THIRTY-four members of Notre Dame High School’s Theatre Club today set off on the trip of a lifetime to New York.

The theatre club was formed eight years ago to support the curriculum by taking pupils to performances of drama texts studied in class. The club has been to plays and shows in a wide range of theatres in Greenock, Glasgow, Edinburgh, other venues in Scotland, Stockport and also two residential trips to London and the West End.  The next step was Broadway, New York.

In New York, pupils will participate in a song and dance Workshop with Broadway actors and attend performances of The Lion King and Wicked on Broadway and Firebird and The Dream ballets at the Metropolitan Opera House. All the famous sights will be taken in, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Central Park.

Teacher Derek McDonald, group leader for the trip, said: “The pupils are pro-active in suggesting performances and trips they would like to undertake and their enthusiasm is the driving force behind the club which is open to all and is a truly inclusive activity within the school. The trip has been two years in the planning, and is eagerly anticipated by all pupils and staff.”

Mary McKillop (16) has been a member of the club since First Year. She said: “I’ve been to almost every trip since First Year. I enjoy the trips because of the electric atmosphere during a live performance and the feeling of goose bumps when actors hit the big notes. I am looking forward to New York as it will be the experience of a lifetime and a great start to my Sixth Year.”

Grant McGovern, head teacher of Notre Dame, said: “I am delighted that we are able to offer our students the opportunity to take part in this trip.  It is something that they will undoubtedly remember for the rest of their lives. I know they will have a fantastic time and will, as always, be a credit to the school, their parents and, importantly, themselves. I look forward, with some degree of jealousy, to seeing their daily updates on our school Facebook page and I hope they have a happy, safe, unforgettable trip.”

Apart from Mr McDonald, four other members of staff are travelling -- Joan McNicol, Pauline McCarter, Gerard Gordon and Gillian Fulton.

Mr McDonald thanked all those involved in making the trip possible with special thanks to the parents, carers and Notre Dame office and finance staff for their support in preparation and planning.

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