After a long absence, Theatre Sports was once again thriving at Christchurch Girls’ High School Te Kura O Hine Waiora, under the leadership of a group of dedicated and enthusiastic Year 12 students.

The core of these students made up the Senior Theatre Sports Team which performed with style and flair in the Court Theatre Competition. The team consisted of Gwyn Walker, Abbey Wilson, Sophie Westmorland-Drysdale, Jazmin Garvey, Emily Galbraith and Tilly Walbom.

Despite being newcomers to the fierce competition of inter-schools Theatre Sports, the team excelled, showing the confidence, co-operation and risk-taking needed in improvisational theatre. Performing what was undoubtedly the most entertaining scene of the evening, ‘What’s up with My Mother?’ The team were awarded high marks in the choice round.

Unfortunately, Riccarton High School and Christ’s College had the edge overall and were awarded first and second place, with our team a close third. This was a great result and a tribute to the exceptional acting skills demonstrated by every member of the team. Most importantly the team had fun, made connections with other schools and, now, are looking forward to the next opportunity to showcase their skills.

In addition to this group success, Tilly Walbom was selected to take part in the “scratch-team” workshop with the potential to join individuals from other schools in a cross-school’s team for the grand final which, for the first time ever, the scratch team won! The scratch team was also invited to perform with the Court Theatre.

On Saturday 31st October, Ellie Busfield, Charlotte Borcoskie, Daisy Aaron and Maisie Croall from Year 9 participated in the Junior Theatre Sports competition organised by The Court Theatre. The group was coached throughout the year by Gwyn Walker and other senior students from Year 12.

All four actresses performed with confidence and enthusiasm, embracing all the challenges thrown at them to create great scenes. The judges complimented them on their ability to create strong characters and, with this strong start, the team has a very bright future in improvisational theatre ahead of them! Well done team!

Since Year 9 I have wanted to join Theatre Sports, but there was no club set up. Throughout my years here myself and others have attempted to get Theatre Sports up and running but each attempt didn’t end up working. Although this year, with the support of the Drama Department and Ms Rainey I have been able to start up and lead the Theatre Sports club for 2020. A big thank you to Ms Rainey for her encouragement and support throughout the year, we could not have done it without you.

I have been really grateful to have this year to have many opportunities for the club to perform, such as the cultural showcase and the Court Theatre 'Theatre Sports in School' competition. It was amazing to see all the hard work pay off and to perform in the senior comp and to see the juniors perform in theirs.

Gwyn Walker