Centrestage Teacher Louise Wilkie Finalist for Prestigious Scholarship

Louise Wilkie, a dedicated performing arts educator from Centrestage Youth Theatre in Ōrewa, has been selected as a finalist for the highly sought-after 2026 Travel Gang Theatre Educator Scholarship. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional theatre educators across Australia and New Zealand, with Wilkie among just ten finalists competing for a transformative experience valued at A$14,000.

If awarded the scholarship, Wilkie will embark on a remarkable journey in January 2026. She will join a team of educators to mentor 32 aspiring performers, known as the 2026 Aussie All-Stars, at the international Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta, USA. The 19-day scholarship experience will commence with eight days in New York City, featuring rehearsals, Broadway shows, and workshops, followed by three days at the festival in Atlanta, and concluding with eight days in Los Angeles, including participation in the Disneyland Performing Arts Workshop.

Wilkie’s Journey and Impact on Youth Theatre

Having grown up with Centrestage Youth Theatre, Wilkie is an accomplished choreographer and director, with extensive experience working on various productions across Auckland. She holds a Master’s degree in Dance Movement Therapy and is a co-founder of Smoky Mirror Arts Company, which aims to support rangatahi with disabilities. In her current role at Centrestage Youth Theatre, she leads weekly performing arts classes for students aged 5 to 18, providing inclusive programmes that foster confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging among young people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Wilkie applied for the Travel Gang Theatre Educator Scholarship to gain global insights into theatre education. She expressed her aspiration to learn from industry leaders, hoping to return with innovative ideas and international connections that can be adapted for New Zealand’s diverse youth. “I want to bring back fresh ideas to enhance our community’s performing arts landscape,” she stated.

The Scholarship and Its Significance

The Travel Gang Theatre Educator Scholarship is offered in partnership with Music Theatre International (MTI) Australasia, Junior Theatre Festival Australia, and JTF New Zealand. Mike King, co-director of Travel Gang, praised the exceptional quality of applicants and commended the ten finalists for their valuable contributions to the performing arts community. He noted, “These educators foster innovation and growth in their communities. This scholarship is about honouring their impact.”

The final winner of the scholarship will be announced in mid-October 2025. King emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers who often go unacknowledged for their dedication and influence. “The Travel Gang Theatre Educator Scholarship is our way of honouring them on an international platform,” he added.

Wilkie’s recognition as a finalist not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the vital role of theatre educators in shaping the future of performing arts for young people. The scholarship promises to enrich her experience, enabling her to inspire the next generation of performers in New Zealand.