Help Me Get to the Globe 2017

It all started with a dream. In 2015, I participated in my first ever Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand’s Regional University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festivals (SGCNZ UOSWSF) as the Nurse in 'Romeo and Juliet'. From that amazing experience, I was inspired to student direct and form my own dream team in 2016.

It was simple. The idea: physical theatre (If you’ve seen Off Balance Theatre Company’s production of Robin Hood, it’s amazing), the Dream-Team: the Speare-Shakers, and the play: 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'.

Then the inconceivable happened: my team and I won Most Original Concept, and I received Best Student Director as well as the prestigious SGCNZ National Shakespeare Schools Production 2016 (SGCNZ NSSP) Direct Entry Award.

This meant that in the Term 3 holidays last year, along with 47 other students from around New Zealand, I went down to Dunedin to participate in a week’s worth of intense workshops and rehearsals that culminated in a 40minute performance of a Shakespearean play. This was such a crazy, and no-joke, life-changing experience. Not only did I get to work with such talented and amazing people and make so many friends, but I grew as a person, overcoming a fear that I had been dealing with for most of my teen life.

From the 48 that attended, 24 were chosen to represent New Zealand as members of SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company for 2017 (SGCNZ YSC 2017). And I am so blessed to be a member of this amazing company. This year, we will travel to the UK from 7-26th of July where we will attend a course specifically devised for us by Globe Education, Shakespeare’s Globe, in association with SGCNZ, including a performance on Shakespeare’s Globe Stage. SGCNZ YSC not only aims to develop us as actors and Shakespeare-lovers, but to also develop within us independence and life-skills that will transcend beyond the theatre and into our lives.

However, though this experience will be priceless, there is a cost of $8,500 that covers all expenses – international and domestic travel and taxes, insurance, course fees, accommodation, meals etc…

How can you help?

I can’t do this on my own. Every donation helps, no matter how small. And I thank you in advance for your generosity and support that will help me reach my financial goal and turn my dream into a reality.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. :)

Talia.