Howick College’s reputation for excellence in the performing arts and costume design continues to grow, thanks to the recent achievements of year 12 student Casey Ferguson.
A gifted designer, singer, and drama student, Casey has enjoyed a remarkable season of success, collecting national accolades for costume design and earning a coveted spot at the prestigious National Shakespeare Schools Production (NSSP).
Her talents have also been recognised at the recent TOI Wearable Arts Showcase, staged at the Aotea Centre in Auckland CBD.
The national event celebrates storytelling through performance, fashion, and design, and saw Howick College students shine on stage.
Casey received two of the event’s major awards, for Innovative Use of Materials for her design Wētāpunga, and Powerful Storytelling for Interface, created in collaboration with fellow student Natania Walsh.
Wētāpunga drew inspiration from the endangered native weta, featuring a 3D overskirt constructed with harakeke and structural sewing techniques.
Interface offered a compelling critique of the digital age, exploring the psychological impact of online spaces.
Casey also impressed in the national SGCNZ Costume Design Competition, placing third for her interpretation of Friar Lawrence from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Her design stood out among entries from across the country, recognised for its symbolism, creativity, and practicality for performance.
“I was absolutely thrilled,” Casey says of the result. “I saw a production last year where Friar Lawrence wore a plain frock, and I felt there was so much more to express.
“His character has layers, and I wanted the costume to reflect that.”
In recognition of her creativity and technical skill, Casey has been selected as the costumier for the NSSP, a prestigious week-long programme in Wellington bringing together promising young actors and directors as well as a student composer and costumier.
Unlike previous roles where she’s designed for her own projects, the NSSP will see Casey working in a new context, designing for an ensemble cast as part of a professional-style production process. It’s a challenge she’s eager to embrace.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting other creative students from around the country, and exploring Wellington,” she says. “It’s a chance to grow and express myself in new ways.”
Her selection also places her in strong contention for the 2025 Young Shakespeare Company, a life-changing opportunity that includes travelling to London in 2026 to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, working with industry professionals and fellow creatives on an international stage.
Casey’s creative journey began in intermediate school, after learning to sew with her grandmother.
Her interest blossomed into a passion she’s continued to pursue through Howick College’s textiles and design course, as well as the school’s Costume Design Club, both led by the textiles head of department, Nikki Metcalfe.
“Ms Metcalfe has been incredibly supportive from the start,” Casey says. “She’s helped me grow so much as a designer.”
The support of the school’s performing arts and textiles and design programmes has played a vital role in Casey’s development.
Looking to the future, Casey hopes to become a costume designer for film and television.
“I’d love to work in screen production and also enter the World of Wearable Art someday,” she says.
“My Wētāpunga project has also sparked a strong interest in conservation, which I want to keep exploring through design.”
Adding to an already impressive list of achievements, Casey’s 2024 design What the Stars See was recently featured in the BBC television series Ridge.
Howick College pupils Mia Soares, Zoe Colenso, Arna Vincent and Olivia Gu were also among the winners of the recent TOI Wearable Arts Showcase.
