Travel Gang Theatre Educator Scholarship :

Ten youth theatre educators have been shortlisted for the 2026 Travel Gang Theatre Educator Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity that honours and uplifts performing arts teachers making an extraordinary impact across Australia and New Zealand.

Travel Gang’s Theatre Educator Scholarship, valued at $14,000, will send one outstanding teacher on the trip of a lifetime! The winning educator will join the Aussie All-Stars student performance group in January 2026 for an exclusive journey to New York City, the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, and the Disneyland Performing Arts Workshop in Los Angeles. This fully funded adventure offers unparalleled learning and cultural experiences to inspire the winning teacher in new and meaningful ways.

“Teachers are the backbone of performing arts education in our region,” said Dr Shane Bransdon, Co-Director of Travel Gang. “They create the spaces where young people grow in confidence, creativity, and connection. They don’t get recognised enough for the impact they have, so we’re thrilled to recognise their work on a national scale.”

Travel Gang is proud to partner with Music Theatre International Australasia (MTI) and Junior Theatre Festivals (JTF) in Australia and New Zealand for this scholarship, shining a spotlight on educators who make a difference every day.

Stuart Hendricks from MTI shared, “It’s inspiring to see the profound impact these educators have on their students and communities. Their dedication and talent deserve to be recognised.”

Last year’s recipient, Pasquale Bartalotta from Viewbank College (VIC), described the scholarship experience as transformational. “This journey was a professional and personal gift,” said Bartalotta. “To walk the streets of New York, to learn from Broadway professionals, to be surrounded by hundreds of passionate educators at JTF. I came home recharged. It reminded me why I teach.”

The 2026 finalists were selected from a wide and talented pool of applicants, each demonstrating a deep commitment to student growth, innovation in arts programs, and leadership within their schools and local communities.

Travel Gang congratulates the ten shortlisted educators and thanks all applicants for their contributions to the performing arts landscape. The 2026 scholarship recipient will be announced soon.

To learn more about the program, visit: https://www.travelgang.com.au/theatre-educator-scholarship

THE 2026 SHORTLIST

Sonya Aifai - Napier Operatic Society (NZ)

Sonya Aifai is a passionate advocate for youth development through theatre. With years of experience directing and mentoring young performers, she creates inclusive spaces that foster creativity, confidence, and cultural expression. Her work blends storytelling and leadership, empowering rangatahi to find their voice both on and off the stage. A Music Theatre New Zealand Award recipient and LIfe Member of Napier Operatic, Sonya was recently awarded a Napier City Civic Award for her work with youth in theatre.

Rebecca Fortuna - Red Theatricals (QLD)

Rebecca is an award-nominated stage and screen Actor who has toured nationally in ‘Confetti & Chaos’ and ‘Faulty Towers’. A dedicated Acting Coach, Director and Choreographer, she has trained young performers for 20 years, sharing her expertise and passion at her studio, Red Theatricals and in high schools; most recently directing/choreographing ‘Mamma Mia' at Mullauna College. She is honoured to be one of Travel Gang’s Theatre Educator Finalists and thanks her students and community for their support.

Joshua Haynes - Heathfield High School (SA)

Inspiring the next generation in their personal journey, Joshua is passionate about engaging students in Performing Arts as a tool for self-expression; creating an inclusive space to impact their developing identity. Originally a gymnast and circus acrobat, Joshua transitioned into musical theatre and became a multi-instrumentalist. Joshua brings these diverse range of skills into the classroom as an educator, fostering engagement through collaboration between teacher and student.

Victoria Horsburgh - Players Theatre Company (VIC)

Victoria is a qualified Drama teacher and has over 20 years experience directing, choreographing, performing and production managing. A committee member of Players Theatre Company since 2010, she is passionate about creating performance opportunities for youth. Victoria has spent the last 10 years working with Players to create a place where kids can be mentored and grow both as humans and performers.

Kat McLeod - Braybrook College (VIC)

Kat has taught Drama and Theatre for nine years and has led Drama and Drama Productions at Braybrook College for six years. Kat serves on Drama Victoria’s Committee of Management, where she contributes to the strategic direction of Drama teaching in Victoria. She holds a Master of Teaching and Master of Creative Writing. In addition to writing custom jukebox musicals for students, Kat’s greatest joy is seeing students experience the magic of live theatre for the first time!

Janelle Pitout - Kristin School (NZ)

Janelle has been a thespian all of her life, treading the boards from age 5. She is a Creator, Director, Teacher, Actor, Performer, Singer, Contractor and Mum to three amazing human beings. She is working Nationally and Internationally from New Zealand to support teachers of Theatre around the world.

Meg Royle - Sprout Theatre Company (VIC)

Meg Royle believes theatre transforms lives. Through Sprout Theatre Company, she aims to give youth a platform to shine, building teamwork, imagination, and confidence. As a director, choreographer, and educator, she is committed to shaping skilled performers and empowered individuals, creating opportunities for growth that extend far beyond the stage.

Jo Scales - Montrose Bay High School (TAS)

Jo holds a Master of Teaching from the University of Tasmania and is a passionate Drama teacher who has directed numerous school productions and events. She thoroughly enjoys taking students to the theatre, so they can see live performances, sometimes for the first time, and helping them to shine onstage.

Jessica Smith - Liverpool Boys High School & The Arts Unit (NSW)

Jessica is a passionate theatre educator in NSW Public Schools. She is the Drama Ensembles Coordinator at The Arts Unit and has tutored students statewide through ensembles, festivals, and camps. Jessica has represented rural voices on an inclusive education panel and is dedicated to empowering creativity, inclusion and student voice.

Louise Wilkie - Centrestage Youth Theatre & Smoky Mirror Arts Company (NZ)

Louise Wilkie is a New Zealand kaiako, theatre educator, choreographer, and director. She holds a Master’s in Dance Movement Therapy and founded Smoky Mirror Arts Company to provide inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities. She is committed to creating learning environments where tamariki and rangatahi can express creativity and thrive.