The Wilfrid Hansen Technical Scholarship - annual report

Dear Friends,

At some stage in the past few years all of you have contributed in some way towards the Wilfrid Hansen Technical Scholarship. This year, 2007, in March, Wilfrid would have turned 30. We thought it was a good time to update you on the Wilfrid Hansen Technical Scholarship Trust.

Since 2002 the Trust has awarded an annual scholarship of $2,000, increased to $2,500 in 2007, to a second year student at the Unitec School of Performil.ng and Screen Arts, Auckland. The recipient is also guaranteed summer holiday work with Oceania Lighting and Sound and at Maidment Theatre – Te Atamira. Oceania gives the scholarship winner experience on technical crews for events all over the country, and the Maidment provides a taste of the reality of work in the theatre.

We have found that the benefits go wider than the winner because most applicants find work in the industry over the summer break through contacts made during interviews for the scholarship. An unforeseen, but happy consequence of the scholarship process.

So, herewith the update on recipients for your information. Keep an eye open for these names when you open a theatre or other performance programme. You’re bound to come across their work.

Paul Nicoll won the scholarship in 2002-3. In the past year he has worked as Technical & Tour Manager with 'Strange Resting Places' performing in New Zealand and overseas. Paul has also been working as an Assistant Production Manager at Unitec and he sees this as an area that he wishes to move into over the next few years. Most recently he has been Assistant Stage Manager for the ATC Christmas show, ‘End of the Rainbow’.

Charlotte Shuker, 2003-4 winner, is back in her hometown of Hastings, where she is working as Event Manager at TC systems and runs the crew for events all over the Hawkes Bay.

Matthew Lamb won the scholarship in 2004-5. He has taken up a full-time contract with the Edge where he has worked since he graduated. He has recently returned from touring with 'The Woman in Black' as Head LX. Prior to that he toured with Auckland Theatre Company's production of 'Hatch' as Technical Manager and board operator.

Joshua Haw, 2005-6, is working full-time for Spotlight Systems as a technician
on a variety of theatre, corporate and concert events and also in the
management of the hire department and workshop.

Michael Bowerman, winner in 2006-7, is currently completing his second year at Unitec. Michael has undertaken a number of industry-based secondments.He has recently been the lighting operator for Auckland Theatre Company's 'The Next Stage', has supported David Eversfield as an assistant lighting director on Auckland Theatre Company's 'The Crucible' as well as working in many events for Spotlight Systems as both a technician and a trainee lighting director.

This year, 2007-8, the Trust members made a decision to award two scholarships. The applicants forced us into this situation by their sheer
quality and potential. We also thought it would be a good way of celebrating Wilfrid’s 30th birthday and the scholarship’s 6th year!

Those awards were made to Stuart Phillips from Avondale and Richard Wilson from Manurewa. Both young men are studying at Unitec and, like all this year’s candidates, had a variety of organizational and work experiences that impressed the interviewing panel. It was their passion for theatre and what technicians bring to it which won them the scholarship this year.

Wherever you go in Auckland’s theatre world watch out for our scholarship winners. They are there, making a difference.

We wish you a very safe and happy Christmas and a successful New Year filled with enjoyable theatrical experiences! First though, enjoy your holidays.

Warm regards from the Trust board members

Paul Minifie (Chair)
Simon Garrett
Penny Hansen
Paul Jeffery
Steve Marshall