Graham Johnston
Manawatū Youth Theatre (MYTH) has been ignited out of a love for theatre and the great advantages it offered me when I was young. I started on stage when I was about 7 or 8 in pantomimes under the direction of Manawatū theatre stalwarts such as Pat Snoxel, Audrey and Ron Osborne, Stephen Fisher and Gordon Alve to name a few. There were regular performance opportunities on the Opera House stage or at the Abbey or Globe Theatre where I got to work alongside experienced actors and technical crew. I continued on stage into my late teens (Les Miserables, Chess). When my voice decided to break, I used my knowledge of sound which I had learned through my father to continue my involvement, eventually moving into musical direction.
We wish to reignite those opportunities and create a performance home for youth that love theatre. As a father and a teacher, we see every day the massive benefits in developing strong bonds and communities around the things that you love. But theatre is not just about being on stage, there are many people who get to showcase their skills from stage crew and management, lighting, sound, building, painting, costuming, the list goes on. MYTH operates a mentoring program throughout all of its productions to assist in the development of these skills, offering leadership and fostering emerging talents.
Kane Parsons
Kane Parsons is a composer, storyteller, and educator whose work weaves music, culture, and community into vibrant, meaningful experiences. Recently completing a Master’s degree exploring the therapeutic power of music, Kane leads collaborative projects that celebrate identity and connection.
He recently co-produced a bilingual Samoan early childhood album with Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata, launched during Samoan Language Week. Kane is also a founding member of The KaRs, whose Christmas album brings together festive spirit and cultural richness. Looking ahead, he is developing the Resilience Album —a major initiative set for release in May 2026, created through workshops with schools and communities across Aotearoa.
Lorna Stanley
Lorna first took to the stage at just nine years old with Theatre Hawke’s Bay in Rhythm and Ritz and she hasn’t looked back since. With more than 30+ musical theatre credits to her name, both onstage and behind the scenes, her love for the craft runs deep.
By day, Lorna is a Deputy Principal at Russell Street School, and she also sits on the board of Act Three Productions, championing the arts. Musical theatre, and bringing it to the Palmerston North community, is a true passion. She believes in its power to capture the hearts of audiences, performers, and crew alike.
For Lorna, theatre is more than performance – it’s belonging. There is a place for everyone, and when people find it, that’s where the magic happens.