Students set for battle

BID: Whangarei Girls' High School won last year's Stage Challenge with a performance of Perfectly imperfect and will be defending the title tonight.PHOTO/QUIKPIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Whangarei's Forum North will transform into the streets of Broadway with Stage Challenge making its return to Northland tomorrow.

Seven local schools will battle it out for the top spot, where the students themselves choose what theme they want to explore. The ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impression with the audience and give them something to think about.

Last year, Whangarei Girls' High School won the event with a moving performance of Perfectly imperfect.

The performance looked at the concept of designer babies.

This year, the school will defend its title with a performance entitled The Story of Timatanga.

Also competing are groups from Bream Bay College with Men of Honour, Dargaville High School with The Suspect, Kamo High School with The dangers of consumerism - Money for nothing, Kerikeri High School with Invisible Children, Whangarei Boys' High School with At the Crossroads and Whangarei Intermediate with Images of Te Rangi Pai - Beautiful sky.

Stage Challenge has a vision of social change through creating an environment without drugs, alcohol or tobacco. It aims to motivate and inspire students to lead a more positive and pro-active life.

Sara-Jane Phillips, the event manager of the production, believes the students benefit in more ways than one when taking part in Stage Challenge. "Students learn about commitment, hard work and working with and alongside others, all while being involved in a 100 per cent drug, alcohol and tobacco free environment."

Northland's youth talent has held a high level in the 23 years of Stage Challenge, she said, with students doing a great job every year.

Many are actively involved with all aspects of their production and she is delighted to see how the students work together with other students, teachers, parents and competitors to put on an amazing show.