The curtain has gone up on a £50,000 investment on new music and drama facilities at a Mickleover school which has staged its first full-scale production.
Murray Park Community School has installed a new lighting rig, PA system and music facilities which enabled pupils to welcome back audiences for a production of Matilda.
The musical was the result of many months of planning, rehearsing and training in the new equipment for staff and students alike.
And pupils were involved behind the scenes as well as on stage, supporting the artistic and musical direction, the operation of the new sound and lighting systems, building scenery and making props and costumes.
The arts department staff helped with catering and teachers and students baked cakes in support.
Head of Arts, Simon Moore, said “It has always been my dream to see this stage lit up once again and to see public audiences back at Murray Park.
“Some of our young people have faced challenges in their lives and to see their faces, full of pride on the first night of the show, made me, in turn, extremely proud.
“This production is a taste of the future and we hope to stage many more high quality productions over the coming years.”
Although not the oldest school in the city, the drama department had been in need of investment for many years in order to offer the technology and facilities that reflect the entertainment industry.
The specialist equipment has helped pupils develop their creativity and to understand that there are many roles within the fields of music and drama that are not necessarily performance based.
Mr Moore added: “Performing Arts was hit hard by the pandemic and with so many theatres closed, some of them permanently, it has meant less opportunities for young people to access the theatre and live events.
“Our young people deserve the best opportunities we can offer and with a heartfelt desire by staff and pupils to see the drama facilities in use again, it finally happened.
“The production was fabulous and it was wonderful to see so many pupils pulling together. Special thanks to Jacob Swan, a textile student in Year 11, for his help with costumes.
“We can’t wait to start working on our next show.”
