More success for Performing Arts students

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Tawanda Manyimo as Caesar 2007

UCOL’s Certificate in Performing Arts – on offer at UCOL Wairarapa next year – has again proved its value at a national level.

Two UCOL Performing Arts graduates have been chosen to attend the prestigious New Zealand Drama School, Toi Whakaari, from hundreds nationwide.

Tawanda Manyimo was selected for the year Bachelor of Performing Arts degree in acting, and Michelle Bland for the Diploma in Costume Construction. Tawanda will be the first New Zealand African to study at the school.

He says the UCOL programme is a good precursor to further study. “It really develops your confidence, the way you stand and walk, and everything about who you are. It was fully one of the best things that happened to me.”

Last year two UCOL students were also selected for the Toi Whakaari Bachelor of Performing Arts. Programme Leader Penni Bousfield says these are very good results, “showing that the skills and confidence they learn here stand them in good stead for promising careers,” she says.

UCOL’s Certificate in Performing Arts is a six month, open-entry programme that develops skills and experience in acting, voice, singing and dancing, and is a stepping stone towards further professional training in performing arts.

The programme is being offered at UCOL Wairarapa next year for the first time, as part of a suite of new programmes tailored to meet the community’s needs.

Pictured above: Tawanda Manyimo performs the “Friends, Romans, countrymen” speech from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in a performance on The Green at UCOL Palmerston North.

ENDS

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