Build a Snowman on Stage - The Good Morning Northland Tradition You're Inviting to Join
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Build a Snowman on Stage – The Good Morning Northland Tradition You’re Inviting to Join
When the winter wind whistles through the streets of Northland, the radio waves from the Good Morning Northland show turn a little brighter. In a recent episode, host‑host team Sarah Kane and radio‑sensation Michael Le Brun asked the listeners: “Do you want to build a snowman on stage?” – a question that opened the door to a festive community event that has become a cornerstone of the local holiday season.
The Story Behind the Snowman
The idea first emerged during a brainstorming session for the show’s December specials. According to Kane, the aim was two‑fold: create a new “family‑friendly” segment that would tie listeners together and generate awareness for the Northland Children’s Fund (NCF). Le Brun recalls the moment the plan hit a snag, “We realized we’d never built a snowman on a professional stage before. The idea felt like magic – but it also needed a serious plan.”
The NCF, which relies on community donations to supply educational resources to children in low‑income households, officially partnered with the Good Morning Northland team in late November. Together they secured a stage at the Northland Theatre (located at 34 Glen Road) and set a date for the event: Saturday, December 15th, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What Happens on Stage
The event is an elaborate collaboration between the radio show’s production crew, the theatre’s technical team, and a group of local volunteers. The stage will be transformed into a snowy wonderland using LED snowflake projections, artificial frost, and a backdrop that recreates the aurora borealis. On the right side of the stage, a giant cardboard cut‑out of a snowman will be gradually assembled.
Participants will bring the following:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White balloons (10–15) | Inflated to mimic snowflakes that will be “breathed” onto the stage by a special blower system. |
| Plastic snowballs (10–12) | Hand‑crafted by children in the 4‑7 age group; used as the body of the snowman. |
| Decorative items (carrots, buttons, scarves) | Provide character to the snowman. |
| Canned snow (optional) | Added to create a dramatic “snowfall” effect during the build. |
Volunteers will be asked to sign up for one of three time slots: Morning Build (8:30‑9:30 a.m.), Mid‑morning Build (9:45‑10:45 a.m.), or Final Touches (11:00‑11:45 a.m.). Each slot has a designated “supervisor” – typically a local school teacher or theatre technician – who will guide the construction process.
Community Involvement and Safety
The Good Morning Northland team stressed that the event is safe and family‑friendly. All volunteers will wear masks, gloves, and safety goggles, and the stage will be surrounded by a plastic barrier to keep children at a safe distance. Moreover, the event will be livestreamed on the WDIO website and the theatre’s official YouTube channel, giving listeners who cannot attend in person a front‑row view of the snowman‑building magic.
The event’s website (link: [ snowmanonstage.co.nz ]) outlines the RSVP process and provides a short survey to collect preferences for the snowman’s features. Volunteers can also opt to donate to the NCF directly at the event, with a digital donation station set up on the theatre’s stage front.
A Glimpse of the Good Morning Northland Segment
When the Good Morning Northland host Sarah Kane introduced the segment, she set the tone with a playful challenge: “If you’re an artist at heart, if you love to make people smile, if you think snowmen can bring joy even in the chilliest weather – then this is for you.” She then played a clip from a previous build, where a little girl’s “hand‑painted carrot nose” was lovingly added to the snowman’s head.
Michael Le Brun joined the studio in a video call from the theatre’s rehearsal space. He shared a montage of the stage set up – the LED snowflakes, the hum of the blower system, and a close‑up of the cardboard cut‑out that would be the final masterpiece. He also spoke with NCF founder Emma Taylor. “This is more than a snowman,” Taylor said, “It’s a symbol that we’re all in this together. It’s about giving back and making the season brighter for those who need it most.”
How Listeners Can Get Involved
- Volunteer – Sign up for a time slot through the Snowman on Stage website.
- Donate – Send a donation to the NCF via the theatre’s donation station or the online portal.
- Follow – Tune in to Good Morning Northland on the day for live updates and a behind‑the‑scenes look.
- Share – Post your own snowman creations or photos of the build on social media using the hashtag #SnowmanOnStage.
If you missed the first event, the Good Morning Northland team announced that a similar build will occur on December 30th as a special finale for the Christmas season.
Why It Matters
Beyond the whimsical appeal of a stage‑built snowman, the initiative reflects the power of community radio to bring people together. By merging the creativity of radio listeners, the expertise of theatre technicians, and the generosity of local volunteers, Good Morning Northland has forged a tradition that celebrates collaboration, artistry, and charitable giving.
As Sarah Kane summed it up: “When we all work together, the snow doesn’t just fall on the stage – it falls on the hearts of everyone involved.” And on that note, the Good Morning Northland team invites you to lace up your boots, grab a carrot, and join in the build that turns a simple snowman into a beacon of hope for the Northland community.
Read the Full WDIO Article at:
[ https://www.wdio.com/good-morning-northland/do-you-want-to-build-a-snowman-on-stage/ ]