Rotorua invited down to the farm at Lakes High production

Rotorua Lakes High School's 2018 production is different, its director says. It tells a Rotorua story with New Zealand humour.

The school's English teacher, Katherine Beijeman, is also the writer and director of the musical, Down on the Farm, which she based on her life growing up.

"It's about a farmer having to try to diversify his farm in difficult times. It's a reality that a lot of farmers are facing," she said.

"We did lose our farm when I was 6 years old - that was a stressful time."

Beijeman said, because she had written it herself she could adapt it the way she wanted.

"I've got a lot more creative licence.

"It's our humour, it's Rotorua humour, New Zealand humour. It's not taken from somewhere else and it's our kids doing what they love.

"There are parts that resonate with some people."

Louis Walker, left, and Jamie Trass prepare for the school production. Photo / Stephen Parker

It took her six months to write the musical and she was looking forward to seeing her parents' reaction to the story.

Anahera Mear, 13, plays a llama in the musical and said she'd always wanted to be in a production.

"Ever since a young age I've loved acting and singing and dancing, and would come and watch these productions.

"I'm looking forward to being a role model for young people and making them want to do this stuff because that's what happened to me."

Logan Windelborn, 16, plays a bison and said the production was his first.

"I thought it would be an interesting opportunity. I've never tried acting before and it's quite a good experience.

"I'm looking forward to making people laugh."

Beijeman said she usually started thinking about what the next production would be as soon as the season finished.

Need to know
What: Down on the Farm
Where: Rotorua Lakes High School
When: Wednesday to Friday, 7pm
Cost: Adults $15, children $8 at the school office or at the door if tickets are still available.