Hey Guys and Gidgets! Get yourselves out of solitary confinement and down to school - it's set building day! Every year, a team of dedicated staff and students dare to leave their homes in natty clothes Amber Von Tussle wouldn't be seen dead in and get themselves covered in paint and tape and dust and glue.

Two years ago set building was dominated by the creation of 'Rupert's Spaceship' for Moon on a Stick; last year was all about nostalgia with familiar props and costumes recreated for Bedazzled: Ten Years, One Great Show

And this year? This year is all about cool. Sixties cool. So get yourselves down to school for glitter, gizmos and the odd 'goddammit' (well, we can't expect everything to go right on set-building days). And much, much FUN!

If you can't make it (humph) send your encouragement through comments here.

Oh, and did I mention I made fridge cake for the crew - just in case you need any further encouragement...

Auditions, Accents and Duvets

The last play I was in I was wearing a duvet and a tin foil crown; granted I was only six at the time. I knew of the summer shows held in our school but I never went to any of the auditons - due to the fact that we only perform musicals and I am as agile as a brick and sing like a pigeon being killed by a cat. But this year I tagged along after a recommendation from my drama teacher. I was surprised at just how seriously we take our musicals. Hundreds of hopeful Billy Eliots showed up for first day audtions, all ushered into the canteen to stretch their ligaments and gurgle water. I remember the total horror that befell me as I was pushed through a dance assessment and vocal test - knowing that any chance I had of getting through to the next level was very slim.

When finally it was my turn to show my acting abilities, I was greeted by an even bigger challenge... the American accent! Standing with script in hand and my co-star at my side, Mr Gillingham asked,
"Can you do an American accent?"
To which my only reply was,
"No"
But I could do a West Country accent and my co-star could do a very impressive Irish one. After about a minute of this, both the assessing drama teachers declared, "enough!" while trying to restrain hysterics.

I was sure that I had no chance in hell of even being allowed to clean up after the show, going by my audition, which would have been best suited for a part in Poldark. But to my surprise, one day while wandering past the drama block, I caught sight of my name on the call back sheet ... and here I am, almost two months later and playing the part of Wilbur, the father of Tracy.

This whole experience has taught me that you really musn't underestimate your abilities (and that you can overestimate the standards of others!) I do beg forgiveness of all of you who are coming to the summer show - I have a duet and an American accent that goes all over the 52 states.

By Siana Brett

The "wobble"

It is that time of the production process when everyone begins to worry. Year 10s have been off on work experience, Year 11s and 13s have exams, we haven't started building the set yet, not everyone knows their lines, we are eating too many biscuits.

It must be the annual Performing Arts Wobble.

It happens every year. I remember quite a bad case during Moon on a Stick when I considered leaving the country for somewhere hot, only to return after it was all over.

But the thing about the Wobble is that it is temporary, even necessary. We need the Wobble to remind us all of how much there is still to do. We need it to remind us how much we all want the show to be a success. We need it to be able to look back after the triumph that is the first night of the show and laugh at why were worried.

So if you see me around, furrowed brow, frantically sipping a cup of tea made by Julia, I am okay. I am not worrying.

I am wobbling. And that's okay.

Gillingham

Julia makes the deadline for writing her post... (and practises her touch typing)

How about an update? Everyone likes an update!

So, rehearsals are going well; we are now into the singing and dancing stage of rehearsals, which gives Lizzie a well deserved rest. Everything is slowly starting to come together, though if you look at Mr Gillingham's face at some points during the rehearsal, you would think that the background had just fallen down on the actors. (I personally think he is on the edge of a breakdown during the whole production process). But, fuelled on a seemingly endless amount of tea and biscuits (all bought or made by myself and Lizzie I might add) we are managing to get through. It's shaping up to be a great performance!

Now, all we need to do is figure out the lighting...

By Julia Parissien

Editor's Note: Please be assured that the set will be securely attached with Ultra Clutch during the performances and that Mr Gillingham is fine (as long as he has had his tea...)

"I Can Hear The Bells!

And they're telling me there are only 30 days left until our first performance!