Final funding push for Broadway experience
Students from Ella Thomas Vocal Studio model hats at the Timaru Festival of Roses, as part of their two-year long fundraising efforts. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Local singing students are making one final push to get to Broadway.
A concert, held at the South Canterbury Drama League's Playhouse next weekend, will be the final fundraising effort for teenagers from the Ella Thomas Vocal Studio (ETVS) to get to New York for a once-in-a-lifetime theatre experience.
To fund the adventure, the group of 30 — which includes 10 adults — have been fundraising for almost two years.
The students had sold sunscreen, dumplings, held sausage sizzles and made 10,000 cheese rolls, collectively raising over $40,000 which would help with the cost of flying, accommodation and Broadway workshops.
Singing teacher and business owner Ella Thomas said the students had planned an exciting adventure which included workshops and seminars in New York's Broadway theatre district as well as sightseeing and live theatre.
They had trips to six Broadway shows planned, including: Wicked, Hadestown, and The Outsiders.
Also on the agenda was a tour of legendary Radio City Music Hall.
She said tailor-made singing workshops for the group would be run by professionals who were both accomplished performers and in-demand teachers.
"The students will experience vocal training with industry professionals, tours of internationally renowned venues and nights out on Broadway itself.
"The workshop tutors will provide a real-world, engaging experience that will encourage the kids to improve their skills and develop their confidence."
"I'm very excited for what these students can achieve in New York."
She would be performing in next weekend's concert, alongside the students, as well as guest artist Alice Sollis.
Tickets for the two concerts — Saturday night and a matinee performance on Sunday — can be purchased from Humanitix.com or by emailing jill@specialevents.co.nz.
There would also be a silent auction at the Saturday night concert.
— APL
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Final funding push for Broadway experience
Students from Ella Thomas Vocal Studio model hats at the Timaru Festival of Roses, as part of their two-year long fundraising efforts. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Local singing students are making one final push to get to Broadway. A concert, held at the South Canterbury Drama League's Playhouse next weekend, will be the final fundraising effort for teenagers from the Ella Thomas Vocal Studio (ETVS) to get to New York for a once-in-a-lifetime theatre experience. To fund the adventure, the group of 30 — which includes 10 adults — have been fundraising for almost two years. The students had sold sunscreen, dumplings, held sausage sizzles and made 10,000 cheese rolls, collectively raising over $40,000 which would help with the cost of flying, accommodation and Broadway workshops. Singing teacher and business owner Ella Thomas said the students had planned an exciting adventure which included workshops and seminars in New York's Broadway theatre district as well as sightseeing and live theatre. They had trips to six Broadway shows planned, including: Wicked, Hadestown, and The Outsiders. Also on the agenda was a tour of legendary Radio City Music Hall. She said tailor-made singing workshops for the group would be run by professionals who were both accomplished performers and in-demand teachers. "The students will experience vocal training with industry professionals, tours of internationally renowned venues and nights out on Broadway itself. "The workshop tutors will provide a real-world, engaging experience that will encourage the kids to improve their skills and develop their confidence." "I'm very excited for what these students can achieve in New York." She would be performing in next weekend's concert, alongside the students, as well as guest artist Alice Sollis. Tickets for the two concerts — Saturday night and a matinee performance on Sunday — can be purchased from or by emailing jill@ There would also be a silent auction at the Saturday night concert. — APL
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