Pupils competing in the Mission On 2008 Stage Challenge used innovative dance routines, colourful costumes and creative props to explore contemporary issues such as crime, drugs, global warming and racism during nine performances.
Wakatipu High School opening No Fear performance dealt with overcoming childhood fears, and the importance of "looking within" to limit the effect irrational processes have on people's lives as they grow older.
Queens High School's It's a Sin To Kill a Mockingbird looked at how prejudice and racism can alter society, and drew inspiration from Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird.
Columba College pupils used impressive props and large ensemble routines to explore mortal sins in Welcome to the Inferno.
Bayfield High School pupils juxtaposed life choices made by young people in the 1950s with those faced by teenagers in the 1990s and today in Upload to Now.
South Otago High School put a modern twist on Sleeping Beauty, when an evil fairy tempted the main protagonist with drugs.
Kaikorai Valley College modernised Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, while Kings High School tied its routine in with recent Anzac day commemorations with Passchendaele.
In Logan Park High School's Temptation, a young girl wrestled with authority figures, and the consequences of poor decisions.
Otago Girls High School performance showed the consequences of global warming from Antarctic to tropical rain forests.
Stage Challenge associate producer Laura Staples said organisers were impressed with the performances and the audience of more than 1200 who turned out.
"We see many of the same pupils year after year, and it's great to see the development of the performers and themes as they gain experience and confidence," she said.
Stage Challenge, now in its 16th year, has retained the core aim of promoting positive and healthy lifestyles, and "emphasising a 100% drug, tobacco and alcohol-free ethos", she said.
More than 16,000 pupils from 209 schools will participate in Stage Challenge and J Rock events in 13 regions this year.
The winner of the event was Otago Girls High School with Global Warming. Kings High School (Passchendaele) was second while Queens High School was third with It's a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird.
