Florence Smith performs her song 'Broke with Rubies' for the first time with other members of the song writing class during the National Youth Drama School held at Havelock North High School.
Students from as far north as Whangārei and as far south as Gore and Invercargill flocked to HavelockNorth High School for eight days of performing arts.
Florence Smith participated in the National Youth Drama School songwriting class. Photo / Paul Taylor
The young performers were tutored by industry professionals who helped with their development in film, theatre, technical theatre, songwriting, dance, circus skills and performance poetry.
“It could only happen in Hawke’s Bay, there is something about the hospitality and the campus in Havelock North - it makes it an attractive proposition for parents and teachers,” Fagan said.
He said the week had a massive impact on the students’ lives: “They are set on a different course because of National Youth Drama School.
“It is important to celebrate the creativity of our young people and the passion of our young people to tell stories.”
Tessa Livingston tutors a group of students during the voice class. Photo / Paul Taylor
Fagan said the 2024 group had a “positive vibe” and was “full of life, excitement and focus”.
The students finished the week with performances to showcase their newly learned skills.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay newsrooms. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and has a love for sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
