This year, Kinsale Community School put on a production of ‘Hi School Musical’. Our TY students jumped into the roles as the auditions began the third week in September under the direction of Ms Brid Kearney, Ms Maria Kennedy and Ms Sinead Brennan. With a large TY number, a lot of talent and so much enthusiasm, it was very difficult to choose our main cast! Eventually we decided to split the roles into two casts to give more students the opportunity to shine on stage. We also had two chorus groups, which meant a lot more rehearsal!

We began in September, and it was full steam ahead right up until the week of the show. Students and teachers fully committed to a schedule of rehearsals which took place most evenings after school and at weekends. Our Art Department, Ms Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Ms Deirdre Kelly began creating a beautiful set, designing and painting and making our show come to life. The woodwork department, under the direction of Adrian O’Connor built a fantastic set for us and the Home Ec. department began to make, order and organise costumes under the direction of Ms Eimear Murphy and Ms Niamh Hay, who spent many evenings and weekend at rehearsals measuring and fitting the theatrical TY’s! Many thanks to the PE Department for allowing us the use of the gym to rehearse, as well as providing basketballs for the ‘Wildcat’ dance - ‘Getcha Head in the Game’.

The week of the show arrived with gusto and with a  live band consisting of staff members, students and past pupils, under the musical direction of Ms Brid Kearney, it was a wonderful week. The students shone on stage, and received standing ovations. It was a fantastic learning experience for the students and a wonderful opportunity for them to bond as a year group and to try something new.

Many staff members and parents assisted with catering, front of house and supervision, which we are so grateful for. The closing number ‘We’re All in This Together’ really rang true! Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity for students and they did Kinsale Community School Proud.

Maria Kennedy…….Director

Brid Kearney………..Musical Director

Sinead Brennen…..Choreographer