Chloe Robertson (17), Krystal O’Gorman (17), and Shy Smith (17) have each studied theatre for several years with Queen’s head of drama Terry MacTavish, who could not be prouder of their achievements.
‘‘The talent and beauty of these girls is wonderful — I’m really proud to send them on their way,’’ Ms MacTavish said.
Krystal O’Gorman recently returned from being part of the New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company, which spent two weeks studying and performing at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
As well as having the chance to learn from some of the world’s leading Shakespeare experts, Krystal also played Hermione in A Winter’s Tale in front of an audience that included the New Zealand High Commissioner and family members.
‘‘Being on Shakespeare’s stage was a feeling of being very alive — Iloved it,’’ Krystal said.
Krystal is now determined to go to London to further her acting career.
Also hoping to have the chance to experience Shakespeare’s Globe is Chloe Robertson, who was named best student director in the recent SGCNZ University of Otago Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival for her direction of a five-minute scene from Romeo and Juliet.
Chloe was selected to attend the intensive National School Shakespeare Programme, to be held in Dunedin late this month.
Half of the 42 young actors involved will be selectedto travel to Shakespeare’s Globe in London next year.
‘‘It’s going to be a great learning experience, and who knows where it could lead?’’ Chloe said.
Ms MacTavish herself acted on the stage at Shakespeare’s Globe, during the 2013 Teachers Go Global programme, and since then five Queen’s girls have been selected for the Young Shakespeare Company and three have gone to London.
‘‘I have pushed the girls to aim high because I wanted to help them share that fabulous experience,’’ she said.
Performing at Shakespeare’s Globe is not the only goal for Queen’s High School’s talented drama girls.
Shy Smith recently returned home from representing New Zealand at the World Championship of Performing Arts in the United States.
Shy is excited to be the recipient of a $15,000 scholarship to the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, which she will attend from September next year.
‘‘It is an amazing opportunity — I’m so excited to be going there,’’ Shy said.
‘‘For me, drama has been so helpful in giving me confidence and helping me to open up, and now it has given me this.’’
Shy was mentored through the experience by former Queen’s pupil Sarah Latta, who had previously taken part.
