Back
2552 days ago

45 by 45 - first one done!

Shannon Beynon Reporter from Christchurch Mail

The first thing off my list of 45 things to complete by the time I'm 45 has been completed. Admission - it was in the wind before my birthday, but it was still something I had wanted to do, and it was serendipitous that it all happened around the same time.

I performed in front of an audience.

For eight weeks last term, I was part of a rag-tag bunch of twenty or so individuals who got together every Monday night, telling stories, making stuff up and having a hell of a lot of fun. We were teachers, tattoo artists, students, personal trainers, professionals. All with our own reasons for coming, and united in our desire to step outside our comfort zones and try something new - and maybe make some friends along the way.

Our tutor, Emma Brittenden, was an absolute breath of fresh air while being incredibly encouraging and delightfully naughty. She encouraged us all from the get-go to always be 'a bit shit'; to give ourselves permission to not be perfect. It's this lesson that's at the heart of improv, and, if you ask me, life itself.

Improv isn't just about acting or comedy or making a dick of yourself on stage. It's about sharpening your brain, inspiring your partner and failing spectacularly and being more than comfortable with it.

We learned story structure and we learned the rules of the games, but we also learned how to read cues and how to step back and let someone else lead. We learned to let go. We learned to relish our failures.

A couple of weeks ago we showcased what we'd learned in front of an audience of family and friends. And it was both terrifying and terrific.

If you're keen to repeat my madness, I highly recommend this class as a way of dipping your toes in.

Spontaneity One runs at the Court Theatre every Monday night from 6pm-7.30pm. No experience necessary!
$127 per term (8 weeks).
Book at courteducation.org.nz.

The full list of my 45 by 45 can be found on my blog: shewillbealright.wordpress.com.... I'll update as I go.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
9 hours ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

Image
Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 65.9% Yes
    65.9% Complete
  • 30.4% No
    30.4% Complete
  • 3.7% Other - I'll share below
    3.7% Complete
135 votes
4 days ago

Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?

Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.

Image
How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
  • 27.4% I love it!
    27.4% Complete
  • 31.3% Only in designated areas
    31.3% Complete
  • 41.4% No, it should be outdoors only.
    41.4% Complete
2584 votes
9 hours ago

Christchurch: School Holiday ideas

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

If you're on school holiday duty this week, here are some ideas to get the whānau out of the house! Feel free to share any of your own in the comments below.

Sat, 28th Sept: Superhero Circus show @ The Arts Centre
Sat, 28th Sept: Picture Me: free art workshops @ Turanga
Sat, 28th Sept: Movie Screening: Flow @ The Arts Centre

Sun, 29th Sept: Super Quest activity @ The Arts Centre
Sun, 29th Sept: Quail Island Pirate Treasure Hunt @ Quail Island

Mon, 30th Sept: Movie screening: Gremlins @ Lumiere
Mon, 30th Sept: Teddy Bear Ferris Wheel extravaganza @ Islington
Mon, 30th Sept: Princess-themed activities @ Riccarton Mall

Tues, 1st Oct: Juggling Workshops @ Northlands Mall
Tues, 1st Oct: Creative Writing workshop @ The Arts Centre
Tues, 1st Oct: Carnival-Themed Crafts & Games @ Northlands Mall

Wed, 2nd Oct: Badjelly the Witch Glow Show @ Te Pae
Wed, 2nd Oct: Sleeping Beauty movie screening @ Lumiere
Wed, 2nd Oct: Fudge Shape Decorating @ The Arts Centre
Wed, 2nd Oct: Make: Sticker, Bag Tag and Bag @ South Library

Thurs, 3rd Oct: Feed the Big Butterfly @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 3rd Oct: Stilt Walking workshop @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 3rd Oct: Ceramic Planter workshop @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 3rd Oct: Kids Paint & Sip

Fri, 4th Oct: Kids Art Classes - daily crafts @ Roy Stokes Community Hall, New Brighton
Fri, 4th Oct: Storytime @ Riccarton Bush
Fri, 4th Oct: Scouts Aotearoa Variety Show @ Grange Theatre, Riccarton

Sat, 5th Oct: Ballet: Charlie & Chocolate Factory @ Southern Ballet Theatre

Mon, 7th Oct: Sleeping Beauty movie screening @ Lumiere
Mon, 7th Oct: African Drum workshop @ The Arts Centre
Mon, 7th Oct: Cicus Classes @ The Arts Centre
Mon, 7th Oct: Nee Naw with Deano Yipadee @ Tūranga
Mon, 7th Oct: Spring Garden Picnic @ Richmond Community Gardens

Tues, 8 October: Harmoney & Beatboxing workshops @The Arts Centre
Tues, 8 October: |One Day Circus School @ The Arts Centre
Tues, 8 October: Lego Bricks Building @ The Arts Centre
Tues, 8 October: Kids Paint & Sip @ The Arts Centre

Wed, 9 October: Traditional Kite-making workshop @ The Arts Centre
Wed, 9 October: Cicus Classes @ The Arts Centre
Wed, 9 October: Movie screening: Gremlins @ Lumiere

Thurs, 10 October: Carrot & Pickle Clown workshop @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 10 October: Kids Paint & Sip @ The Arts Centre

Fri, 11 October: Build a Rocket workshop @ The Arts Centre
Fri, 11 October: Storytime @ Riccarton Bush

Sat, 12 Oct: Explore Antartica @ Tūranga

Other ideas:
Air Force Museum
Arion Farm Park
Canterbury Astronomical Society Open nights
Canterbury Museum
The Great Museum Santa Search
Chipmunks
Christchurch Art Gallery
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Christchurch Gondola
Christchurch Tram
CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Flip Out Trampoline Arena
Imagination Station
Inflatable World
International Antarctic Centre
Mega Air Trampoline Arena
Orana Park
Rutherford's Den at The Arts Centre Interactive, science-themed family fun.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
YMCA Clip 'n Climb
Xtreme Entertainment - bowling and arcade
Playgrounds: The Margaret Mahy Family Playground - Tākaro ā poi and the New Brighton Beachside Playground are popular destinations.
Pools - QE11, Jellie Park

Image