Showcasing their skills beyond the classroom is something a group of Thames High School drama students are embracing – but it’s not just for the applause.
The Thames High Troupe have been honing their artistry in the community by taking on paid professional event work, such as at the Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo and Katikati Jazz Street Party.
Thames High School drama teacher and troupe leader Luke Devery said the troupe was a self-funded extra curricular programme aimed at putting the kids out in front of the wider community. The point was to get them out there working professionally, liaising with clients and fulfilling briefs, he said.
“They see themselves as a valuable commodity because they’re being hired, and then re-hired.”
The troupe aims to do four gigs a year, three paid and one for charity. So far they’ve had two high profile gigs and “absolutely nailed it”.
“It’s really heartening to see the event co-ordinators get excited about the work that these young people are doing,” Luke said.
Things were expected to be a little quieter for the troupe over the next few terms, he said.
However, the community will have a chance to witness something soon that the group and senior drama department have been working on.
“Something exciting is coming at the end of term two,” Luke said.
|Student leader for culture and arts and troupe member TJ Judd was at the forefront of making the group’s gigs come together.
“Without [TJ], this probably wouldn’t be going forward,” Luke said. “He’s not just a mouthpiece, he’s a really strong advocate of the arts at Thames High.”
TJ told The Profile he enjoyed being in the troupe, and even though there was a lot of set up work, it was still “a heck of a lot of fun”.
Seeing all the smiling faces when he performed was a highlight, he said.
“They don’t know who we are, but it’s just nice to bring a sense of community involvement and share a little bit of happiness.”
Trying to keep up the same level of energy throughout a long gig was a challenge, TJ said.
Even though characters have different energy, and you change up between them, you still have to keep that focus and ability to remain in character, instead of slouching around, doing nothing.”
The group’s debriefs were an important part of the gig, “as it lets us know what we need to improve on for next time”, TJ said.
For students interested in being part of the troupe, TJ said it was definitely a great thing to do.
“Bring along your best smile and your best pair of boots.”
DETAILS: To stay up to date with the group, search Thames High Troupe on Facebook.
