Theatre Sports hit centre stage

Tovah O'Neill (middle) walking with a variety of former students, both in school and through online tuition.

Many people know the 90s TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Well, a local part-time performing arts teacher at Pāterangi Primary School and Pekapekarau Primary School, Tovah O’Neill, is bringing the laughter to Te Awamutu through a free Theatre Sports Workshop held at the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Mondays at 7pm, from January 9 to March 13.

“Theatre Sports is a fantastic acting experience. It is funny, fast paced, and requires thinking on your feet. Theatre Sports has a variety of games played in an improvised manner, without any planning. In most cases, it is performed interactively in front of a live audience,” says Tovah.

This workshop is an adult class, but mature students 15 and older are welcome. This is a great opportunity for participants to upskill in the performing arts and work alongside others with similar interests.

Tovah says her goal is to “provide as many free opportunities as I can for the community through performing arts and this is the first free opportunity”.

Tovah O'Neill is endevouring to provide a variety of Performing Arts opportunities in Te Awamutu. Photo / Supplied

Tovah also has a Waikato-based business, Tovah’s Tutoring Company Ltd.

It offers online tuition to high school students. Tovah teaches English, drama, dance, and confidence building online tutorials. Aimee Simpemba, who is also a registered teacher, offers science and maths.

Tovah’s Tutoring Company Ltd also offers new or updated CV and cover letters. Tovah also provides tuition for developing them.

Her inspiration for this business was due to a passion for the performing arts and providing educational support to students in New Zealand. “As the country develops and moves progressively towards online education, the chance presented itself to me and I leaped at the opportunity,” says Tovah.

Tovah adds that “many people are wanting to recharge and restore their lives again, due to the pandemic and socioeconomic influences. I really would like to support people in the best way I know how, through education, comedy and performing arts”.

Tovah received funding from Waipā District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme to provide 10 Theatre Sports workshops.

Tovah adds she “was lucky to come across Waipā District Council’s Creative Communities fund, which has provided me with funding to run the workshops. I hope we continue to collaborate to restore self-confidence, inclusiveness, laughter, and social wellbeing through my performing arts opportunities, in Te Awamutu.”

There will also be a live show and competition between teams who have developed their skills in the workshops. It is a family-friendly presentation of all the games we have played and a chance for the actors to experience a real Theatre Sports competition in front of a live audience.

This will be held at Te Awamutu Little Theatre on March 19. All are welcome to attend this live performance. Entry is a gold coin donation.