Directing Gregg Kreutz’s comedy Death by Golf, which opens at Mosgiel’s Fire Station Theatre this Friday, Henry (19) is the youngest director to lead a Taieri Dramatic Society production.
"Although I have been acting for several years, directing is a new experience for me, and I’m finding it a really good learning experience," Henry said.
"It’s good that the cast are experienced, and I have good support, so we are working on figuring things out together."
A second-year student at the University of Otago, studying theatre and media studies, Henry started acting with Taieri Dramatic Society in 2017, while a pupil at Taieri College.
"I was first introduced to Taieri Dramatic by my drama teacher, as a way of getting into stage acting, and have been involved in quite a few shows in the years since.
"It has given me valuable experience that is very helpful now that I am doing the theatre course at university.
"It has been great for my confidence, and for generally understanding stage craft and how shows are put together."
In Death by Golf, Henry is directing the acting team of Jared Preston, Amanda Fiveash, Tony Rydell, Alison Ayers, and Don Townsend.
"There are challenging elements to this play, which combines wordy dialogue and farcical elements — so that requires a lot of concentration from everyone," he said.
"It’s going very well so far."
Being able to tap into the knowledge of the actors, as well as set designer and Taieri Dramatic Society board member Heidi Rixon was very helpful.
"There’s plenty of good advice when I need it."
Taieri Dramatic Society’s production of Death by Golf, by Gregg Kreutz, will run from tomorrow to May 9, and from May 14 to 16, at the Fire Station Theatre.
For information and bookings, visit firestationtheatre.co.nz.
