Testimonials
Dear HSPA Team
Wow!!! What an incredible show Alice in Wonderland was!! Something that all involved with can be so very, very proud of. Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to your whole team for putting together such an amazing show.
A huge congratulations to the artistic team .. The characters and story they brought to life were wonderful. We appreciate all of the time and hard work they put in to the students of HSPA so that they can have this amazing experience and opportunity.
Charlie absolutely loves being on stage and a part of the HSPA family. He is in his element on stage and also loves hanging out in the dressing rooms getting to know more fellow performers. A big thank you to everyone else involved that put so much time and effort in to the show, too many to name, that I saw rushing around doing things. They were always super helpful to others when people had questions. I know how much hard work goes into shows like these so we really do appreciate it. A big thank you to many parents who helped in so many different ways too.
Congratulations once again on an incredible and entertaining show. Charlie was quite sad to have it all end, so is very much looking forward to next year's show already!
Kylie Meyer - Parent 2022
Dear Dale
Thank you for everything that you have done with HSPA this past year. We have been so grateful for the 'constant' that HSPA has provided in what what has been a crazy year. We have loved being part of it all in some small way - it's pretty special.
Evelyn Stuart - Parent 2020
Dear Dale
Thank you so much for all of the learning and joy that you've brought to my life over the last 10 or so years. The school has been an absolute blessing for me, and the work you put in is admirable. You have always been encouraging and constructive and an inspiring figure. So one last time - Thank you!
Sian Hassan - Student 2020
Dear Dale
The school is such a wonderful place and so much more than a school. I'm so grateful for the welcoming and accepting environment and the opportunities offered.
Tina Main - Parent 2018
Dear Dale
On behalf of the Davidson family, I would like to say thank you for the wonderful years our three children have had at the Hartley School of Performing Arts. All three loved and benefited from their years doing drama, a bit of dance and finally singing, with the school, and the drama in particular has set them up well for continuing this passion at secondary school, as well as arming them with a range of skills and strengths to assist them in many different areas of life.
We feel very fortunate that Rangiora and North Canterbury has this amazing asset that is the HSPA, and thank you for your passion and expertise, and that of your wonderful tutors
Sarah Davidson - Parent 2018
Dear HSPA
This whole thing has been such a wonderful experience for her. For the first time ever, she is making friends and feels like she 'belongs' somewhere.
Thank you so much.
Justine Caddy - Parent 2018
Dear Dale
Thank you so much for directing this exciting show! Everyone has had so much fun, as always, and we are all so grateful that you continue to offer these amazing opportunities for the people in our community to perform and learn.
Cast member of 'The of Wizard of Oz' - 2015 Whole School Anniversary Production.
Dear HSPA Team,
Congrats to you all for an AMAZING show. My husband and I went last night, and we were “filled up with parental-pride” watching our daughter perform.
While her part was small, she gave 100%, and hasn’t talked about anything else all week.
Her confidence in herself has grown.
She’s met some amazing people.
She feels a part of a larger group.
She has immersed herself in new experiences – makeup, costumes, rehearsals, environment, & expectations for performance
She has felt important and a part of something special.
Thank you for this. You carry out amazing and important work. Keep up the great work.
Delwyn Harvey- Parent 2014
Dale
I don’t know what I would have done without being able to come to HSPA. I have met some of my closest friends through the school and love them all like family. I am so glad your school allows people to have that, and to have a safe environment where we can be ourselves and express ourselves!
I hope you have enjoyed having me in the school as much as I have enjoyed being a part of it. The rooms were my second home and I have loved every minute that I’ve been there.
Antony Kamstra – (Tutor 2010-2013/ Student 2006-2010)
Dear Dale & Logan
Myself and my husband were so impressed with the show. The amount of work put in by you and Logan and the rest of the team is completely outstanding. I was so impressed with the amount of very confident and talented children in the show. It was a fantastic production with many stars in the making. There was times of fantastic laughter and just feeling completely blessed what all these children can do. Seeing children that do not have very much confidence off stage and seeing them shine on stage. Wow is all I can say. Truly outstanding.
Thank you again for all the behind the scenes crew if it was not for you all these children would not be able to show their true talents.
Kind regards
Janna and Nick gray (Parents 2013)
Dear Dale & Grant
I have thought after every show my children have been involved in, that I should write and tell you what you probably already know. How great the show was and how much fun the kids had, but I've never quite got round to it or it didn't seem the right thing to do. Well I've decided I do need to say something because I think what you offer to our children is very special and I'm so grateful that Lizzie, Molly-Kate and James have had the chance to be part of it.
My background is teaching and because I have helped out in the dressing rooms, I've been able to watch not only my own children but others as well, with my "teacher" hat on. I see children learning to manage themselves, children helping each other. I've watched children grow in confidence during a show as they learn to manage themselves, be ready for their cues and tell helpers what they need.
Then come your tutors. What a great bunch! These young people are like a little family. They are sensible, fun, passionate and have the utmost respect for you both. The older bunch has taken Lizzie under their wing and she is thriving. She looks up to them and I am so grateful to have such bright, considerate and talented role models for her. To watch a show unfold under the guidance and structure of these young people could not happen if they did not have such a strong foundation. And that is you two. You two are the foundation, strength and soul of the school. What you offer young people of North Canterbury is very special. You have a gift and I can't believe how lucky we are that our children get to be a part of it.
Thank you so much for everything you have done for our children
Kind Regards
Simone Mullan (Parent 2012)
Dale
You have definitely inspired me and made me realise just how much I love performing. And thanks to the amazing experiences that I have had at DHSSD I know that this is something that will always be a part of my life. I am so grateful to you. Thank you for helping me discover that acting is my passion.
Ali Ramsey (Student 2007-2012)
Dear Dale
A big thankyou to you personally and the drama school you've made available. I've learnt so much over the years through your school and wouldn't be the person I am today without it. The shows you put on opened up a whole new world for me. I've gained so much confidence because of DHSSD and i am so thankful to be lucky enough to be able to have had the opportunity to attend it. Now through the result in large part of DHSSD I have been accepted along with only 16 others to attend a school to further my studies.
Tyler Jones (Student 2003-2010)