Theatre performers take on Crawford school play
SANDTON - Directors Andrea Shine and Matt Counihan are the yin and yang behind Crawford's latest school play Little Shop of Horrors.
Counihan directed and performed in the school’s last play in 2008. Shine has helped direct various school productions throughout the years. When Crawford contacted them to direct the play, they could not pass up on the opportunity, especially as ex-Crawford pupils.
Little Shop of Horrors was chosen by the pupils. “Many of them didn’t know what the piece was about, but got dragged in by the name,” said Shine
Counihan and Shine held professional auditions for the pupils. Pupils who auditioned had an opportunity to perform a song from any show or any genre, as well as prepare a dance.
Counihan said the pupils all fell in love with the process of being in the play. He said he and Shine were proud of the production and it went beyond their expectations. “I watched a masterpiece unfold in front of me and saw what they were capable of,” said Counihan referring to their final rehearsal.
“Children enjoy being treated like adults and pushing them hard allows them to see what they have been able to achieve.”
