Rangiora’s Hartley School of Performing Arts (HSPA) is celebrating a special anniversary with a show to be directed by Hannah Thompson, a former staff member.

The show Thumbelina will be the school’s 50th production and marks it’s 30th anniversary.

It is an achievement the school’s founder and director Dale Hartley-Brown is extremely proud of.

The journey began in August 1966 when the school was established with eight students in its first drama class.

"Looking back at what we have been through with earthquakes and pandemics and two global financial crisis, I am sometimes amazed that we are still here," Dale says.

"Any one of those things has ended small businesses all over the country. The statistics on that are horrifying."

However, Dale believes the school’s strength and longevity is testament to two things.

"Theatre people just get things done and make it work no matter what. We pull together and push through when others might find that too hard," she says.

It is also about having a passion for the performing arts and providing a confidence-building environment where students can thrive. ``We teach our students to become leaders within our school. From this they become leaders in life," Dale says.

“As a parent I have watched my own children flourish with their involvement," she says.

"Seeing that, and the same thing for other children who have struggled to find their place in the world up until finding HSPA.

"I know how important the connections these kids make is, and add into that, the chance to create drama, music and dance, as well as costumes and scenery. "

Thumbelina is a “delightful musical version of this classic fairytale story” performed by the school’s junior department.

It will be held in the Rangiora Town Hall on September 26, involving 70 HSPA students and 15 crew members. Tickets can be purchased at Rangiora Town Hall Cinemas.

This year Dale has also been involved (as production manager and committee member) for the Saturday September 5 Rangiora Town Hall Centenary Showcase production which will be a night of entertainment, music and nostalgia with performances by the North Canterbury Musical Society, Rangiora RSA Brass Band, North Canterbury Academy of Music, Hartley School of Performing Arts, North Canterbury School of Dance, Jenna McKenzie School of Dance and many more.

Tickets for that show can be also be purchased at the Rangiora Town Hall Cinemas or online at:https://www.townhallcinemas.co.nz/movie/rangiora-town-hall-centernary-showcase.