School of Rock

 School of Rock Up-date

Since our initial cast meeting in September, students have been working flat out on producing and rehearsing the main school production of 'School of Rock'. 

I have been blown away this year by the commitment, energy and enthusiasm of the cast. Whether students are working within the ensemble, taking on a leading role or working behind the scenes in the leadership team, everyone has shown an amazing level professionalism and drive to make this show a success. 

The ensemble have been working hard to learn the bigger numbers in the performance. On Monday, they have been learning each of the dances with our student choreographers. Making use of the new technology in the Performance Space to live stream the dance moves to the largest Ensemble we have ever had. On Tuesday, the whole cast have been coming together to learn the songs with Mr. Drake and the music department. This year - some cast members have been issued with Golden Tickets for excellent effort throughout a long rehearsal process. These students are welcome to perform in every single showing at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre. We have also issued a Platinum ticket, which has given one member of the ensemble a chance to take on a leading role. There is one Platinum and seven golden tickets remaining.

Named cast have been coming together to undertake the exceptionally tricky task of merging live instrumental performances and musical theatre. I can safely say that the talent they have displayed will not disappoint in February. Principle cast have also been attending workshops with some West End professionals in order to improve their own practice. With one visitor playing a current leading role in a popular west end production and another assisting with choreography from a top UK arts school. 

The Student Leadership Team have been assisting me relentlessly with the logistics and planning of the Performance. Evangeline, Eden, Florence and Alice have taken on the roles of Producers, managing some directorial elements of each rehearsal and taking on the immensely challenging task of Script Supervision. Liv and Luci have been working as the vocal supervisors, assisting younger members of the cast with their vocal health and signing technique. Bea, Bella, Grace, Ava and Amelia have been working alongside an exceptionally hardworking student choreography team to mark the show's challenging musical numbers with Emma and Caitlyn leading some advanced rehearsals. Sienna and Eve have been working as our stage managers, taking registers at each rehearsal and writing up the cues for the show months in advance. Mia and Grace have been covering backstage logistics as the theatre management team while Ella and Lily have been hard at work planning the week as our Event Managers. Finally, Will and Haleema have been leading the new Technical Team. With our technical director Will having programmed the entire lighting sequence for the show before the autumn term even began. To say that these students are not alone in their efforts would be an understatement. As each faction within the leadership team have also been managing a team of those on trial for their roles next year. I am incredibly grateful for their efforts. 

I consider myself lucky to be working alongside a cast of such amazing young people. I cannot wait to share their efforts with you in February when the show opens. Tickets will be available in the coming weeks via a link on the school website. 

Todd Harrington-Tucker

Head of Drama