The von Tussels – Louna, left, with Lara Hollinshead who plays Amber
The exchange student experience is often one of new places and experiences but for Finnish exchange student Louna Halme, it has been a case of bringing her talents to share with her peers at Te Awamutu College
Louna attends a Performing Arts school in Tampere, Finland, where she focusses on dance. So when choosing classes for her six-month stint at Te Awamutu College, Dance was an easy choice. Auditioning for the school production was not so easy.
Louna and her castmates feature in the Te Awamutu College productions of Hairspray which runs through to Saturday.
“It was scary as English had only been my primary language for one month and I wasn’t confident speaking English”.
Audition she did and landed the role of Velma von Tussel.
“Being the main villain is exciting and scary at the same time, what if everyone thinks I’m a rude person because I don’t talk so much except to say my lines?”
Despite her reservations, Louna has embraced the process.
“She works very hard and is determined to do the best possible job,” says drama teacher and director Morag Carter. “She sets the bar very high for herself and others and has been a wonderful addition to the cast.”
And how does Louna feel about her English speaking role now?
“The past few weeks have been amazing as I’ve been able to enjoy playing Velma. I’ve made many new friends and I can’t believe this whole thing is nearly over. I’m going to miss the whole cast.
The von Tussels – Louna, left, with Lara Hollinshead who plays Amber
