Otaki Players directing role tackled

OPPORTUNITY: Madi Potiki-Grayling, 16, is directing Otaki Players latest play Bugsy Malone.

Madi Potiki-Grayling is Otaki Players' youngest director of a play.

The 16-year-old has been in charge of Bugsy Malone which starts tomorrow at The Civic, Otaki.

"My directing role involves basically running the show," the first time director said.

"I have been preparing for this show for over a year.

"My role isn't just telling the kids in the show where to stand or when to deliver a line, it's making sure everyone is happy with what's happening, helping with costume, being a stagehand and making sure everyone involved is comfortable."

ACTORS: Some of the Bugsy Malone cast, from left, Logan Clough, Hunter Meek, Holly Middlemiss and George Hosking.

She said directing "is a terrifying experience but it's one that I've loved every minute of".

"I have definitely had moments of defeat but it's one of the best things I've ever had the opportunity to do."

Madi, from Paraparaumu, was thankful for the opportunity.

"It means the world to me that I have been trusted and respected enough to be given this position."

And she's had plenty of support. "My assistant director Rob Heather was the director of my first show at the Otaki Players as was Fran, the musical director, who was the musical director of my first show.

"I've also had an amazing network of parents of the kids to help and support me along with my own mum who has attended almost every rehearsal with me," Madi said.

Madi has been part of Otaki Players for four years and this is her fifth show.

"My past four shows have all been musicals in which I have acted.

"The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents, was my first show, in which I played the character Dangerous Beans, a talking rat.

"Most recently I was part of the cast of Rent where I was the youngest member."

She has enjoyed being involved with theatre from a young age.

"Being on stage helped me to be comfortable with myself and be more self confident.

"I have also met so many amazing people because of my involvement in drama, quite a few of whom have become close friends."

Her long-term goals include auditioning for Christchurch's National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts, when she graduates from college, and pursuing a career in musical theatre.

"I would also love to be a drama teacher and share my love of theatre with the future performers of New Zealand."