The Seagull takes off at the Globe

25 November 2011

The Seagull takes off at the Globe

UCOL Diploma of Performing Arts students will tackle Chekov in their end of year production.

Next week the actors will perform The Seagull under the creative directorship of UCOL Performing Arts tutor Jaime Dorner.

Jaime is renowned for challenging his students with contemporary and physically demanding theatre.

“The students have responded well to the tragic nature of The Seagull, portraying characters who aspire to be what they will never become,” says Jaime.

Previously taught as a six month Certificate programme, this is the inaugural class of the year-long Diploma in Performing Arts. Jaime says the extended term allows the students to gain a deeper understanding of the art and the industry.

Also a first for the Diploma programme is the opportunity to perform at the Globe Theatre in Palmerston North.

The offsite venue has meant the ensemble has limited rehearsal time on the Globe Theatre stage but they also have the advantage of a more flexible theatre space.

Not only does the troupe have to contend with the challenges of performing in a full size auditorium, they have created the overall design, set, costuming, music and publicity material.

UCOL singing and voice tutor Suzy Hawes says the music the students composed as part of their assessment has been integrated into the play.

“Many of the characters are played by two students. They swap roles during the interval, one acting while the other becomes the musician,” she says.

When: 8.00pm. Wednesday 30 November to Saturday 3 December.
Where: The Globe Theatre, Main Street, Palmerston North.
Tickets: Adults $15, Students $10 Door sales. Bookings: s.hawes@ucol.ac.nz.

ENDS

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