From West End to WSO: Hamilton star, Tarinn Callendar, to visit GEMS Schools

This week ArtsEd Partnership schools at GEMS are in for a treat as Tarinn Callender, who played the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the West End production of Hamilton, visits for a schedule of performing arts workshops and masterclasses with students and teachers.

The guest's visit, beginning on Monday 2 November with a visit to WPS and WEK, and culminating in four-days at WSO next week, is a prize won by WSO performing arts teacher Jodie Quirke. In term three of the last academic year, Ms Quirke won an ArtsEd International musical theatre quiz against other schools in Dubai and her musical theatre knowledge bagged GEMS schools this exciting visit. Ms Quirke said: "I am thrilled about this opportunity for the WSO community and we are delighted to welcome Tarinn in November. We cannot wait for him to share his expertise with the students!"

Hamilton is an American musical telling the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. The show draws heavily from hip hop, as well as R&B, pop, soul, and traditional-style show tunes; and casts non-white actors as the Founding Fathers and other historical figures.

Year five Performing Arts students at WSO, have been learning about rap and will be showing off their lyrical talents to the actor during his visit.

GEMS Wellington - Silicon Oasis will benefit from four-days of workshops with the actor, across all grades.