New York Educator Scholarship
Performing Arts Travel Agency Travel Gang has revealed the shortlist of top ten finalists for their Theatre Educator Scholarship to Broadway! These teachers were selected from a talented pool of 112 applicants whose dedication to theatre education is transforming schools and communities across Australia and New Zealand.
Travel Gang’s Theatre Educator Scholarship, valued at $14,000, will send one outstanding teacher on the trip of a lifetime! The winning educator will join the Aussie All-Stars student performance group in January 2025 for an exclusive journey to New York City, the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, and the Disneyland Performing Arts Workshop in Los Angeles. This fully funded adventure offers unparalleled learning and cultural experiences to inspire the winning teacher in new and meaningful ways.
“As a specialist tour operator for youth drama, music, and dance programs, we are passionate about supporting educators who bring the arts to life,” says Dr Shane Bransdon from Travel Gang. “These top ten finalists represent the heart of performing arts education, and we’re honored to celebrate them.”
Travel Gang is proud to partner with Music Theatre International Australasia (MTI) and Junior Theatre Festivals (JTF) in Australia and New Zealand for this scholarship, shining a spotlight on educators who make a difference every day.
Stuart Hendricks from MTI shared, “It’s inspiring to see the profound impact these educators have on their students and communities. Their dedication and talent deserve to be recognised.”
Congratulations to these ten finalists. Stay tuned as we announce the final scholarship recipient who will embark on this extraordinary professional journey!
THE 2025 SHORTLIST
Sonya Aifai - Napier Operatic Society (NZ)
Sonya is a life member of Napier Operatic and is seen doing many roles from onstage to directing to running props. Sonya is the founder of the Napier Operatic Theatre School now in it's 25th year, and is also secretary for Napier Operatic and Zone 3 rep on the Music Theatre New Zealand Executive. Recently Sonya was awarded a city council civic award for working with youth in theatre. Sonya truly believes that youth can find a safe, creative space in theatre that suits their talents, whether it be on stage or backstage.
Pasquale Bartalotta - Viewbank College & PEP Productions
Pasquale is an experienced performer in Melbourne's theatre scene, playing notable roles like Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Boq in Wicked. He holds a Master of Teaching from The University of Melbourne and is a Drama teacher and Production Director at Viewbank College, which he loves dearly. He is honoured to be shortlisted for the Travel Gang Theatre Educator Scholarship and thanks Caitlin, Tom, and Liv for their support.
Courtney Cassar - Pennant Hills High School
Courtney Cassar has significantly impacted theatre education as a teacher and Arts Unit collaborator, directing numerous school productions involving over 150 students from the local community. His experience as Operations Manager for the Schools Spectacular and with programs like Pulse Alive and Pulse Far West has allowed him to inspire and engage students across NSW, including those in remote areas, enriching their creative development with his expertise from NIDA and The Second City.
Michelle Ezzy - John Curtin College of the Arts
Michelle Ezzy is a dedicated theatre educator and music specialist with nine years of experience at John Curtin College of the Arts in Boorloo (Perth), WA. She directs and choreographs musicals for youth performers, including Seussical Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., and Dear Edwina Jr., fostering creativity and excellence in young artists.
Rebecca Fortuna - Red Theatricals
With over 20 years of experience, Rebecca is a multi-talented Drama Coach, Actress, Writer, Director, Choreographer, and Intimacy Coordinator. She specialises in teaching Acting and Musical Theatre to kids and teens, bringing her professional expertise and passion for the craft to train and inspire the next generation of performers.
Tess Howieson - Seton Catholic College
Tess Howieson, a dedicated teacher and choreographer from Perth, has worked internationally in New York and London, directing and choreographing musicals and supporting dance students. Back in Australia, she has prioritised community and has developed inclusive dance programs and career pathways at Seton Catholic College. Her love for theatre began with family camping singalongs to Jesus Christ Superstar.
Jade Nadu - Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio
Jade Naidu is the Artistic Director of Naidu Theatre Company and Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio on the Mid-North Coast. Passionate about storytelling and community engagement, she fosters creativity through innovative productions and holistic arts education. Jade champions inclusivity and diversity, striving to empower underrepresented voices and build connections within the community.
Matthew Pearson - SONYQ EDGE Performing Arts
Multi-award winning music director (2012 & 2014: Best Vocal Director – HAIRSPRAY & SWEENEY TODD, 2021: Best Music Director - JERSEY BOYS), Matt is a highly accomplished, Conductor, Music Director, and Woodwind specialist. He served as a music specialist, teacher and Head of Youth Theatre for The Spotlight Theatrical Company from 2013 – 2021 before launching his own company – SONYQ EDGE PERFORMING ARTS – in 2022. Many of his former students have gone on to tertiary level study, and work professionally in the entertainment industry.
Matthew Ralph - Glenunga International High School
Matt is a Lighting Designer and Producer who transitioned into Theatre Education upon becoming a High School Teacher and now facilitates the Musical Theatre Program at Glenunga International High School, Adelaide. Through a student-led model, Matt mentors and empowers students to learn the craft of staging a production, fostering creativity and leadership skills, preparing them as the next generation of theatre professionals.
Louise Wilkie - Centrestage Youth Theatre (NZ)
Louise is a New Zealand choreographer and director, and the founder of Smoky Mirror Arts Company, which champions inclusive creative opportunities for people with disabilities. With a master’s in Dance Movement Therapy, her passion for teaching fosters positive, empowering spaces where tamariki can grow, learn, and thrive.