Bream Bay College wins first regional Showquest competition

Bream Bay College's powerful performance focussing on suicide won Wednesday night's Showquest in Whangārei

Bream Bay College took out the Northland Showquest at Forum North on Wednesday in the first regional event of New Zealand's new music, dance and drama showcase for schools.

Students from five Northland schools - Whangārei Girls' High School, Bream Bay College, Kerikeri High School, Dargaville High School and Onerahi Primary School - captured the spirit of the event in themes that are important to them, such as social media, family conflict and access to education. The event in Northland was a collaboration with local performing arts group Art In Motion.

The winning team of students from Bream Bay College chose the theme of suicide for their performance piece.

The team from Bream Bay College's winning Showquest performance.

When the team joined together at the beginning of this school term, they first looked at how they could safely work with the theme, and only after seeking input from mental health professionals and extensively researching did the group begin to choreograph the piece fully.

Co-captain Ceili Lea said her team wanted to use the platform of Showquest to make a difference.

"Being on the stage is just the best feeling," said the 17-year-old dancer.

''Just knowing that your performance can impact people in the audience makes my heart feel so warm. We're just buzzing."

Teams in the competitive section were judged overall on their performance, soundtrack, costuming, choreography and theme.

Judge New Zealand singer and entertainer Jackie Clarke said: "I was moved tonight, I was thoroughly entertained, I was challenged, and I was delighted to see how so many of the elements it takes to make up a good production were here."

The full list of awards for Northland:
1st. Bream Bay College, 2nd. Whangarei Girls' High School, 3rd. Dargaville High School.
Choreography Award; Whangarei Girls' High School
Performance Award; Bream Bay College
Production Award; Whangarei Girls' High School
Design Award; Bream Bay College and Dargaville High School
Wardrobe Award; Whangarei Girls' High School
Enhancement Award; Dargaville High School and Kerikeri High School
Theme Award; Onerahi Primary School
Drama Award; Bream Bay College
Soundtrack Award; Onerahi Primary School and Bream Bay College
Best Lighting; Whangarei Girls' High School
Best Technology Award; Kerikeri High School
S.T.A.R Award; Bream Bay College

Showquest is being staged in Northland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Rotorua, Hamilton, New Plymouth and Auckland. A national online final will name the top entry nationwide in September.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider.
However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else: Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7); Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7); Youthline: 0800 376 633. Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7); Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7); Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155; Samaritans 0800 726 666; Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254.