He may have the surname of another famous director but unlike Tim, Chris Burton hasn't
got any manic Mad Hatters or weird Willy Wonkas in his repertoire of leading men. He does, however, have the same knack of getting the best out of his actors. Emma Goodwin
looks behind the scenes.
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THE BOSS calls him mad, his colleagues call him Chris, his rugby mates gave him the moniker Fat Sam for a while, but for most of the day he is called Sir.
Thomas sabo charms Chris Burton could be forgiven for being a little confused about who he is, but his actors are sure of one thing: he's a heck of a director.
For 14 years Mr Burton, or Sir to his cast and crew, has pulled together one excellent show after another for the Palmerston North Boys' High School production held in the first term of the year.
There was only one year when the man didn't rule the stage, and that was in 2006 when he was overseas.
Mr Burton joined the school in 1994 as an English teacher and moved into the drama department at the end of 1996.
It was not a happy move originally, as the class was a magnet for young men looking for an easy study option and wanting to opt out of subjects that were perceived to be more mentally taxing.
"It was the only time I hated being in class."
Strong words from a teacher who now displays such enthusiasm for his subject and is head of the department, but there is a reason for the change.
"Tracy Lynn-Cody arrived in school and with her input and enthusiasm, the department was revamped and energised and it became a compulsory subject for Year 9 students," says Mr Burton. "Now the numbers are strong and it is well supported by senior management, surviving changes throughout the school in the compulsory subjects."
No slouch on stage himself, Burton has regularly performed in Abbey Theatre productions and
is considering auditioning for the company's upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
"I haven't been on stage for a while but when I am in a production I have to be very well organised."
It seems organisation is his forte, if his proteges are to be believed.
Year 13 student Alex Sinclair has worked with his drama teacher in two productions, The Wedding Singer in 2008 and last year in Blood Brothers.
"He is very organised, he always has a plan for any given situation and he sticks to it. He always has a clear idea and he follows through."
Excellent qualities in any director as it instils confidence in a group of people who, due to the nature of the job at hand, often have egos that need to be reined in.
Clip on charms "It's comforting to know he knows what he is doing and as a firm task master he expects the best out of you."
It is a sentiment echoed by fellow thespian and Year 13 student Warwick Sarrell, who is playing Jacob in this year's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
"He certainly pushes you to get things done. He doesn't let you slack off, ever."
Watching Mr Burton at work with the group of actors he has gathered together for this season's production
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