What a journey this has been! Producing a school production is never an easy job, but definitely worth every minute. Auditions started in February 2024 and I was captivated by the students’ talents that were hidden from us as teachers.
Our main focus of the play was not only to give a spectacular performance, but to help these students develop life skills that will help them in the future. Having fun was always a priority and fond memories were created that will be cherished forever. Helping young learners develop skills like time-management, self-control, team work and endurance is a privilege. These students showed true camaraderie, forging friendships across language, age and social barriers and becoming an extraordinary team.
The back stage crew did an amazing job under the guidance of Mrs Visser. They were on point and focused. Carrying heavy props around and making sure all the right props were at the right places is never an easy job. Thank you to Mrs Marais, Miss Mankhwala and Mrs Haschke for the amazing costumes. The learners looked ravishing and it was all because of your hours of hard work behind the machines. Thank you for your patience and always being willing to alter a costume, for what felt like a hundred times, until everything was perfect. Mrs Terry who did the make-up and transformed our learners into real life characters, thank you. There was limited time between scenes and you still invested all your creativity in making our cast look amazing!
The amazing Mrs Carter didn’t disappoint and painted masterpieces making the production come alive. Always standing ready with a paintbrush in the hand, you have made our vision come to life. Thank you for your positive energy and hard work. You never complained even though your hair and hands were mostly covered in paint. A true example of dedication. Selling tickets, making bookings and laying out the seating plan is a precise job that could only have been led by Mrs Wessels and Mrs Lauwrens. Thank you for checking and making notes and checking again. You did an excellent job.
Hosting our guests of honour and making all guests feel welcome is an important job and we would like to thank Mrs Venter and Mrs Edwards for going beyond expectations and always bringing their passion and love for food come to life.
Our sound and lighting team made all the difference and we would like to thank Mr Blom, Miss Saunders and Mr Swart for taking on the immense job of making sure everything ran smoothly. Mrs Landman, without you I would have been lost. Thank you for all your hard work. Always being by my side and spending hours making props and costumes.
Lastly we would like to thank the community of Dundee and Glencoe. Thank you for supporting us and attending our performances. We would be nothing without your support and it was an honour to host you are our guests.
For now, the hall is empty, the props are packed away and much sleep is being caught up on. May the music of Beauty and The Beast still ring in your ears, may your feet still tap to the rhythm and may you still ponder about the message that beauty must always be found within.
Mrs Ellis
