High School Smash Hit

Since the fantastic Community Performance to primary schools on Monday, the excitement has built around our latest production - High School Musical - and it didn't disappoint, as it lit up the Main Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, with the forecast looking just as bright for today's matinee and final show.  

Students from all year groups came together to bring the vibrancy of East High to life: actors, backstage crew, lighting technicians, sound desk operators and musicians showed outstanding talent and teamwork.

Head of Drama, Mrs Ring said "I have loved producing the show and taking on roles such as set and lighting design. Part of this has meant working with an amazing crew of around 20 students from Year 7 right the way up to Year 13 on things such as prop management, hair and make-up and costume management. We have students operating the main lighting desk as well as follow spots. We have an amazing team of stage-hands in the wings, all organised by our Year 11 stage managers, Nelly and Phoebe. There is such an immense amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and it has been such a pleasure to work with the students who are making the magic happen!”

KS3 Lead for Drama, Miss Annesley added "I am immensely proud of our students and everything they’ve achieved over the past five months. I feel truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to direct and choreograph such an incredible show with the most talented and dedicated cast. With the intense rehearsal schedule, including weekends, our students gave their all to this production, and the results are a testament to their hard work. The feedback we've received has been outstanding, and I know I’ll definitely be experiencing the post-show blues once it's all over. GO WILDCATS!"

Mr Hoare, Head of Music agreed "High School Musical has been a long endeavour to produce, we started last June when considering what show to do. Since then we have had an audition process, singing rehearsals, dance rehearsals, acting rehearsal, blocking, costumes, set design, painting, technical setup and a whole host of other tasks that are too numerous to count. For some of the students this is their first show, for others this will be their last show as Charters students before they go out into the wider world. The students have been absolutely fantastic at every step of the way and have balanced their normal school curriculum with a intense rehearsal schedule."

Sam who plays Troy is in Year 13 and as one of the lead roles shared why performing in the show has been so great, "As all of my A-Levels are strictly academic, musical theatre serves as a great creative outlet. Although the show has been a huge commitment, seeing it all come to life with the set, costumes, band, and fantastic tech has made it worth every minute. I can't wait for you all to see what we've been working on!'

Students also made up the extensive backstage crew and Miranda who is one of the Lighting Operators told us "I have really enjoyed learning some new skills and meeting new people. I have enjoyed seeing the show come together and getting to be a part of the process."

Mr Hoare continued, pointing out his highlights "There are some surprisingly complicated pieces of music in this show, teaching the students to harmonise and sing together was a real challenge but so gratifying when they got it. My other top moment is when we were able to bring in our band and hear the ensemble with a full accompaniment."

This production really is a heart-warming, smile-inducing treat for the soul!  Audiences spend the entire performance with a huge grin on their faces which last to the next morning. A very large thank you to all the wonderful students and staff who made this production possible, especially Mrs Ring, Ms Annesley, Mr Hoare and Mr Wium.  Anyone who had a hand in this production deserves a mention.  It was just brilliant!