The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) Showquest team is the new Otago regional finalist, after winning the competition earlier this week.

After ten weeks of lunchtime rehearsals the MAC team had its final rehearsal last Sunday (May 23), before heading to Dunedin early on Monday morning to take part in the Showquest on Stage regional finals.

The MAC team not only won the finals, it was also commended for the best use of drama, best use of props, best soundtrack, best choreography, and won the Tikanga award for outstanding participation, spirit and teamwork displayed through the day.

The student run initiative, led by Lucy Fenton, Holly Gibson, Nikita Sinclair and their group of senior dancers, created a powerful performance for Year 7 to 13 students, supported by the school’s Performing Arts Department and Cultural Committee. 

“I learnt that sticking with things, working hard and putting the time in can mean awesome results. It was so cool working with the senior leaders as they taught us so much,” one Year 7 student told the Wanaka App.

After MAC’s Cultural Committee won the 2020 National Showquest title, a challenge was given to the committee and friends to lead an opportunity for the junior students to showcase their performance skills.

This meant senior students could strengthen their leadership and mentoring skills and work across a range of production areas both on and off the stage. It also meant assessment opportunities for senior students in a real world learning context, MAC Head of Learning Area Arts Emily McRae said.

“The leadership and mentoring displayed by the students was nothing short of excellent and allowed our junior students to have role models to really look up to,” she said.

The group included 30 students onstage and two working backstage, ranging from Years 7 to 13 students. 

Lucy Fenton was director and choreographer, Holly Gibson choreographer, Nikita Sinclair stage manager, Neve Sinclair lighting and technical, and Jane Watson-Taylor and Danielle Pullar were the staff support.

The brief for the group was a 10 minute performing art piece, that included dance and drama, on an issue important to the group.

“Throughout adolescence, young people flow in and out of depression and anxiety. They may appear happy or fine on the outside but anxiety is always waiting in the shadows ready to wash over them like waves at various points. Simply trying to fix people for good is not the answer but we can definitely stand by, ready to lift them back up when they fall. We can all be stronger together. Check on your friends and ask for help when you need support,” the group explained. 

Five schools attended the regional finals: MAC, Otago Girls High School, Logan Park High School, Dunstan High School, and Wakatipu High School.

The next step for the group is recording their performance which will be entered in the national competition. 

There will also be an opportunity for the community to watch the winning performance when the showquest group performs at the Lake Wānaka Centre during MAC art week at the end of the term.

PHOTO: Supplied