Manawatu¯ youngsters return to the stage
A teenage troupe has full control of its latest production.
Manawatu¯ Youth Theatre is putting on The Little Mermaid Jr with not only a teen production team, but a cast made up of 34 performers aged 10 to 16.
The production team includes director Finn Davidson, 19, musical director Sarah Judd, 17, choreographer Emma-katte Johnston, 16, and lighting director Jonty Robinson, 18.
Manawatu¯ Youth Theatre founder Graham Johnston would usually direct the shows, but decided to abdicate responsibility and give the kids an opportunity to step up.
He said he did not want the performance to be a good children’s show, he wanted people to come away saying it was a good show, in line with what adults would produce. ‘‘I got some dust in the eye watching them.’’
Auditions were scheduled the week before the coronavirus lockdown, but they had to be moved online, with 100 people taking their turn on screen.
Johnston said the cast started rehearsals in small groups during alert level 2 and was lucky enough to hold on to the dates originally planned. ‘‘It was amassive gamble.’’
Judd said the show was especially exciting because two months ago those involved didn’t know if it would even go ahead.
Davidson said taking on the role of director was a challenge, but he enjoyed the creative environment and passionate cast.
The hardest part was the uncertainty of Covid-19 and the rapid change in rehearsal schedules to fit the alert levels. ‘‘Having to change the rehearsal schedule to fit with Zoom rehearsals, then rehearsals with less than 10 people, then full cast, has definitely kept us busy.’’
Emma-katte Johnston found her leadership role had its ups and downs. ‘‘I am the youngest in the production team and the same age as some of the cast members so it has been a very big learning experience.’’
She said it had been incredible to be in a room of people so passionate and willing to learn about theatre. ‘‘Theatre has been a place where these kids can come and escape the troubles of the outside world for awhile and I’m so glad they get to experience the incredible feeling of performing.’’
The 60-minute show is at the Globe Theatre in Palmerston North from July 8 – 17. Tickets are available from the venue.