Lifting curtain on fun at Theatresports

FULL ON: The Theatresports Extravaganza fundraiser organisers include Kuranui College drama students Nicki-Marie Campbell (left), Connor Taumoepeau, Lily Wride, Patrick Lennox and Thor Elley. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Secondary school drama students from across Wairarapa will raise funds for the Wairarapa Cancer Society at the inaugural Kuranui College Theatresports Extravaganza on Thursday.

Kuranui College drama student Connor Taumoepeau said teams from his school, and from Wairarapa, Rathkeale and Chanel colleges have been confirmed as participants and as one of the Kuranui College organisers of the unique event, he was keen the teams have "as much fun as possible".

"Rather than having a competition, we're just going to have fun with it," he said. "In the regional intercol competition everyone is sort of like 'we have to win' and then we're all in a competitive moment.

"It's all about 'what will get us more points', instead of being naturally funny, we then just concentrate on what will make the judges like us, so this time round we just want everyone to get together and have fun."

The Wairarapa secondary schools usually perform and compete in the regional theatresports event for colleges, Kuranui College head of drama Juanitia McLellan said, and the competitors "don't get an opportunity to relax and enjoy the genre for what is it".

"You just start to bond with people from the other schools and then you slap a competition on top of it, it just means instead of coming together we all stay in our separate boxes.

"This will be more about entertainment. We're keeping judges, but they won't be giving out points they will be more interactive. We will be making fun out of the whole judging concept."

"The audience have to join in too," Connor said. "There is always a good turn-out of teams at the annual intercol event, but not much of a crowd watching."

Connor said there was seating for 300 people at the Kuranui College venue and "we would love to see our auditorium packed out with everyone having a laugh".

"The storylines are all improvised and we want the audience to choose where we go with it. The emphasis is on having fun and raising money for the Cancer Society."

FreshChoice Greytown was supplying refreshments for the event and the doors open on Thursday at 7pm. Entry is a gold-coin donation and all proceeds go to Wairarapa Cancer Society.