Next generation of reviewers get taste of Tauranga Arts Festival

Alia Marshall (left) and Rosie Potter in the Carrus Crystal Palace. Photo/supplied

Thirteen senior students from Tauranga Girls' and Boy's colleges are trying their hand at show reviewing courtesy of Tauranga Arts Festival.

Rosie Potter, head of performing arts at Girls' College, has a roster of 9 girls and four boys to review mostly dance and drama shows through the 10-day festival, with the 300-500-word reports appearing on the festival website and at their schools.

"The festival wanted different, younger voices to share their views and for the performance students it is enriching the knowledge they need for their external exams, where they have to evaluate a performance and critically analyse it," Ms Potter said.

Alia Marshall, 18, was at Monday's performance by Australian folk music trio Bush Gothic, her third show after having seen Troll and Pss Pss, both stage performances.

"I've done drama my entire school career so when Miss Potter asked the class for volunteers, I was the first to put my hand up," the Year 13 student said.

Ms Marshall, who has performed with Tauranga Musical Theatre and directed her school's Stage Challenge entry this year, was unsuccessful with her audition for Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand Drama School, but intends to take a gap year and try again.

She is studying for NCEA Level 3 drama and will also sit a drama Scholarship exam.

"I love the storytelling aspect of the shows I've seen," says Ms Marshall, who has theatre performance as her goal.

Festival director Jo Bond is pleased to offer the students the chance to review.

"The festival is proud to be a good citizen of this community," she said.

"We're delighted to help support our teenagers achieve in the performing arts, whatever they choose to do in the future."