By Us, For Us - Developing Confidence Through Theatre

The project was a collaboration with Tim Bray Theatre Company - a pioneer in providing access to the Deaf community and the first performing arts company to offer NZSL interpreted performances in Aotearoa. It was funded by Creatives in Schools, a wellbeing programme by the Ministry of Education, in partnership with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and Creative New Zealand.

Every Friday, our junior students learnt theatre skills with professional actors and directors from the Tim Bray Theatre Company. Our senior students took an active role in supporting our juniors, and our Tū Kōkiri students stepped in when lessons had to be paused due to Covid. They took the initiative to meet weekly with some of the students, helping them practice what they'd been taught.

It was great to see older and younger students working together, developing their teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

Flexibility, patience and perseverance enabled everyone to achieve their goal of performing on a big stage in front of their peers, whānau, Ko Taku Reo community and the Deaf community at the end of Term 2. An initial journey of 11 weeks ended up lasting two terms! Throughout this extended period, they all gained a tremendous amount of confidence and personal growth.

It was a hugely successful and emotional performance. Well done to all!