Last year around 100 successful musicals were produced based on our scripts. Why am I giving this to
you for free? Quite simply, so you can see if you'd like to buy a licence to produce it too.
Since 1843 Charles Dickens’ heart-warming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge awakening his long forgotten
festive spirit has charmed audiences – from kids to grown-ups – across the world. It’s wonderful to
play … and a joy to produce ... … and it attracts ticket buyers like bees to a honeypot.
What’s more, this popular musical script with 16 glorious, traditional songs, actually costs less than
you might think. Our typical clients are schools, community and amateur theatre companies. Because
they all like to play to a full house. However, before you even consider purchasing it, please accept
this perusal script free.
Regards PIERS CHATER ROBINSON Composer
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