Drama school a home away from home

FRIENDS FOR LIFE: Hawke's Bay locals Sione Roberts and Meg Wyatt have found a home away from home as ambassadors for the 2017 National Youth Drama School. Photo/Paul Taylor.

For young creatives around New Zealand the National Youth Drama School is the pinnacle event of their year for inspiring and cultivating their talent and ambition.

Among the 265 students attending this year's school are two young locals who have stepped up into leadership positions after years of involvement.

Sione Roberts of Hastings and Meg Wyatt of Taradale have both taken on ambassador roles this year in the hopes that they can contribute to the "family culture" they have grown to love at the National Youth Drama School (NYDS) over the years.

"People come back not just for the learning experiences you gain from the mentors but because of the friends and family you make here. It's like a family here," Ms Wyatt said.

Now completing her fourth year at the school Ms Wyatt said the students' common interest in the arts is what brings them so close together in such a short space of time.

"Something really special here is that everyone has a passion and it's easy to make friends with passionate people because they care so deeply about their craft."

Mr Roberts, now in this third year at the school, said he had enjoyed embracing the ambassador role as many of those who travel to the school from around New Zealand arrive not knowing anyone.

"It's just being a friend to the people who start off not knowing anyone," he said.

Both Ms Wyatt and Mr Roberts agreed that although the school was drama-based not all students were extroverts, and wanted to use their roles to care for others just as they had been cared for in the past.

Both students were busy working towards final work presentations which will be held at the Napier Municipal Theatre at 8pm on Friday April 21 and Saturday April 22.