Original Scripts Theatre School's name highlights the important difference between this theatre school and others in Christchurch. Wendy Steeds, owner and director, has been very productive in her writing over the last 15 years, so the school has a substantial library of Original Scripts to draw upon. They range from being suitable for the very young through to the middle aged and beyond. Wendy and fellow co-owner and producer of the company, Sonia Chappell, are particularly proud of the large teenage school that has built up and the way these students benefit from improvements in confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, memory and ability to interact with others. Naturally these benefits are not just confined to younger students.

All students appear on stage in front of a paying audience at least twice a year, this is possible because Original Scripts provides a safe and friendly environment where students can train and develop their theatre skills to the level required for public performance. The sense of achievement and thrill that students get out of this is amazing, as well as building in them a lifelong passion for live theatre.

Newsletter Term 1, 2010 (click link)

Term 1, 2010 Newsletter UPDATED.pdf

2010 Drama Classes (click link)

Enrollment Form 2010

Karl Schmid - I first met Wendy and Sonia back in 1994 after successfully auditioning for the role of Cosmo in a KidsFest production of Jack and The Beanstalk. Wendy and Sonia were playing Jack's evil and greedy (and hilariously funny) aunts and through this opportunity to work together they introduced me to their theatre company and school, Original Scripts. Unique and unlike other "drama classes" that were on offer at the time in Christchurch, Original Scripts allowed people of all ages and all capabilities the opportunity to actually get on stage and perform. Real people with a real passion for theatre were allowed to experience firsthand what it was like to be involved in all aspects of putting on a production. EVERYONE was given the chance.

There's no doubt about the benefits of drama in building people's confidence - both young and old. It opens people's eyes and not only teaches us humility but the ability to laugh at ourselves in a safe and encouraging environment. Wendy and Sonia created this special safe space for people to learn about themselves and have fun doing it at the same time.

I'll always be grateful for the opportunities that Original Scripts allowed me, not only as a performer but in other aspects of production too. Wendy and Sonia entrusted me with their productions to direct, stage manage and even design and by doing so taught me so many valuable skills that I call upon every day.

Since leaving New Zealand I've been fortunate enough to work in many areas of the entertainment industry. The lessons that I learnt at Original Scripts have helped me with my television presenting work, producing and writing for well known personalities, production managing for one of Australia's leading music television networks to my present job as an agent here in London where I represent some of the biggest and most successful names in comedy. I've been fortunate enough to work on Broadway, in the West End of London and at some iconic venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, The Sydney Opera House and The MET in New York with some equally iconic performers.

Thank you Wendy and Sonia, and thank you Original Scripts, I'm proud to be able to call myself one of the family.

How Original Scripts (and drama) has helped me in life:

Going to Original Scripts has given me invaluable skills in life. Since doing drama, I have gained confidence and public speaking skills. These skills enabled me to do well in speech competitions throughout school. When I went to Otago, we had to give a speech (I got 97%, top mark!) and at vet school I've had to do 3 presentations so far. My drama skills that I learned have helped me heaps, even in vet school. My drama skills also helped me get this amazing job in vet school and the only reason I got the job is because of my confidence, which I can attribute to drama! Even though I'm doing a veterinary science degree, which isn't remotely artistic, creative, or performance arts orientated, I still find that I need what I learned in drama.
-Beth