Groups

The Shakespeare Club is a dynamic theatre group at St Peter’s which works with Shakespeare’s works and adaptations. The prestigious Waikato Regional Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival (which is hosted at St Peter’s) is a primary focus of the group each year. Over the years we have had a number of groups and students selected to compete at the National Sheilah Winn Competition, with some given the inspiring opportunity to travel to the globe theatre in London as part of the Young Shakespeare Company. Every second year the students perform at Shakespeare in the Springtime, an audience favourite performed in the unique outdoor setting of the school’s Kahikatea stand. The Shakespeare Club links to both the Drama and English curriculums, and is designed around student interests. This club is ably led by Renate O’Sullivan, our Teacher in Charge of Drama who is the Waikato Regional Representative for the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand.

Theatresports is a fun form of improvisational theatre designed in a competition format. By participating in theatresports, students build confidence and teamwork skills, as well as fundamental drama skills such as improvisation, vocal techniques, and stage presence. The Theatresports Club competes in the exciting Regional Waikato Theatresports Competition every year. Theatresports is led by Nick Wilkinson, a highly experienced entertainer, compere, director, actor, singer, producer and M.C. He has hosted the popular Improv Combat and has worked with many of New Zealand’s prominent entertainers and speakers.

The St Peter’s Junior Drama Club is an inclusive group open to students Years 7-10. The club’s focus is on using performance to build an understanding of the elements and techniques involved in drama. The club provides opportunities for practice and extension to both the junior and senior drama curriculums. Junior Drama Club is led by our experienced and passionate Teacher in Charge of Drama, Renate O’Sullivan.

The St Peter’s Senior Drama Club is an inclusive group open to all students Years 11-13. This club focuses on building dramatic skills and improving character development and performance. It links closely to the NCEA Drama curriculum and is highly beneficial for academic Drama students, providing practice and extension opportunities. Renate O’Sullivan, our experienced Teacher in Charge of Drama, leads this group.