Busking for theatre experience
Seventeen Te Horo School pupils attending the upcoming Junior Theatre Celebration have had their costs reduced, thanks to two enterprising school mates.
Pierre Lange-Gerrard and Freddy Sayer, both 11, had been busking at Ruth Pretty Catering’s Friday Frolics luncheons to raise money to attend the Auckland-based event this November.
The busking was so successful that they continued at the popular luncheon to help with the costs for the 17 other school colleagues attending.
The trip has been organised by Jacqui Simpson and a group of teachers and parents.
The national Junior Theatre Celebration includes acting workshops, acting in front of professionals, feedback from professional actors, appearances of special guests and showcases of brand new shows.
Pierre and Freddy’s busking happened after Ruth Pretty saw the school’s production of Madagascar and wanted to help get children to the Junior Theatre Celebration.
“It was decided that Freddy and Pierre, who both sing and play in Te Horo School band, could put something together and entertain Ruth’s lunch customers,” Freddy’s mother Anje Glindemann said.
“They were given leave by their teachers and principal for Friday afternoons and help from their parents to set up but the rest was up to them.
“In the first three weeks the boys raised $500 each which was more than enough to send them to the event and with a bit of spending money to boot.
“They were delighted but wanted to continue busking to raise money for the other children to bring the total cost of the trip down.
“So over the next five weeks the boys managed to raise another $2123.”
The Friday Frolics were to be held only through July and consisted of two lunch sittings one at noon and the other at 1.30pm.
“The place was beautifully presented, warm with welcoming staff and fine hospitality,” Anje said.
“The food and musical interlude of the two boys playing guitars, keyboard and singing some songs was very popular and the afternoons were extended into August by popular demand.
“Ruth curated the musical interlude and she and the boys came up with a great routine that consisted of a bit of information about the event they were fundraising for and some great comedic moments too.
“The audiences have been incredibly supportive and have loved watching the boys perform,” Anje said.
“Both the boys have had a wonderful experience, learning about performing live and donating their skills and time to benefit the rest of the group.
“And how to really connect with an audience sometimes even making them cry, mostly with their rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
“They have sampled wonderful lunches and desserts and been treated like truly valued performers by Ruth Pretty — a wonderful experience for all.”