Shakespearean actor, Ben Crystal, created a one-off grant from audience donations from an Isaac Theatre Royal re-opening performance.

We are delighted to announce the winner of this gift is:  Phoebe Hurst.

Congratulations Phoebe!

Phoebe is a local actor and singer based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Phoebe has performed with various New Zealand organisations such as Little Andromeda, The Court Theatre, NZ 48 Hour Film Festival, The NZ Opera and The Auckland Philhamornia Orchestra. Her show reel provided demonstrated her talent and versatility across multiple disciplines and performing with a variety of organisations.  Phoebe intends to use Ben’s gift to further her teacher training with The Voice Lab in Dunedin.

"Singing and Voice in theatre is one of my huge passions and we have a great need for technique-based teaching within the industry in this area, particularly in regards to vocal technique on stage."

This training will give Phoebe the skill set required to teach at a professional level thus enabling her to build a more sustainable career within the performing arts sector in Christchurch.