After months of hard work from leaders and students alike, The RAW Stage challenge team had an amazing end to the experience, placing first in the RAW division!

Focusing on the tragic mining disasters of Strongman mine in 1967 and Pike River in 2010, Their moving and Stage Challenge tells the story of the lead up and causes on the explosion in Strongman mine, and the government battle that followed. Ultimately the government won, and mining regulations were not changed, In fact mining safety regulations have not been changed or updated since the early 60’s. The title of the Stage Challenge “How Many Times?” as the audience and government, How many times will this happen before an effort is made increase safety regulations?

This theme was very special to Burnside as 2 students involved had connections to the events. Choreographer, Aliyah Prendergast’s great grandad worked in the mines at the time of the explosion, a carved coal necklace presented to her great grandmother became the symbol of the Stage Challenge. Year 9 student, Jorjia Dunbar’s brother was a victim in the Pike River mine disaster.. All these close connections felt like fate: we had a responsibility to tell this story.

The emotive and powerful performance was described as “touching” by Performance judge Chris Kirk and “It was extremely personal but they didn’t let it hold them back,”

Not only did the performance win 1st Place RAW Division but awards for excellence in Concept, Drama, Soundtrack, Visual Enhancement, Choreography, Costuming Character, Performance Skill and Lighting Design.

For director Jessie Rumbold the Stage challenge experience was “Long and a lot of hard work, but definitely worth it to see the amazing finished product and happiness of the children as they came off stage.” Through the Stage Challenge experience she has learnt “That hard work and practice can make a performance good, but passion, love and dedication will make it great.” Jessie's goal for the Stage Challenge experience, while wanting to win, was to “have a great time with the students and bring attention to our theme.”

Telling this emotive story through dance and drama was a great challenge, Special thanks goes to the wonderful choreographers, Matt Cornere,Aliyah Prendergast and Josie Klausen (Head choreographer) as well as the wonderful creative team, Jackson Lam Sheung, Jasmine Cane, Felix Elliott and Lauren Sinclair for helping in all areas from costume to theme!

Burnside was lucky enough to have the help of Sam Wallace to help us construct our soundtrack, as well as the dedicated tech crew. Massive thanks is given to Producer Alexa Schulter and Director Jessie Rumbold. And finally the biggest of thanks goes to the amazing teachers involved Stacy Boyle, Carl Burr, Richard Wiltshire, Gillian Payne, Ruth Keir, Helen Wakelin, Rebekah Moreno, Debbie Jarrett, Caroline Ford, Rhonda Craig, and Anna Hubbard.