The Call of the Kraken - Drama and Music Workshop

What are those strange signals coming from the sea? Should secrets ever be shared?

In Heather McQuillan’s exciting sequel to Avis and the Promise of Dragons, the dragons’ tear now pulses with a mysterious signal from deep beneath the ocean.

Who is trying to reach Avis, and why?

In this workshop, students will use music to experience the underwater world of the kraken—crafting the sounds of the sea and the whispers of hidden creatures. Through drama, they'll step into Avis’s shoes and discover what it truly means to be brave.

The workshop wraps up with a special Q&A with the author, a unique chance for students to dive deeper into the world of Avis!

Recommended Ages 9-12yrs 

Parents/Caregivers may stay and watch if they wish, or drop off and pick up

Samantha Bates - Storybox Drama
Sam is a Christchurch-based teacher and performing‑arts specialist with 16 years’ experience teaching in primary schools. She is a passionate advocate for children’s literature and illustration, seeing picture books as many children’s first encounters with art. Sam uses Process Drama to empower children to step into stories and express themselves in creative ways. She believes in the innate creativity within every child and loves to nurture this

Anne Marie Manzano - Storybox Drama
Anne Marie brings a joyful approach to music and a love of children’s literature, exploring playful ways to bring storytelling and music together. Anne Marie runs her own Piano Studio, Plinky Plonky Piano.

Heather McQuillan - Writer and Teacher
For a long time, Heather was a teacher who wrote – now she is a writer who teaches – the two roles keep getting tangled. Heather writes for young people as well as short stories, flash fiction and poetry. She has a Master’s in Creative Writing with distinction from Massey University. In 2021 Heather was the Otago University College of Education/ Creative New Zealand Writer in Residence. When she’s not writing in her studio at the top of a spiral staircase, Heather can be found as the Director and a tutor with Write On School for Young Writers in Christchurch, New Zealand.

This event is part of the September School Holiday Fun happening at The Arts Centre September 20 - October 5 2025