Manawatu Youth Theatre takes out award

UCOL’s own dream-team Graham Johnston and Kane Parsons have taken the youth theatre scene by storm; taking out the Best Youth Musical Award for 2018 at the recent Manawatu Theatre Awards.

Manawatu Youth Theatre, also known as MYTH, has been a dream project in the making for UCOL Music Lecturer, Graham Johnston who couldn’t be prouder of the cast and supporting team of Suessical Jr, MYTH’s first ever musical.

“Not only were the cast of this show young people, but our production team too. It’s a chance for young people to learn about what goes into putting on a show and it’s great to see how their confidence grows during the process.”

UCOL Music Programme Leader, Kane Parsons, was director for the show, working with Graham to produce the Dr Seuss musical in all of its colour and rhyme.

“It’s brilliant to see our local talent shine on the stage, and this award was a well-deserved reward for all the teams hard work & dedication.”

While the programme is new in Palmerston North, it has already piqued the interest of local students who love singing, dancing and acting. Casting is well under way for their next big show, Alice in Wonderland, coming to The Globe in the 2019 July School Holidays. Graham says the cast will rehearse for 12 weeks before bringing to life this family classic with a stellar set and costumes.

“As a father and a teacher, I see every day the massive benefits in developing strong bonds and communities around the things that you love. But theatre is not just about being on stage, there are many people who get to showcase their skills from stage crew and management, lighting, sound, building, painting, costuming, the list goes on.”

Be sure to get your tickets fast and keep up to date with MYTH’s projects along with finding out ways to get youth you know involved by liking their Facebook page.

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