Young performers invited

For more than two decades, the Otamatea Repertory Theatre (ORT) has been offering its youth theatre programme, encouraging children to take part in a creative experience that connects them directly with the arts.

The project is led by singing teacher Maura Flower, who also teaches acting skills, singing and dancing. Basic requirements include wearing comfortable clothing (clearly labelled with the child’s name if possible and no jandals), bringing lunch and water, and leaving phones, sweets and sugary drinks at home.

Classes will be held from January 27 to 31, from 9am to 3pm, with a final performance on the Saturday.

“It’s a long period during the school holidays, and not everyone goes away, so the idea is to give children some skills and then give them the opportunity to audition for the plays that take place throughout the year,” Maura says.

She also noted that the group staged an adaptation of the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr this year, with a cast of about 50 young people. Many of the participants are expected to audition for Mary Poppins Jr, which is scheduled to be staged in July.

The cost is $125 per child, plus a $25 annual ORT membership fee.