When Celine Ferdinands takes to the stage in the coming weeks, it won’t be as her usual friendly persona.

Instead, the new entrant teacher at Maniototo Area School will transform into The Wicked Witch of the West for the town’s upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz, by Alex Jackson.

The production, which is the work of the Maniototo Theatre Group, is one Celine is excited about, having put herself forward for the role because she “quite liked the character”.

It is not the first time she has taken on the role of a witch for a production, so is aware it can have particular consequences when the young children she teaches become aware of her stage character.

However, she plans to tell them all about her exciting temporary transformation in the coming weeks, to help them understand their friendly teacher isn’t going anywhere.

“Closer to the time I’ll tell the children.”

Celine is a valued member of the theatre group, something she has been involved in for many years, where she has developed long lasting friendships and camaraderie.

“I enjoy the friendships you make, the laughs you have. I feel it’s so good for your mental health - it just uplifts you,” she said.

“And, by the end of it we are literally one big family.”

The theatre group, which hosts a production every second year, started rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz in late June, dedicating four hours a week to the cause.

Many of the cast are staff from the school, but not many children are involved due to their busy school schedules.

The show will take place at the Ranfurly Town Hall with a matinee on Sunday September 8, followed by performances on September 11, 13, and 14.