STUDENTS are preparing to do battle on the regional stage after sweeping the boards in a contest designed to test their performing arts skills.
Richmond School and Sixth Form students will compete in the Northern final of the Rock Challenge, organised by the Be Your Best Foundation, at the Auditorium, Grimsby, on June 5.
They secured their place with an emphatic win as more than 60 Year 7-10 students took part in the county final staged at York’s Barbican theatre, the culmination of six months’ rehearsals.
Students and staff now plan to pick apart the production to hone every aspect before the big showdown in June.
The eight minute production features a deforestation theme and saw them take an overall win in York, as well as top honours for drama, stage crew, soundtrack, visual enhancement, costume in character, stage use, set design and function, concept, choreography, lighting and entertainment.
Dance teacher Nicola O’Malley said: “We were all over the moon. The students took the lead in all aspects of the production and worked extremely hard. We can’t wait for the next contest.”
She was helped by teachers Chris and Sally McGrath, Laura Hillyard and Year 11 student Katy Darkins.
“It was amazing watching the students grow and they were just so good on the day,” said Katy, 16, of Stanwick.
“I’m studying contemporary dance as a GSCE which is great because it has helped be develop and understand my routines.
“I have a biology exam that day but plan to head straight to Grimsby afterwards because I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
