PRINCE OF THIEVES: The Gisborne Homeschool Group at a dress rehearsal for Robin Hood with, in front from left, Bonnie Martin, Josiah Goddard as Robin Hood and Ashley Hockey. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell
AFTER months of learning lines and rehearsing, the hard work is starting to pay off for the Gisborne Homeschool Group, who had their dress rehearsal for their play Robin Hood earlier this week.
Director Aimee Goddard, originally from the US, started working with the children four years ago and said
she had seen a dramatic improvement in budding young actors who range in age from seven to 13.
“It has been amazing to see them progress, to see their confidence and ability grow.
“Two years ago when we performed How the Grinch Stole Christmas, about four kids didn’t mind having lines on stage. Now two years later we have about 20 kids on stage, all with speaking roles. Robin Hood is an hour-long production and the kids have done so well to learn their lines and characters.”
With a BA in theatre, Aimee said this was the first time she had specifically directed children’s theatre. She is excited about seeing what production designer Josh O’Neill, who has a worked in film and television, has created for the set of Sherwood Forest.
