A Lifelong Love for Drama
Grace’s love for drama began in childhood, sparked by watching films and performing through dance. However, it wasn’t until primary school that her passion truly took off. Small drama lessons evolved into larger opportunities, including hosting a radio program in Year 8 and participating in her first musical theatre production. From those early experiences, Grace developed a keen appreciation for storytelling and performance, which has only grown stronger over the years. One of the defining moments in her development as a performer was taking on the role of Antonia from Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! by Dario Fo. This comedic role challenged her to explore new territory, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and helping her refine her craft.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
The journey to excellence was not without its difficulties. While ACG Tauranga does not have a dedicated drama theatre, the school’s commitment to fostering student potential ensured that Grace and her peers received the support and guidance they needed to succeed. Their drama teacher, Mrs. Nicholson, played an instrumental role in helping students develop their skills by sourcing additional learning opportunities, organising workshops, and providing valuable after-school mentoring. Through determination and creativity, Grace and her classmates embraced every challenge and transformed their learning space into an environment that nurtured artistic growth.
Drama requires not only performance skills but also analytical and critical thinking. Balancing these aspects came naturally to Grace, thanks to the encouragement she received at ACG Tauranga. The school’s focus on academic excellence and holistic development helped her hone both her practical and theoretical knowledge. A particularly thought-provoking experience in her studies was analyzing A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller, which introduced her to Carl Jung’s shadow theory. Exploring Eddie Carbone’s character through this psychological lens was eye-opening and deepened her understanding of human complexity.
Beyond the Stage: Skills for Life
Beyond the classroom, drama has provided Grace with invaluable life skills. She believes the subject is often underestimated but is crucial for building confidence, adaptability, and quick thinking - qualities that benefit many professions beyond the arts. Whether in politics, business, medicine, or any other field, the ability to present oneself effectively and navigate different scenarios is an essential skill.
Grace credits much of her success to the supportive environment at ACG Tauranga. The school’s personalised approach to education, along with its emphasis on fostering student talents, allowed her to flourish. She acknowledges the unwavering dedication of her drama teacher, Mrs. Nicholson, whose extra hours of mentorship made a significant impact, as well as the motivation and creativity of her peer and friend, Koen McKenzie, whose competitive spirit constantly pushed her to strive for excellence.
A Moment of Recognition
Receiving the High Achievement award was a surreal moment for Grace. “At first, I was daunted - getting pulled into the principal’s office on a random Friday was nerve-wracking! But once I received the news, I laughed, then cried from shock and joy,” she recalls. Over time, she embraced the achievement as recognition of her hard work and passion. To students passionate about drama, her advice is simple: “Take the subjects you love because your passion will be your motivation.” She encourages young drama enthusiasts not to be discouraged by misconceptions about the subject, as drama provides a wealth of invaluable life skills and opportunities.
Looking Ahead: A Future in the Arts
Looking ahead, Grace sees drama playing a vital role in her future. Her ultimate dream is to become a stage performer, particularly in musical theatre, and she hopes to study performing arts abroad in Australia. However, even if she chooses an alternate career path, such as international law or international relations, she plans to remain involved in theatre through university clubs or local productions.
For Grace, drama is more than just an art form - it is a means of self-expression and transformation. “Drama gives me the ability to be whoever I want to be, to walk different paths of life and experience the choices of others. Being on stage is where I feel most at peace,” she shares. Her journey is one of perseverance, passion, and artistic growth. With the encouragement and opportunities provided by ACG Tauranga, she has been able to thrive as both a performer and a student. From overcoming challenges to embracing new acting styles and excelling in her studies, her love for drama has shaped her into a confident and skilled performer. With her determination and commitment to her craft, there is no doubt that Grace Bragg will continue to shine on and off the stage in the years to come.
