Ashburton College graduates Annelise Diamond (left) and Libby Higson are pursuing careers in the performing arts. Photo Susan SandysAshburton’s Annelise Diamond and Libby Higson are pursuing careers in the performing arts, and now have scholarships to help them on their way.

The two 18-year-olds are long-time attendees of the Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School, and were among the school’s three scholarship recipients this year, each receiving $300.

The pair, who completed Year 13 at Ashburton College last year, say every little bit counts, and the money will be a big help towards their studies.

Higson is off to the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA) next month, to undertake a three-year Bachelor of Performing Arts.

“My overall goal would be to end up overseas performing in Broadway productions,” Higson said.

Diamond plans to attend the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts next year, also achieving a Bachelor of Performing Arts, and needs to save as much as possible this year so she can afford the tuition fees.

She has part-time work and is looking for either full-time or additional part-time jobs. She wants to add a teaching qualification and open her own performing arts school.

“I would love to perform on stage as well, but that’s a goal I can have and incorporate the thing that I love,” she said.

Both Higson and Diamond have pursued their love of live performance over many years in their home town, and they have lost count of the number of productions they have been in.

They include numerous shows including not only the summer singing school, but also Big Little Theatre Company, Mid Canterbury Children’s Theatre, DanceWorx and Variety Theatre Ashburton.

The pair are grateful to summer singing school founder Jo Castelow for giving them the confidence to own the stage.

“She’s watched us develop through the years, and she’s been such a big help, and without her we wouldn’t have got to where we are,” Higson said.

“I think I would still probably perform if I didn’t have Jo as a teacher, but I wouldn’t be able to perform to the standard I do, especially my singing,” Diamond said.

By Susan Sandys © The Ashburton Guardian - 23 January 2017