Trish Notcutt, music teacher, Grassdale High School, Grassy Park
In celebration of Grassdale High School’s 40th birthday, a group of 40 talented young performers have been working every weekend and most afternoons after school, to produce their version of Grease – the musical, to be staged at Grassdale High School Hall, 4th Avenue, Grassy Park, today Wednesday June 21, tomorrow, Thursday June 22, and Friday June 23, at 7pm.
Following the success of the school’s variety show in August 2022, I set about holding auditions for talented singers, dancers and actors in February of this year.
A team of dancers and singers were chosen, as well as casting the roles played in the popular musical. The team then set to work on rehearsals, starting with setting the dance pieces and learning the various songs. The singers have been ably guided and coached by Caleb Hess, currently a Grade 12 pupil and outstanding musician. The direction of the actors was a huge learning curve for all of us and in retrospect I have learnt so much from the wonderful cast of young actors whom I have worked with in getting the show “stage ready”.
As an experienced dance teacher and choreographer, being responsible for directing the play has been an amazing experience. I was pushed into an area where I had to learn new skills and knowledge and, in this process, I have learnt a huge amount about stepping out of one’s “comfort zone”. This in turn has inspired the young performers to push the boundaries of their “comfort zones”. It has been a truly liberating and inspirational experience not only for me but also for the cast and we have really loved the process.
So here we are, three months later and we have a show we can be proud of. We look forward to seeing you there.
To book your tickets phone the school on 021 706 1816. They are R60 and all seating is reserved.