Nikki Goes Global

Last year I was lucky enough to be selected as one of eight teachers from all over New Zealand for the SGCNZ  Teachers Go Global 2018 course in London. Whoohoo!

It's all happening! I can't wait to experience the world of Shakespeare in this remarkable two-week rendezvous in the most iconic of theatre spaces - Shakespeare's Globe. 

The course offers a variety of comprehensive workshops on voice, movement, text, production, and teaching, as well as sessions with renowned Globe Education practitioners, theatre directors and actors. The tour culminates in a 45-minute performance on the Globe stage (eep!), directed by a resident Globe director, for a public audience. Who wouldn't want to tread those historic boards, following in the footsteps of some of the world's most incredible actors? We will also get to experience the new Sam Wanamaker Playhouse - the Globe Theatre's indoor counterpart - check it out here!

I have had a love affair with The Globe Theatre ever since I was a high school student, and was excited to learn that this trip also involves a unique opportunity to work with 24 inspiring, Shakespeare-obsessed school students, and seven like-minded teachers, from all over NZ. The key element of the course is surely the Globe Education workshops where we are given time to interact with multi-cultural school communities around London to learn, understand and practice new techniques for working with the Bard.

As an English and drama teacher, actor and director, I look forward to soaking up the culture and knowledge at The Globe in order to further my own professional and personal development. And I hope to pass these new skills on to my fab classes at Christ's College and Original Scripts Theatre School  once I return.

I intend to share my experiences on a variety of platforms - namely, a blog that people can follow and enjoy, with regular photo updates. I'm also intending to offer workshops and presentations for students and the public (come along!). I believe this is a phenomenal chance to learn from our global community and then give back to our local and school communities.

All in all, I am planning to squeeze every last thing I can out of this trip in order to further my own development in education, theatre and life, as well as enhancing the skills and lives of the exceptional and talented students I work with every day. I'll even get to meet my new niece or nephew on the way home!

So what can you do to help?

Selection for the SGCNZ Teachers Go Global 2018 means I need to raise about $11,000 to cover the course and associated costs - this includes New Zealand and domestic travel and taxes, insurance, accommodation, meals, theatre tickets and incidental expenses. 

Christ's College have been incredibly generous in their support for this professional development, both generally and financially, and I am exceptionally grateful for their significant contribution to the project. My aim is to cover the remaining costs myself, along with this Boosted campaign.

A huge and heartfelt thanks goes out to all my family, friends and colleagues for their fantastic support and ongoing encouragement this year - I would certainly not be living this dream without them, or you!

Aroha nui,

Nikki