Musical theatre has long been a passion for Benjamin (Ngāi Tahu) who started ballet at 3 and singing lessons at 6. As well as being a high academic achiever, Benjamin is also a strong LGBTQI+ advocate in his community and school to help younger students find their way when they feel they don't fit in. Benjamin has been in many Canterbury theatre productions; often the youngest alongside adults qualified in Performing Arts. Accepted into Brentstreet (Sydney) and Patrick School of the Arts (Melbourne) tertiary musical theatre programmes at just 16, this Grant will support Benjamin’s training costs towards his goal to perform professionally world-wide, while also continuing to return to Aotearoa to share his skills locally.