Students rock challenge to win big
Students from The Academy Selsey and young people from Selsey connected to The Bridge competed in the Be Your Best Rock Challenge competition at The Hawth Theatre, Crawley, on Monday, February 25.
Chris Williams, an exstudent from The Academy, Selsey led the team with his amazing choreography and vision for the piece, titled ‘Family Fates’. Chris committed countless hours of his time and creativity to the project, along with the support of the Williams family, organising rehearsals and preparing the most elaborate set and costumes the academy Rock Challenge team has ever seen.
The piece focussed around the tsunami that hit Thailand in 2004, and explored the idea of a how a family’s fate can change in an instance, going from winning the holiday of a life time, to tragedy and despair in moments.
The day was a busy one as the morning began with all schools rehearsing in turn on the main stage, encouraging, supporting and celebrating everyone’s hard work. The rehearsals went exceptionally well, and the energy in the group was high with everyone raring to go for the main event.
The afternoon was a huge team effort to get the cast’s extravagant hair, make up and costumes ready for show time. Massive thanks go to the many hands available from ex-students and other young people from the Selsey community linked to The Bridge who made this mammoth task possible. In particular, our very own Keith Martin was recognised by Rock Challenge for his 20 years of dedication and service to the event.
The day did not go without hitches though, as the unseasonably warm weather for mid-february meant the glue for the set was beginning to melt. Quick thinking and resourcefulness by the superb stage crew fixed the problem and everything was ready for the performance to go.
The final performance itself was a massive success. All rehearsals, preparation and focus paid off in a very emotional, powerful and entertaining eight minutes of dance.
Nine awards were won on the night in the following categories; Choreography, Costuming Character, Visual Enhancement, Stage Crew, Entertainment, Stage Use, Set Design and Function, Drama and Soundtrack. Overall the team achieved second place, and we have recently heard that the team have qualified for the Southern area final which is to be held in April.
This has been an amazing achievement for all involved, and they should be very proud for everything they have achieved to this point! It was an honour to be part of such a strong and cohesive team.
Mr Butler