A student prize celebrates a decade of supporting talented musical performers.
Anyone who has been to live musicals will understand their magic. While for those working behind the scenes, each production is brought to life through hours of work - from designing costumes and building sets to assembling lights and rehearsing. It's a labour of love, dedication and passion.
That passion fuelled a lifelong affinity with musical theatre for Graham Allen - the late husband of professional staff member Margaret Crannigan Allen.
The University's scholarships and progression manager for 17 years, Margaret established the Graham Allen Prize in Musical Theatre in 2014 to continue Graham's memory and celebrate his devotion to performing arts. This year marks a decade of the prize, which has supported 26 students with more than $14,000 awarded.
What began as a way of improving his childhood stammer quickly grew into one of Graham's enduring interests. Throughout his life, he directed, produced and performed in a wide range of shows - all while working full-time in the airline industry and then as a hotel director.
Favourite roles included Captain Andy in Show Boat, Major General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance, and singing in Fiddler on the Roof.
And while performing was his outlet, it was the whole process of a production that he loved.
"He really enjoyed every aspect of the theatre: the dressing up, learning new roles and lines, working with other people, the camaraderie and how everybody supports each other, in and out of acting," says Margaret.
Most of his closest and oldest friends were theatre connections.
She knows he would have loved the prize and its performative element, which sees the University's top music students compete at a free biennial event organised by Associate Professor Te Oti Rakena and the School of Music.
"It reinvigorated him, seeing younger people doing the shows he'd done for many years. He loved seeing people embrace musical theatre."
Students first audition for a place at the event, with those shortlisted performing two songs in front of a live audience and judging panel. Each competition has a different theme, which could be anything from Disney to shows produced between 1959 and 1969.
It reinvigorated him, seeing younger people doing the shows he'd done for many
years. He loved seeing people embrace musical theatre.
Margaret Crannigan Allen
The three students with the highest scores receive a monetary prize funded by Graham's friends and family, largely through an annual fundraising quiz organised by Margaret, her friend Steve King and his family.
"It's great fun, and the quality of the singing is phenomenal," she says. "The way the students sing is so heartfelt. They put everything into it."
The prize seeks to challenge students with a live performance and acknowledge their talent, says Margaret. "The boost of confidence students get when they are recognised for being good at something is immeasurable. It's not about the amount of money."
Some students have gone on to perform at graduation ceremonies, and others have forged careers singing with New Zealand Opera or overseas companies.
Alexandra Francis was a runner-up at the 2021 competition and says the event was a highlight of her time at the University.
"It was such a valuable experience. As a classical singer who also loves musical theatre, it solidified for me that I would love to be able to perform across both of these genres."
Alexandra graduated in 2023 with a Master of Music (Classic Performance Voice) and now lives in London, where she is completing a Master of Performance (Vocal) at the Royal College of Music.
"I was incredibly grateful for the prize money, which I put towards my future overseas studies - a dream that has now become a reality.
"It's amazing to be training at the top music institution in the world, with renowned teachers and performance experiences unlike any other."
Margaret hopes the prize will keep continuing Graham's legacy.
"Prizes and scholarships are a good way of keeping someone's name alive, and also supporting students, which is always beneficial. It does make a difference," says Margaret.
The prize also serves as a reminder to continue championing musical theatre, she says, which in a highly digitised world, offers people a chance to step away from screens and embrace live stage performances.
"It would be a real shame to see shows dying out, but I genuinely don't think they will.
"New Zealand is a small country, but if you go to a show, they're always well attended. The level of talent is incredibly high."
Nikki Addison
This article first appeared in the November 2024 issue of UniNews.
