Manawatū theatre patron Pat Snoxell’s legacy is opportunity

Veteran Manawatū musical theatre patron Pat Snoxell believed young people could achieve their dreams if they were only given the opportunity.

“If you give them a chance to shine, they will shine.”

Snoxell passed away in February 2021, but his legacy at the Regent on Broadway will continue, as he has bequeathed $50,000 to the theatre.

The investment will provide an annual $1000 grant to one young performer between the ages of 15 and 21.

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Snoxell’s family said he was passionate about the development of young people and “spent many years encouraging them to become involved in musical theatre”.

“As part of Pat’s estate he gifted the annual grant to help Manawatū youth develop their performance arts skills,” Jenny Snoxell said.

Jenny and her daughter Kirsty were keen to launch the grant this year, which was open to dancers, instrumentalists, actors or classical singers, or anyone who wanted to get onstage.

President of the Regent on Broadway, David Lea said Snoxell’s drive for the Palmerston North theatre was a “driver” for his involvement with the Regent.

“He was an inaugural member of the board and served continuously for over 25 years,” Lea said.

His knowledge in all things theatre, from performance to a backstage perspective, had been of great value to the board over many years, Lea said.

Snoxell was not only a board member but a director of more than 100 shows and toured productions throughout New Zealand.

Some of his favourite productions were Oliver, The King and I, and The Sound of Music, as they were full of opportunities for young people.

His family hoped the grant would further encourage young, local talent to shine onstage.

Applications for the Pat Snoxell grant were available from the Regent on Broadway and would close on August 1.