together “so the parcel is passed in perpetuity,” says David. “The young ones get the experience of being on stage with the older ones and learn key competencies with them. Some of the senior boys bring the techniques, conventions and elements learned in Drama classes, so the whole group learns more by “Some boys just shine on stage and it is wonderful this year that so many of the actors’ awards and magic moments went to younger boys in the Houses.” REACTION also appeals to boys who may not choose to participate in College’s mainstream drama productions, but who relish the opportunity to get involved in their House Play. “Lots of people enjoy different aspects of the productions and this year almost every House has benefited from the technical experience of Remy Fitzgerald and Ben Davis, who operated sound and light for almost every play.” Adjudicator Sarah Higginson was impressed by the work which had gone into all the plays and especially the standard of the top five. observation and practice.” He says there will always be standouts.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it, and once again College proved it. In this year’s REACTION House Plays Festival, more than 160
Directors can be seasoned Drama students or newbies who have been entrusted by their Housemasters to do the job. “It’s a major undertaking for any boy in his school career. It’s a massive learning curve for the directors to manage, and they quickly learn what works and what isn’t appropriate. Organising rehearsals and coordinating practice times for boys with multiple calls on their time is a major undertaking – and crucial for a polished performance.” One of the most important things about REACTION is that it brings senior and junior students
boys put themselves on the line to create something special.
“Accepting the challenge of the REACTION House Plays Festival sets you free, enabling you to focus on the heart of learning: to question, set productive goals, solve problems, create solutions, make decisions and have fun,” says Director of Drama David Chambers. All of this year’s plays were very different in tone and subject matter, each in its own way proving a creative challenge for the directors – the boys who take on the responsibility of choosing the play, casting it, and bringing it to performance. “They’re the ones entrusted to initiate, develop and coordinate all the work involved. Miraculously, the humble House Play becomes the vehicle for the development of key curriculum competencies,” says David.
Christ’s College Canterbury
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