Madison Mahon can’t wait to begin studying theatre at Vancouver Island University in September.
But, unlike most of her peers, Madison won’t have to worry about finding funds to pay for her tuition for her entire undergraduate program.
That’s because Madison, who is currently in Grade 12 at Cowichan Secondary School, is this year’s recipient of the 2017 Vancouver Island University President’s Entrance Scholarship which provides full tuition for five years to VIU in whichever program she chooses.
Madison won the scholarship because she had the highest academic average in Cowichan Secondary School of those who are attending VIU, and that has given her the opportunity to follow her passion and pursue her Technical Theatre Diploma and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.
“I really didn’t think I’d get it,” said Madison.
“There were some really smart kids from my school who were also being considered for the scholarship. It’s a real honour. I’m interested in the theatre program at VIU because I wish to further my education in the industry, and I’m super excited to be attending school for something that I love to do.”
Madison said she will have to commute daily to VIU’s campus in Nanaimo to complete her program, but she’s looking forward to the challenges her academic career will bring.
“The next few years are going to be amazing, and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds,” she said.
“Eventually, my hope is to become a theatre technician, possibly specializing in sound, and work in a live setting. Of course my dream is to travel and see the world, and thankfully this field provides many opportunities to be able to pursue that.”
Madison talks about her studies
Madison attributes much of her appreciation and love for theatre to the people at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre where she, and fellow student Lindsay Elzinga, took an independent directed studies course this year and worked and studied as interns.
The practical experience-based program provided the students with hands-on experience while learning all of the fundamentals of theatre, including lighting, sound, stage set-up, front-of-house, administration and technical direction for show production.
For Madison, it was the back stage technical work that ignited a spark and her passion to pursue a career in technical theatre production.
