Three months, three-to-six days a week, and up to five hours a day – that's how long the cast and crew of The Wizard of Oz (Young Performers' Edition) have been rehearsing to bring the iconic musical to life.
But what makes this Tauranga Musical Theatre (TMT) production so special is that the cast of 22 are all aged between 10 and 18 years old – and for many of them, this is their first time on stage.
Nearly 60 children auditioned across two days, singing, dancing and acting for lead and ensemble roles in the one-hour musical adaptation of the 1939 film – a reflection of the demand for quality performing opportunities in the Bay of Plenty.
Tauranga Musical Theatre first recognised this need in 2009, following their first youth production, which was a locally written work by Marlise Hughes and Matthew Roderick.
'It became clear we needed to make a consistent effort to give youth opportunities to perform and ensure our society had a strong future,” says TMT President Elise Rohde.
'Each year since, TMT has produced an annual summer production for youth aged 10-18 which has become one of the favourite initiatives of many members of the society, including myself.”
It's not just the performers who benefit from the production either, with opportunities for younger members to take on directing, musical direction and choreography roles with support from some of the more senior society members.
Director Adam Herbert (20) and musical director Sarah Coleman (19) are both former TMT Youth performers, and are now passing on their expertise to the next generation.
'The work and effort the cast and crew have put in is truly phenomenal,” says Adam, 'and it's culminated in a show we can all be proud of.”
Sarah adds: 'It has been such an eye-opening experience, sitting on the other side of the table and being the one to teach the kids to sing each part, rather than learning them.
'There is a proud swell in my heart every time the cast belt out a number and blow me away with their voices, eyes shining and smiles bright. They can be very proud of themselves for the gorgeous sound they create!”
A new member of the TMT society, 27-year-old choreographer Zoe Hunter, has many years' experience teaching dance and musical theatre dance, and says it is always a joy to see the performers grow throughout rehearsals.
'From day one they have shown huge excitement towards their dances and each have their favourite numbers, but Yellow Brick Road is a clear favourite! 'Their commitment to the show has been evident since the beginning, with each member demonstrating more confidence in their moves week-by-week.”
The Wizard of Oz (Young Performers' Edition) is open from Friday, January 19 until Saturday, January 27 at Westside Theatre on 17th Avenue.
For more information and tickets, visit: www.taurangamusicaltheatre.co.nz/shows/wizard-of-oz/