Zoe Hancox-Monk is now shifting gear from playing the vengeful Tamora, Queen of the Goths, in Titus Andronicus, to the tragic and abused Nancy in Oliver.
The switch requires enormous concentration and focus, but this talented youngster is proving she is up to the task.
Ms Hancox-Monk, in her final year of school, said the sacrifice of time and energy was eventually rewarding.
"Theatre is an all-consuming activity," she said.
"It's incredibly physically demanding and intellectually draining, but when the show goes live it makes that all worth it."
She said the students become a tight-knit group when staging a show and learning to work together was essential.
"Most of the Titus cast is in Oliver as well. It's never just about one actor on the stage - this whole show is the product of a massive school effort and we wouldn't be anywhere without that support."
Fellow Shakespeare festival actor Ryan Sheehan agrees.
Having romped bloody across the stage as Tamora's son Demetrius, he is in Oliver playing another villain - the menacing burglar Bill Sykes.
An experienced performer who has also participated in the Auckland Young Shakespeare Company Master Class, he said being in the show had been a thoroughly enjoyable and challenging experience.
Year 10 student Callum Riach is also enjoying his opportunity to tread the boards. Unphased by snaffling the lead role of Oliver this year, he is performing like a seasoned trooper already.
Oliver opens at the Trust House Theatre at Rathkeale College on Friday.
Tickets are available online through Dash tickets. For more information go online to www.rathkeale.school.nz.
