Macleans College Team Shines in Auckland Showquest Finals

A team from Macleans College has successfully advanced to the national finals of the Auckland Showquest, a prestigious performing arts competition. Competing against over 20 schools, the team showcased their talent at the Aotea Centre, capturing the attention of both the judges and a live audience over two nights of performances.

The Auckland Showquest celebrates a combination of music, dance, drama, culture, and technology, encouraging young performers to create original pieces that reflect their creativity and vision. Each performance is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills in choreography, music selection, lighting, and costume design.

While Orewa College secured first place in the competition’s Open section, Macleans College earned second place in the Senior section, which qualified them for the digital national final. Their performance, based on the theme of ‘Sonder’—the realization that everyone around us leads a life as complex and rich as our own—left a significant impact.

The Macleans College team, comprising 41 students, delivered a powerful narrative centered on Sara, a young businesswoman who learns to connect with the experiences of others. The performance was characterized by its compelling dance routines, striking visuals, live singing, and original lighting design.

The creative effort was spearheaded by senior student leaders Amber Thompson, Charlotte Radford, Chloe Tan, and Leana Ferguson. Their dedication and collaboration ensured a high-quality production that highlighted the diverse talents within their school.

The performance was not only a showcase of dancers and singers but also featured student lighting designers and those involved in complex stage lifts, exemplifying a true multidisciplinary approach. The judging panel, which included Jazz Thornton, Katrina George, Kate Laidler, and Tom Webster, took over 40 minutes to deliberate before announcing the results, reflecting the high level of competition.

According to Matt Ealand, the Showquest director, this competition goes beyond merely developing performing arts skills. It fosters critical life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and goal setting. Ealand expressed admiration for the young artists, noting, “Watching these young artists share their thoughts and talents on stage is a true privilege for us. Their ingenuity and dedication is inspiring.”

The Auckland Showquest not only serves as a platform for creative expression but also plays a vital role in enhancing students’ engagement with the arts, ultimately preparing them for future challenges in both artistic and personal pursuits.