Harrodian’s performing arts heritage has always been defined by its spirit of adventure and innovation but this February’s production of School of Rock: the Next Generation is surely the most ambitious show that the School has taken on in its 25 year history. Based on the successful Hollywood film, the show imposes even more demands on its actors than a typical musical. Not only is the company of 40, spanning ages from 9 to 15, required to sing, act and do some dancing too, several of the leads are also required to play musical instruments competently at the same time.
Add in the logistics of staging live music in the Harrodian theatre, the need for a ‘pit band’ to supplement the cast musicians and the technical complexities of organising extra lighting and sound equipment and mixing these ingredients into a harmonious whole and you get a sense of the challenge that Harrodian has set itself in 2018. 'There’s so much talent and enthusiasm and appetite to perform among the pupils,' says Head of Drama Mike Glen in explanation. 'School of Rock felt like the ideal show in which to unleash it.'
From a learning perspective it’s the process that counts more than the end product. Finding a passion and working together to achieve a shared goal gives kids a sense of discipline.
Hannah Ashe, Director of Music
The School of Rock team decided that the best way of fitting the show in alongside their teaching and management roles was to split the directorship three ways with Director of Music, Hannah Ashe managing the sounds, Michael Glen overseeing the acting and Harrodian Music and Dance specialist Melanie Edwards taking on duties ranging all the way from casting through choreography to costumes.
Even so, School of Rock has inevitably been what Hannah calls a ‘very full on experience’ both for the directors and the cast. Preparing for the production has taken almost a term and a half with cast members and staff undertaking a gruelling rehearsal schedule of three two-hour sessions per week since September. The trio of directors are convinced that the effort has been worthwhile. ‘From a learning perspective it’s the process that counts more than the end product’ says Hannah Ashe. ‘Finding a new passion and working together to achieve a shared goal gives kids a new sense of discipline.’ Michael Glen agrees, ‘As well as acting, people acquire many skills that go beyond the curriculum through a production like this’, he says. ‘And for us, watching them grow into a close-knit family and blossom as individuals is so rewarding,’
Eddie, who plays the major role of Dewey, describes the impact of taking part as ‘absolutely massive’. ‘I’ve discovered the meaning of teamwork from working on School of Rock’, he says. ‘It’s boosted my confidence in a big way and I hope I’ve found new leadership skills as well.’
The process has also required several cast members to acquire some distinctly practical new skills too. Julian, 11, learnt to play the keyboards from scratch while Rosalie, 10, set about mastering the bass so both are able perform live on stage in their roles as members of the School of Rock band. ‘It’s been brilliant learning a new instrument,’ says Rosalie matter-of-factly, ‘And I’m definitely planning to carry on when the show is over.’
