International tutors for performing arts school

Christchurch musical director Luke Di Somma has launched an intensive musical theatre and performing arts course in the city

The 29-year-old Fulbright Scholar yesterday launched a fundraising campaign for the Christchurch International Musical Theatre Summer School that will take place in Christchurch in January.

The launch was hosted by arts patron Adrienne, Lady Stewart, and new Christchurch City councillors Ali Jones and Raf Manji were among the guests.

Di Somma said students from Auckland to Invercargill had already enrolled for the programme which would see young singers, dancers and actors put their skills to the test in either the student programme or the emerging professionals stream.

Renowned West End musical director Mark Dorrell, who has worked with Hugh Jackman, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen, has been added to the list of tutors who will travel to Christchurch for the summer school. Melbourne and New York-based choreographer Tom Hodgson, New Zealand’s Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Australian director and actor Tyran Parke and Auckland actor and director Cameron Rhodes are also on board.

Di Somma said there had been ‘‘really positive feedback’’ from the arts community. ‘‘I think it’s exciting to have all this support . . . and I didn’t really expect it to gain a national profile as quickly as he did,’’ he said.

‘‘There are literally thousands of young people in our region who love musical theatre and who would love to improve their skills, work with incredible teachers from all over the world, and meet a whole group of like-minded students all at the same time.’’

For more information visit www.cimtss.co.nz

Summer singer: Bailey Dunnage, 17, from Timaru performs at the launch of the Christchurch International Musical Theatre Summer School, which will see students from around the country take part in an intensive performing arts programme.