Addison to London's Shakespeare Globe

Talofa lava,

My name is Addi, I'm a 17 year old, Year 13 student at Western Springs College and this year I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to perform at the iconic Globe Theatre in London, alongside 23 other talented young actors and actresses. I am the only pasifika student selected from over 4,000 students across Aotearoa as part of the 2024 Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand competition and am now apart of the Young Shakespeare Company 2025 — and this June, we’ll all be heading to London for what promises to be a truly life-changing experience.

The performing arts have always been my greatest passion. Last year, as a Year 12 student, I was honoured to receive the Overall Drama Achievement Award at my school’s prizegiving — an award typically reserved for Year 13 students. Now, being able to stand on the Globe stage and perform ‘Romeo and Juliet’ where so many legendary performances have taken place, is a dream come true.

This journey is not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow as an artist, but also one I will carry with me forever. This amazing opportunity for me also comes with at a big cost of $12,000 NZD. I have raised the majority of this cost by working and fundraising. Any support or donations to help me get there would mean the world. Thank you so much for being part of my journey to London!

Fa'afetai tele lava.