As the head of Theatre here at Nexus, I couldn’t be more proud of the dedication and enthusiasm radiating from everyone involved in our production of “The Addams Family.” It was palpable, infectious even. When selecting a play for this year’s performance, we aimed to choose something that would both challenge and inspire our talented learners, but also something none of the staff had done before. Interestingly, a significant portion of the cast had requested “The Addams Family,” citing their love for the quirky characters and we thought it would be fun to try out a slightly darker comedy this year. For three months, we delved deep into rehearsals, meeting every Tuesday through Thursday, and dedicating four weekends to perfecting each scene.
Witnessing the commitment and growth of our learners throughout this process fills me with immense pride. They’ve truly exceeded expectations, embodying their roles with passion and finesse, making this production a true testament to their talent and hard work.
Performance Highlights
Lukas’ portrayal of Gomez Addams was nothing short of phenomenal, capturing the essence of the character with charm and finesse. Nicole and Kristen brought a captivating allure to the stage as Morticia, their voices resonating with sultry sophistication.
Yasmine and Sophie delivered standout performances as the conflicted Wednesday Addams, navigating the character’s complex emotions with depth and authenticity. Their chemistry on stage was palpable, adding layers of intrigue to the storyline.
The synergy between the school band and the cast was remarkable, enhancing the production with dynamic musical accompaniment. From the intricate choreography to the seamless execution of dialogue, singing, and acting, every aspect of the performance was executed with precision and flair.
Reflecting back on the production of The Addams Family, the experience goes far beyond the applause and curtain calls. Behind the scenes, our learners also gain valuable skills that extend well beyond the stage.
Behind The Scenes: Learnings Beyond The Stage
Teamwork and Collaboration: Musicals require a huge collective effort from actors, musicians, directors, and crew. Everyone learns to collaborate and work towards a common goal as part of a team. The beauty of it is the unlikely friendships and relationships we get to have with people we would not normally meet, and these continue well beyond the show.
Time Management: Balancing rehearsals, schoolwork, and other commitments teach learners the importance of effective time management and organisation skills. They learn to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines while juggling multiple responsibilities.
Discipline and Commitment: Rehearsing demands dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Sacrifices have to be made, but in the end, you are part of an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it is all worth it!
Creativity and Expression: Theatre provides a creative outlet for self-expression, allowing people to explore and develop their artistic talents. Through acting, singing, and dancing, they learn to convey emotions, tell stories, and interpret characters. Not forgetting the props teams and the musicians, the creative possibilities are endless!
Confidence Building: Performing in front of an audience helps our learners overcome stage fright and build confidence in their abilities. They learn to project their voices, command attention, and exude charisma while embracing the spotlight. Not only this, but it also teaches them how to be good audiences—to watch and listen to others with respect, knowing that performing in front of others is brave and hard!
Problem-Solving: From technical problems to artistic differences and dealing with mistakes that require quick thinking, our learners learn to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, think on their feet, and find creative solutions to overcome challenges.
Resilience and Adaptability: In the face of setbacks or mistakes, perhaps not getting the part they wanted … our learners develop the ability to bounce back with resilience and adaptability. They learn to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, persevere through challenges, and grow from their experiences.
Empathy: Through collaboration with diverse classmates, the learners develop empathy by actively considering different perspectives. This fosters a richer understanding of human emotions and the complexities of relationships.
A Testament to Nexus' Artistic Excellence
It seems that with each production, Nexus continues to raise the bar, cementing its reputation for delivering top-notch performances. This show will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Nexus’ finest to date, a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence in the Arts.
Kimberley Bennett, Learning Area Leader (Drama)
Kim is excited to be teaching Drama at Nexus and believes that it’s absolutely vital for everyone to master transferable communication and public relations skills that are integral to a modern global community. She strives to create a holistic, safe and enjoyable learning environment, where all pupils are active and purposeful, whilst also making sure they are having fun and achieving a personal goal, no matter what their ability.
