Macleans College Team Advances to Showquest National Finals

A team from Macleans College in East Auckland has successfully advanced to the national finals of the Showquest performing arts competition. This achievement follows a strong performance at the Auckland Showquest, held over two nights at the Aotea Centre, where participants from more than 20 schools showcased their creative talents.

The Auckland Showquest celebrates music, dance, drama, culture, and technology, challenging young performers to create original pieces that reflect their artistic vision. Each school team conceptualizes and produces their performance, including choreography, music selection, and design elements such as lighting and costumes.

Macleans College demonstrated exceptional talent in the Senior section, earning second place and a spot in the national digital finals. Their performance focused on the theme of “Sonder,” a term that captures the realization that everyone around you lives a life as complex as your own. This concept was brought to life through a compelling narrative that followed a young businesswoman named Sara, who learns to connect with the experiences of those around her.

The performance featured 41 students, delivering a powerful and moving execution that captivated both the judges and the audience. According to the school, the piece was characterized by impactful dance, striking visuals, live singing, and original lighting design, all of which highlighted the depth of talent among the students.

Leadership played a crucial role in this success, with senior students Amber Thompson, Charlotte Radford, Chloe Tan, and Leana Ferguson spearheading the project. Their collaboration extended beyond performers to include lighting designers and students performing intricate lifts, showcasing a true team effort across various disciplines.

The judging panel, consisting of Jazz Thornton, Katrina George, Kate Laidler, and Tom Webster, was so impressed by the quality of performances that they deliberated for over 40 minutes before reaching a decision. Each team was evaluated on their use of the six key Showquest elements.

Showquest director Matt Ealand emphasized the importance of such competitions in fostering students’ creative expression and deeper engagement with the arts. He stated, “Platforms such as Showquest are pivotal for nurturing students’ creative expression and their deeper engagement with the arts. Participants are not just honing their artistic skills; they are also developing critical life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and goal setting.”

Ealand expressed admiration for the dedication and ingenuity displayed by the young artists, noting that witnessing their talents on stage is a privilege. Macleans College’s advancement to the national finals highlights not only the students’ artistic abilities but also their commitment to collaboration and innovation in the performing arts.