Get Georgia to Shakespeare's Globe!

Kia ora, my name is Georgia Lee, and last year I was fortunate enough to be selected as 1 of just 24 students to represent Aotearoa and perform at Shakespeare’s Globe in London this July, as part of the  Shakespeare Globe Center New Zealand (SGCNZ) Young Shakespeare Company 2026.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which I’m very proud to have to have - but to get there I need to raise $12,670. 

I am an 18-year-old originally from Gisborne Tairāwhiti who has moved to Auckland to study Midwifery at Auckland University of Technology. Acting has been a passion of mine ever since I was little, and it’s where I’ve found my confidence, connection, and my voice.

As a member of the Young Shakespeare Company, I will travel to London in July and spend 3 weeks in workshops, studying Shakespeare, rehearsing a play and in the end perform on Shakespeare’s Globe stage. 

I would be endlessly grateful for any support to help cover the costs of the trip. If you’re able to support me, even $5 makes a difference.

There is no way I would be in this position without the support of so many people:

My whānau, especially my parents and step mum, who have been there for me during all my acting adventures and have never once doubted or discouraged me.

My drama buddies at high school, who made every moment on and off stage unforgettable.

My drama teachers Beatrice Papazaglou and Ruby Walton, who encouraged me to grow, take risks, and believe in myself.

My community back home, who create a space for young artists to thrive.

“Ko koe ki tēnā, ko ahau ki tēnei kīwai o te kete.”  You take that handle of the kete and I'll take this one.

Due to the nature of the trip, it is quite costly at an estimated $12,670. Any money raised from this fundraiser will go towards the costs of flights, insurance, accommodation, meals, workshops and course fees. Any additional costs will be my responsibility on top of the $12,670.

Outside of the donations received here, I am working part time and applying for grants. Any donations would be highly appreciated and used to pay for the trip. Even a small donation helps bring me one step closer to that stage.

The SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company is a national selected program made up of 24 secondary school students who represent Aotearoa internationally in London where they perform at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre. The selection is highly competitive. It begins with regional Shakespeare festivals, followed by the national festival, where 47 students are chosen to be a part of SGCNZ’s National Shakespeare Schools Production. From this group the final 24 students are selected for the Young Shakespeare Company. 4,000+ students are accounted for in the process. This makes selection very prestigious and a huge honour.

During my time in London, I will spend three intensive weeks training and performing at the Globe. The programme is immersive and professional, designed to develop us as performers both technically and creatively.

We will take part in:

• Daily workshops in movement, voice, text, and stage combat
• Rehearsals led by experienced directors from Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand and Globe tutors
• Lectures exploring Shakespeare’s works such as Romeo and Juliet and The Merry Wives of Windsor
• Behind-the-scenes experiences including tours of the Globe Theatre and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
• Cultural opportunities such as visiting the New Zealand High Commission

As the weeks progress, rehearsals intensify, including late-night sessions on the Globe stage itself. The programme culminates in a final performance on the Globe stage, where we will share our work in one of the most iconic theatres in the world!

The skills that performance teaches go far beyond the stage and screen. “All the world's a stage,” as Shakespeare wrote. Things like confidence, pride, adaptability, resilience and finding your voice are all things learnt from performance. Everything that I learn will be contributed right back into my local and home scout groups, family, friends, even my future practice of midwifery. It will be an honour to pass on my skills throughout my life.