Schools diary a date with NASDA

_{Test audiences react warmly as NASDA's Diary of Wimpy Kid prepared to go on the road}

Ara Institute of Canterbury’s National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) is bringing a bunch of characters beloved by kids right to their doorsteps with their 2025 “Schools Tour”.  

A sixty-minute fast-paced musical based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series by Jeff Kinney and 20th Century Studios is on tour right now.  

In all, 4000 primary-school students from Rolleston to Rangiora will see the show performed by second-year Bachelor of Music Theatre students. 

Packing ten schools and performances into the space of a week is no mean feat, but the crew is also offering three public showings at NASDA's theatre (Ara City campus) on Saturday 30th of August.

_{Director NASDA graduate Drew Noble shares feeback with cast members}

Directed by NASDA graduate Drew Noble, the show immerses audiences in an all- singing all-dancing adventure revolving around the trials and triumphs of school yard popularity contests. 

“The show is a heap of fun with great set design by student Caleb Bell and fantastic musical direction from Kimberley Wood. There's been a great team behind it all,” Noble said.  

Noble makes his directorial debut with this production, bringing a wealth of experience from across New Zealand’s musical theatre scene. 
A NASDA graduate, Drew holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) and has since built a dynamic career both on stage and behind the scenes. 

His professional highlights include performing in Kinky Boots (G&T Productions and Showbiz Christchurch) and understudying Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys. As a choreographer, he shaped the acclaimed production of Chicago for New Plymouth Operatic Society. 

While his latest cast are bringing high energy to school stages, they’re also bringing the set, tech and costumes and props along as they learn the true art of becoming touring artists. 

“The show is a great watch and the feedback from audiences has been fantastic.  But what they don’t see is all the work that goes into touring behind the scenes.  Learning how to pack in and out to a tight schedule are also fantastic skills for these Bachelor of Music Theatre students,” Noble said. 

By permission of ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of Broadway Licensing Global get Wimpy Kid in the diary for this Saturday for you chance to be part of the experience. 

Tickets are available through Humanitix.