More than 60 students from Otumoetai College have been toiling to bring the Broadway hit musical Hairspray to life this term. It's been a mission to get the show ready in just one term, but the performers are teased, primped and primed for the show.
The college puts on a major musical event once every two years, and Hairspray has been chosen because it's fun and because the musical also has a more serious theme that students should be aware of, says vocal director, Petrina Chisholm.
"Not only is it fun, and popular, it has an important message about racism and integration. Racism is another form of bullying and is very relevant in schools. Equality, respect and acceptance of individuality is very important for all students to learn," she says.
The students are performing at Baycourt which gives them work experience in a professional stage environement. "It is really lovely to provide the stepping stones for students who are interested in the performing arts. Performing at Baycourt gives them work experience where they work in a team, and learn the protocols behind the scenes in a professional theatre," she says.
Hairspray revolves around the story of plus-sized heroine, Tracy Turnblad, who wins a spot on the local TV dance programme and launches a campaign to integrate the TV show.
