Rock the Stage event proposed for Whanganui to replace Stage Challenge

Whanganui Girls' College students performed in the final Stage Challenge event in 2017.

As schools around New Zealand reel from the shock cancellation of Stage Challenge, a Whanganui teacher has plans to Rock the Stage.

Stage Challenge, a school performing arts event, has been canned after 25 years due to funding issues.

Whanganui Girls' College deputy principal Nita Pond is leading the charge to set up an alternative regional event for Whanganui, Taranaki, Manawatu and Horowhenua schools.

"After receiving the news late December that Stage Challenge was no longer going to be running due to lack of funding, our school was gutted, to say the least," Ms Pond said.

"For Whanganui Girls' College, this has been a highlight of our arts calendar for at least the last 10 years and was an event that our girls really looked forward to. It was also an event that provided numerous opportunities for our girls to shine, lead and gain valuable NCEA credits. We had even formed a committee and had decided what our 2018 storyline was going to be."

About a third of Whanganui Girls' College's students were involved in Stage Challenge and other Whanganui schools also participated in the competition, Ms Pond said. Whanganui High School won the national final in 2016.

"After talking with a number of people including my principal, Tania King, and our head of arts, Caroline Rhodes, we believe we could set up a similar regional 2018 competition event here in Whanganui at the Royal Wanganui Opera House titled 'Rock the Stage'."

Ms Pond has contacted secondary schools in the wider region to gauge their interest. Despite it being the school holidays, she has already had a positive response from six schools.

"Quite a number of staff in schools have had a passion for Stage Challenge. It's a highlight and something to really look forward to.

"If we can get six to eight schools, we think it's viable to run in Whanganui. It will be similar to Stage Challenge but we want to make it easier for schools and it would be nice for our community to be able to go along to see it at a reasonable price.

"We will need to cover costs but it's not about making a profit. There has been a lot of positive feedback from schools to keep it cheaper.

"Stage Challenge has been great over 25 years and has had some amazing performances. It's the winning, the losing, the confidence kids get and working with other people. You don't get that with a lot of other events."

Ms Pond said other regions were interested in setting up an alternative to Stage Challenge, with Waikato-Bay of Plenty also calling theirs "Rock the Stage".

"I hope that all communities around New Zealand get something up and going. I'm hoping that the vision a few of us have will enable it to go ahead in Whanganui."

If there is enough regional support for Rock the Stage, Ms Pond aims to hold it in term two of the 2018 school year.