Raglan Theatre Academy is back with their eighth annual performance, Harry Potter, the Stage Show. Jacqui from the Local Rag caught up with Director Ruth Hare and costume designer Maddie Alexander to talk about the creative journey and what we can look forward to later in the month.
Ruth Hare
Tell us about the new production by the Raglan Theatre Academy. I expect we are in for a treat.
This year we are adapting the story of Harry Potter. Traditionally I’ve looked to well-loved books to adapt and bring to life on the stage for our end of year production. We usually put a twist on our adaptations, so you may see a few fun surprises; although this year we are not straying far from its essence, to attempt to appease the die-hard fans out there haha.
How did the idea come to life?
I always have a few books floating around in my head that I’d like to bring to life on the stage. Then one usually just speaks out to me much louder than the others. It’s then that I just find myself beginning the adapting process. Once that happens, I figure that that’s the show, haha, and well…. then the madness begins!
After a break due to Covid how does it feel to be back onboard? Will anything be different?
So good to be back! We were meant to put it on last year, but of course, were unable to. This year we had to re-cast some of the parts as we had some of our students leave us. Although sad to say goodbye to some of our old students, it gave opportunity to some new students to audition for a role. I also re-edited the play and condensed some sections. Looking back, I’m glad I was able to, as it was looking like rather a lengthy production!
Many of the students have been with the academy from a young age. Have the main characters been involved for long? How does it feel to watch them grow and develop their skills?
Luna Petzold de la Cruz who plays Hermione, is in her 8th year of Theatre Academy. She started in Raglan Theatre Academy’s first show in 2015 – Peter Pan at 7 years old. Luna began taking lead roles by 2019, in Narnia in which she played the role of Lucy. Vida Bradbury who plays Harry, is in her 7th year of Theatre Academy and debuted in OZ playing a munchkin. In our last production Vida played a mesmerising interpretation of Smaug the Dragon in The Hobbit. Stella McDonnell started in 2018 with Alice in Wonderland, she took a year off, missed us too much, haha, and then returned to play Bofur, one of the Dwarves in The Hobbit. Stella will play Ron in our upcoming production. It’s such a privilege to watch them grow over the years, not just as performers but as capable young humans. All my students are really special to me and I’m ridiculously proud of them, although at times I’m probably quite a hard-taskmaster around show time!
How many years have you been involved in community production Ruth? What is the aspect that you most enjoy about the experience?
Raglan Theatre Academy itself is in its 8th year here in Raglan. I have worked in youth and community theatre projects for over 15 years. I love working together as a team of cast and crew, and putting something together that we are all proud of. This then has this beautiful ripple effect, as then when we perform, it can be enjoyed by an even larger group of the community. Ripples of joy, creativity and coming together, I love this! Putting on a show of this magnitude with the limitations that we have with space and a large cast can be a challenge, so it’s so good to have a good team working their magic during the process. Maddie Alexander working her fabulous style on costumes, Amy Hanna making magic on all sorts of prop creations and hair styles, Angela Fisher going wild on make up, and Pete Van Weerden, master set builder, creating incredible set pieces.
When are the shows? How do we book?
We have 4 shows. Saturday 26th November 1pm and 7pm AND Sunday 27th 1pm and 5pm.
Book at: www.raglantheatreacademy.co.nz/tickets
Tickets do sell out, so I recommend getting your hands on a ticket asap.
Maddie Alexander
Your costuming over the years has been incredible. What can we expect this year?
Why thank you; well hopefully this year the costumes will bring some fun with a little element of surprise but still capture the essence of the characters within Harry potter.
How are you enjoying the creative process this time?
I love the opportunity to explore my creative ideas and develop new sewing skills (I’m pretty ad-hoc but all I say to myself is, ‘it just has to get through 5 shows’). I love looking through the old costumes and working out how I can re-vamp or re-use something again using different textures of fabrics to create the style I have in mind.
This year I celebrate my 7th and last year as costume designer for Raglan Theatre Academy. I am so grateful to have worked alongside the most amazing team: Amy who makes these incredible props and constantly supports my costume vision, Angela who brings every character to life with makeup and hair and of course my dear friend Ruthie who has the whole vision and passion to produce these amazing productions.
What is involved?
Lots of meetings with Ruth hearing her vision and sharing ideas to develop an overall theme or style, coordinating a team of wonderful parents who come on board to help, as I couldn’t do it without them. I have learnt over the years my creative style evolves as the weeks go by and I get to know the different groups’ performance and the children. I am constantly adapting the costumes right up until the last minute.
What is it like watching the whole thing come together on the final performance?
It is very special watching everyone’s hard work come together and being in the thick of it in the green room with the children, watching their excitement as suddenly their character, which they have practiced for months, comes to life on the stage. It’s a very magical and moving experience.
