Dramatic times for students
National Youth Drama School sees young people from around NZ in Hawke’s Bay
The April school holidays welcomed the return of the National Youth Drama School to Havelock North for the week-long intensive arts programme.
Students from as far north as Whanga¯rei and as far south as Gore and Invercargill flocked to Havelock North High School for eight days of performing arts.
The young performers were tutored by industry professionals who helped with their development in film, theatre, technical theatre, songwriting, dance, circus skills and performance poetry.
Among the tutors were Michael Fenner, an educator from the Globe Theatre in London, and Sam Brooks, a New Zealand playwright.
Artistic director Ben Fagan was amazed at the talent of the 2024 group and said there was no better place to host the event than in Hawke’s Bay. “It could only happen in Hawke’s Bay, there is something about the hospitality and the campus in Havelock North — it makes it an attractive proposition for parents and teachers,” Fagan said.
The 190 students split their week between Havelock North High School and Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre and worked on different skills and specialities. “It’s an opportunity for all these young people to see that you can have a life in the performing arts,” Fagan said.
He said the week had a massive
It’s an opportunity for all these young people to see that you can have a life in the performing
arts. Artistic director Ben Fagan
impact on the students’ lives: “They are set on a different course because of National Youth Drama School.
“It is important to celebrate the creativity of our young people and the passion of our young people to tell stories.” He said the 2024 group had a “positive vibe” and was “full of life, excitement and focus”.