Wellington talent wins prestigious scholarship

Media Release

11 November 2010

Wellington talent wins prestigious drama scholarship

Leon Wadham, a second year student at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School has been awarded the prestigious Museum Hotel Scholarship for 2010.

The 21 year old was presented with the scholarship at an official ceremony in Wellington last night after being selected from 11 candidates by the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand in consultation with staff at Toi Whakaari.

It is the 10th year anniversary of The Museum Hotel Scholarship, which is funded by Chris Parkin, the owner of New Zealand’s only boutique art hotel, Museum Hotel.

The scholarship covers the recipient’s tuition costs for a year worth over $5,800 and $500 a month for 10 months living expenses meaning for the past 10 years Chris Parkin has contributed over $100,000 to Toi Whakaari students.

“This scholarship is all about celebrating excellence and as I am extremely passionate about the arts, I want to give young, homegrown talent the opportunity to devote their time to developing their craft and ease the strain of trying to meet course costs. Over the past 10 years I have seen recipients go on to do some amazing things both at home and overseas and it’s really rewarding to be able to help them develop their career further,” said Museum Hotel owner Chris Parkin

“I am so grateful to Chris Parkin for providing this extremely generous scholarship which enables me to dedicate myself to my studies which I will continue do so with energy, determination and a commitment to excellence in my final year at Toi Whakaari,” said recipient Leon Wadham.

Leon grew up in Karori, attended Karori Normal School and then Onslow College where he participated in Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand festivals in 2005 and 2006. He has also performed frequently at BATS, co-written plays and demonstrated his versatility recently in Toi Whakaari’s Cabaret evening held at the Museum Hotel.

Museum Hotel features an extensive private collection of New Zealand art on display for guests’ enjoyment. The Toi Whakaari Scholarship – which supports performing arts – is a natural complement to Museum Hotel’s support for New Zealand art.

The Museum Hotel Scholarship is open to all students who have participated in a Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival and have demonstrated excellence at Toi Whakaari.

ENDS

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