Trinity Catholic College’s Sophie Whibley is teaching a range of subjects this year — religious studies, drama, maths and integrated studies.
However, when the last of the students file out of the classroom, she heads home to don her Rock Diva persona and races to practise with four other average-by-day Dunedin rockettes.
"My head is in two totally different places — when I’m at school I’m not thinking about the show at all, but after school it’s all about rehearsal.
"Then when I get home, I think ‘Oh gosh, I have to plan for my lessons tomorrow’."
Ms Whibley’s rehearsal schedule with the other Rock Divas starts this week.
They will be rehearsing Monday to Wednesday from 7pm-9pm and on Sundays from 1pm-5pm.
In terms of Trinity Catholic College students who will watch Ms Whibley transform from their teacher into a rock star, she knows of one year 13 student with a ticket who will be supporting her from the seats.
"I have some parents who know I’m a Rock Diva and who ask about it, but no, I don’t really talk about it with my students that much."
That air of mystery surrounding Ms Whibley’s after-hours activities may be revealed to her students soon though: it is her turn to drive the diva-mobile — a car which happens to have her face splayed across the back with the words "Rock Diva" covering the side — around town.
"They may get some sort of idea from that. I don’t know if they will care because there may be better things to think about about when you’re a year 9."
The Rock Divas have five shows between October 17 and 20 at the Mayfair Theatre in South Dunedin.
Tickets are on sale now.
