Imagine it – no TV, no tablets, no tech.

Te Puke Primary School students took to the Baycourt stage in Tauranga last week and, with their imagining of what would happen in this scenario, won the junior section of Showquest.

Showquest is a nationwide performing arts programme and a platform for youth voices to be heard, with events in 11 towns and cities.

Teachers Millie Rowe and Nicole Mills oversaw the preparation and performance.

With performances time limited to eight minutes, Rowe said Showquest offered a great opportunity to perform in a big space which, because performances were limited to eight minutes, was manageable.

“The more performance opportunities our kids are able to be exposed to, the better.

“We have so many kids that have never been on a big stage before, they’ve never performed under lights, they’ve never performed with a big sound systems, projection all that kind of stuff, so just providing those opportunities and taking as many of those opportunities as possible is really important.”

The students taking part were from Years 4 to 8, with 52 on stage in dance roles, six playing ukuleles, two backstage leaders and two light team leaders.

Rowe said the backstage roles were just as important as the performing roles in offering opportunities and experiences.

“We had so many kids wanting to be part of it, the reality of what we were able to do meant that not of them could, but that [non-performing roles] gave us an opportunity to pull in as many as we could in different capacities.”

Rowe and Mills came up with the basic idea for the performance.

“The kids helped develop the idea more and gave suggestions here and there. Then we also had student captains who wrote the blurb that was read as part of the performance:

Imagine it - Just imagine it! One night, all the lights go out—no TVs, no tablets, no tech at all! At first, everyone is like, “What do we do now?” But then something amazing happens... imagination!

“They make up wild games, tell silly stories, and turn boxes into - well you’ll need to watch to find out. This fun performance shows how cool it can be to unplug and let your brain play, something we love doing at our kura. Watch the magic happen when the power goes out and creativity lights up!”

The event involved a whole day at the theatre, with two dress rehearsals for each group during the day and the evening performance which also included the TOI wearable art showcase.

The school built on its first experience of Showquest last year when it finished second.

“In the first year you learn a lot about different elements you can incorporate to make it better for the next year – that’s why we tried to up our game a bit with live music this year.

We also had more kids this year than last year.

“To come first was phenomenal.”

Te Puke Primary School also won awards for excellence in music, drama and dance recognition for its art and the best story.

Student Lexi Gordon won the Whetū Rangatahi (Star of the Show) award.Showquest producer Kelsey Moller described the school’s performance: “It was such a fun and positive performance with a strong message, and great group of students”.

“Loved the concept and the characters and storytelling in this piece just make me smile. I watched you guys have fun and it made me have fun,” said judge, Kelsey Andrew.

Showquest’s goal is to create multiple opportunities for students to be involved in a creative endeavour - whether as performers, choreographers, backstage crew, designers, musicians or dancers.

This creates positive experiences for students, developing confidence, leadership skills and a passion for the arts.

Showquest and TOI are presented by RQP, producers of Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats, Rockshop Bandquest, OnScreen and Stills.