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The James Rice Trust

James Rice was a long serving Member of the then Whangarei Operatic and Dramatic Society. (Now Whangarei Theatre Company)  He served in various roles including President. His great love was Musicals although he was never on stage, preferring the administrative side of the Society.

 

Post retirement he moved to the Gold Coast and on his death, his unit was sold and the money given to WAODS on the understanding that a Trust would be formed in his name. It was specified the money could not be used to produce shows but was to be used for voice training particularly for young people. Over the years the Trust provided money for vocal and speech training and paid towards the fees of students who were sitting advanced exams in Speech and Voice. Prizes were also provided for some of the Junior Speech and Vocal classes in the local Competitions.

 

There were some years when the Trust was not approached by anyone for grants and so it was decided to disband it and give the money to WTC with the proviso that it be kept in a separate account and used for improving skills in all aspects of theatre with an emphasis on Youth.

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If you would like to find out more about receiving a grant from The James Rice Trust please email or to make an application please follow the link and fill in the application form to

enquiries@whangareitheatrecompany.org.nz 

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