Whanganui Performing Arts - Our Story
Established in 1912, Whanganui Performing Arts has been supporting young performers for over 110 years. Originally named The Wanganui Competitions Society, the members decided that to best reflect the work the society does, a name change was in order. In 2022, while accelerating our 110th anniversary, WPA launched under new branding and began trading as Whanganui Performing Arts.
Historically the society has offered classes in Highland Dancing, Pipe Bands, Jump Rope, Roi, Canoe, Elocution and other art forms. Our festivals provide children and youth to perform in Piano, Instrumental, Classical Vocal, Contemporary Vocal, Musical Theatre, Drama. Our dance classes offer Tap, Ballet, Modern and HipHop. The mission of the society is to advance education by promoting, encouraging and fostering the continuation of young people in performing arts through the study of Dance, Music and Drama, and or any other subject selected by the executive council. Each year the society will nominate performers to represent Whanganui at the National Performing Arts Competitions (PACANZ). WPA now offers a full-time performing arts academy for local children and youth. Here students dive into all aspects of performing arts. Poetry, Musical Theatre, Shakespeare and more. Along with perfecting their craft, students harness other skills such as public speaking and self-confidence. While performing is all about having fun, the learning objectives for academy students are self-presentation, diligence, cooperation, anxiety management, being respectful and harnessing creativity. This is all in a safe and fun learning environment. Along with regular academy classes, 2024 will see WPA host a play, Letters from the Titanic, a musical, The Addams Family, one multi genre competition and one online competition. |
WPA Committee 2024
LAUREN ASHTON - PRESIDENT
MEGAN HARTLEY - 1ST VICE PRESIDENT HAYLEY SELLARS - 2ND VICE PRESIDENT CARRYN WILKINS - TREASURER DAVE GRIFFITHS - COMMITTEE MEMBER WENDY DOWNS - COMMITTEE MEMBER ALYSSA HARTLEY - COMMITTEE MEMBER LAUREN LITTLE - SECRETARY PAT WILLIAMS - WPA LIFE MEMBER EILEEN BENNETT - WPA LIFE MEMBER JIM ENNIS - WPA PATRON STEPH THOMAS - PRODUCTION YOUTH MANAGER |
Charity Information
2024 Annual General Meeting Information |