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Olive Mortimer

Since a young age, my passion has been performing on stage and being creative. I am a songwriter, singer, dancer, actress, and musician. Being a part of the performing arts at Rangitoto College has provided me with lifelong skills, connections, and a forever love for the arts.

I am now in Year 13, in my last year of high school here at Rangitoto College. This year I am a Student Leader, specifically within the Arts Team. We are working together to showcase the performing arts opportunities at Rangitoto College through many different events. 

In all five years of my schooling, I have been involved in dance troupes including Magnum (jazz), Company (contemporary), and the Overture ballet troupe. I have had the privilege to lead Company for the past two years alongside Renee Richards where we created pieces for the showcase and competitions. We have competed in Palmerston North NZ Made, as well as at all the regional competitions. Just recently I competed with these troupes at the National Dance Challenge where we placed first in ballet, second in jazz, third in contemporary, and first in hip-hop mega crew. 

I have also been involved in the drama curriculum since Year 9. Drama is a huge passion in my life, and I have recently been involved in the school’s production of Macbeth and the musical Shrek—in which I played the fun role of the dragon. We are currently working on The Puffs which we will perform in Term 3 at The Pumphouse Theatre. Taking Drama as a subject at school has boosted my confidence tremendously and taught me incredible skills I can’t wait to use in the future. I was incredibly lucky to have received an NCEA Drama Scholarship last year while I was in Year 12. 

Songwriting and music are also a huge part of my life. I play the acoustic guitar and the banjo and write my own songs. I have released five songs on Spotify. I have been involved in taking music lessons, participating in choir in my junior years, and performing my originals at many events the school holds, such as Rocky Road, Choreography by Candlelight, Spanish debates, and the Arts Awards. I was also lucky enough to perform at Rockquest where I won the APRAA best lyric writer award for a song I wrote called ‘Again, Again.’ I also recently performed in the Northern Regionals New Found Sound event where I won a spot in the nationals and soon I will be competing at the Tuning Fork in town.

After I leave Rangitoto College I would love to go to Toi Whakaari in Wellington and study film and acting. My dream is to be a film actress. Having experienced so much of the stage world I would love to dive into the film side of the arts. I also want to work with producers to produce my own music. I am so happy to be provided with such amazing opportunities and role models here at Rangitoto College which have shaped me into the performer I am and I can’t wait to spread my wings after college. 

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564 East Coast Road
Mairangi Bay
Auckland 0630
New Zealand