Love for the stage continues

 Term Two has been production term for many of the secondary schools around Christchurch. Strutting their stuff in a variety of productions across the city have been a number of alumni, many of whom cut their performing teeth during their time at Selwyn House. 

We sat down with two past students and stars of their respective Year 7 and 8 productions - Lily Partridge (Peer Year 2021), who this year starred as Hope Harcourt in the joint Rangi Ruru/Christs College production of Anything Goes, and Xanthe Pearce (Peer Year 2019), as the lead Elle Woods in St Andrews College's 2024 production of Legally Blonde - and the girls shared their thoughts and memories of their time on stage at Selwyn House School. 

 What production were you in at Selwyn House and what part did you play? 

Lily - I was in the Wizard Of Oz in 2021 and I played Zeke/ The Cowardly Lion.

Xanthe - I was in Mary Poppins Jr in 2019 and I played Mary Poppins. 

 What do you remember about your Selwyn House production? 

Lily - I remember the auditions and callbacks very well because I was so nervous about auditioning. I was nervous because performing is such a big part of my life and I knew that there were so many talented girls in year 7 and 8! It turned out to be so fun and such an incredible experience which then helped me grow In confidence and courage. I also remember tech/show week very well because I remember how fun it was! I remember how much I loved hanging out with my friends and getting to perform with really talented people. Even though it was fun it was also quite scary because on the last dress rehearsal my costume was a bit tricky and fell apart which definitely was not ideal but it was a great experience to learn from. I learnt that things do happen and you just have to keep going as the show must go on!!! 

Xanthe - I remember the Tuesday rehearsals, I always looked forward to them - it was such a nice atmosphere rehearsing, with people doing work all around the stairs and everything. I was busy most of the time but the bond you created with the rest of the cast was just so nice. And obviously getting to the theatre for the first time. The set was incredible, the costumes and everything, it gave you this nervous/excited feeling. Flying for the first time, I remember that! I was so nervous as it was a lot higher than I thought it was going to be. But by the time the shows came around I loved it so much! 

 What did you learn most about performing from being in your Selwyn House production?

Lily - What I learnt most was that I can do it if I try. You should never give up because you never know, you might succeed. Working your hardest is worthwhile in order to achieve your best performance. 

Xanthe - Time management was a big one. I was in my last year doing my Passion Project at the same time as production. I had to make sure both of those things were making progress and improving. I learnt a lot about being a leader and role model as well. When you are a lead in a production all the younger years suddenly know who you are and want to talk to you so you have to be a role model. Alongside that I also obviously learnt new skills to improve my acting, singing and dancing abilities. 

How do you think your experience in productions at SH helped you prepare for roles at college? 

Lily - I think it helped me experience what a challenge would be like. It helped me to gain resilience which is useful for high school. Even though it was a challenge it helped me feel more prepared and confident when I walked into a room for any audition. 

Xanthe - The role modeling one is a big one. Selwyn House luckily prepares you for that from Year 1, being role models for the pre-school, but it's so much more when you are a senior in the school. 

 Thanks to Lily and Xanthe for sharing their thoughts with us, and for continuing to fly the Selwyn House flag high. Selwyn House staff and students would like to congratulate all alumni involved in productions this year, both on and back stage. We are immensely proud of you all.

A photo from Anything Goes Photo Credit: Rangi Ruru Facebook Page

A photo from Legally Blonde. Photo Credit: St Andrew's Facebook Page