DRAMA SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 June 1939, Page 4

DRAMA SCHOOL

OPENED AT ST MATTHEW'S SCHOOL HALL. EXCELLENT WORK ON FIRST NIGHT. The drama school which opened at St Matthew’s School Assembly Hall last evening was attended by about fifty students, besides a number of senior pupils of St Matthew's. The large attendance and keen enthusiasm shown were very encouraging to the executive of the Wairarapa Drama League, which is responsible for the school.

In the absence of the president, Mr T. Jordan, the chairman of the executive. Miss O. R. Sutherland, declared the school open and extended a welcome to the tutor, Mrs Victor Lloyd. Miss Sutherland recalled the pleasant memories associated with Mrs Lloyd’s last visit and said she was sure the present occasion would prove profitable and interesting to everyone.

In returning thanks for the welcome extended to her, Mrs Lloyd said she was pleased to find that the drama had such a high standing among the people of Masterton.

Mrs Lloyd proceeded to give a lecture on dramatic exercises. She stressed the importance of deportment and outlined exercises for walking, turning and sitting on the stage and for graceful arm and hand movements. Gesture and emotion were also demonstrated by exercises. Mrs Lloyd stressed the value of mime in initial training for stage work. These exercises were illustrated by a group of girl students. The opening portion of the evening’s programme was the rehearsal -of the play “The Black Horseman,” followed by the rehearsal of the extreme■ ly amusing Noel Coward comedy “Hands Across the Sea.” Those present were delighted witn the work seen and the proceedings were followed by the keenest interest by a large number of actors and producers. Mrs Lloyd obtained from her audience suggestions as to stage settings, positions, etc. At 6.30 o’clock this evening there will be a rehearsal of “The Black Horseman” and at 7 a rehearsal of “Hands Across the Sea.” At 8 Mrs Lloyd will lecture on children’s plays and at 9 she will conduct an acting class and dramatic exercises.