The youngest of three sisters to study with Queen's High School head of drama Terry MacTavish, Miss Bernard (18) is one of a group of about 20 young New Zealanders who will experience an immersive experience at the London theatre in July.
The family connection goes still deeper as the girls' mother, Janet Bernard, also studied with Ms MacTavish.
Miss Bernard won her place through her extraordinary performance in a scene from Shakespeare's MacBeth, during last year's SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.
"Getting this opportunity to go to Shakespeare's Globe, and to study and perform there, is an absolute dream come true,'' Miss Bernard said.
"It is going to be a massive learning experience and, as well as studying drama, we will go around London visiting all the places Shakespeare lived and worked.
"It is pretty crazy - I'm just trying to get my head around it all.''
As part of an ongoing fundraising drive to help Miss Bernard with the cost of the trip, a Juliette Bernard Benefit Variety Concert was held on Saturday at the King's and Queen's Performing Arts Centre in Bay View Rd.
Miss Bernard also has assessments coming up for her studies at the National Academy of Dance and Dramatic Art in Christchurch.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
