Performing Arts Roundup

The production was a big one, lasting just over two hours, including an intermission. That required a strong crew, led by stage manager Dora A., with Emma N. on sound, Ellis T. on mics, and Kyle K. on lighting.

 

There were countless standout performances, including Yoon O. and Leo S. as the leads, Wayne Hopkins and Oliver Rivers; Victoria B. as the narrator; Sloane W. moving from stage manager in the musical to performing as Megan Jones in Puffs; Luan B. in the dual roles of Cedric and “Voldy;” Sophie W. as Leanne, the “puffiest of the Puffs,” embodying kindness;

Wyatt W. as J. Finch, another endearing Puff; and Madison J. and Ellie N. both in multiple roles.

 

While audiences were drawn in by the comedy and slapstick, it also had a lot of lovely moments emphasizing acceptance, inclusivity and pluralism, and theatre teacher Mr. Sal Interlandi hopes they picked up on the “essence” of the show.

 

“In a world of heroes like Hogwarts, some people are destined to not be the heroes, but they represent things like kindness, loyalty and hard work,” he said. “And in an environment like Shawnigan, a lot of kids may feel like they are in the background, and this might resonate with them.”

 

 

The figure skating 360 presented its Spring Ice Show on Monday, April 20, with six competitive skaters on the ice and four Learn to Skate students providing support behind the scenes. Instructor Ms. Peggy Ransom calls the Spring Ice Show “the highlight of our skating season. It provides our athletes with the opportunity to perform for the School community, showcase their progress, and celebrate a year of hard work, creativity, and growth.”

 

The quality of the performances grows every year as skaters gain experience and confidence in front of an audience. Team co-captains Adison L. and Joy O. played key roles in creating the show, and their creativity, commitment, and attention to detail were evident. The show served as Joy’s capstone project. The skaters dealt with adversity too, as two of them landed in hospital unexpectedly and Grade 8 Hanna T., a competitive figure skater from Japan who had only arrived at Shawnigan the week before, was able to step in with just one rehearsal under her belt. “Her courage, adaptability, and team-first attitude embody the spirit of our program, and we are incredibly proud of her,” Ms. Ransom said. “We are also thinking of our two skaters who were unable to perform and wish them both a full and speedy recovery.”

 

The showcase marks the conclusion of the competitive and performance season, but the work on the ice continues. In the weeks ahead, several of the skaters will prepare for testing in late May, while the remainder of the term will focus on continued skill development and program work across both our competitive and Learn to Skate groups.

 

In January, the figure skating group took eight competitors to the Vancouver Island Regional Championships in Nanaimo, where they earned several medals in free skate, artistic, and team elements divisions.