Namaste, my name is Aadit Tandon. I am an emerging theatre director, performer, and creative practitioner based in Tauranga Moana, Aotearoa New Zealand. Born in India and raised in Singapore before moving to New Zealand, I have grown up across cultures, and this has deeply shaped my love for storytelling, identity, and the idea of belonging.

My journey into theatre began with what my family still considers one of my greatest performances: my fifth birthday party. Faced with a room full of people singing “Happy Birthday,” I completely froze. Before I could even attempt to blow out my candles, one of my friends leaned over and did it for me. My parents decided something had to be done, so they promptly enrolled me in drama classes to help build my confidence.

A year later, I made my theatrical debut in The Enormous Crocodile. I had one line, and I said it backwards. Despite the less-than-stellar start, something clicked the moment I stepped on stage. That tiny role lit a flame in me that has only grown stronger ever since.

Over the past eight years, I have been involved in more than 35 community productions in a wide range of roles including directing, performing, technical theatre, stage crew, marketing, and creative leadership. Along the way, I have completed Trinity College London Speech and Drama and Musical Theatre examinations, achieving Distinction across multiple grades, and have been fortunate to receive awards at national performing arts competitions. A highlight of my journey was representing New Zealand at Shakespeare’s Globe in London as a member of the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company. It was an experience that reaffirmed my passion for storytelling and collaboration on an international stage.

While I love performing, my heart lies in theatre directing. I am fascinated by bringing together artists with different perspectives and creating rehearsal rooms where everyone feels safe to take risks, grow, and belong. I believe the best theatre is not just watched. It is shared, creating genuine human connections both on and off the stage.

Alongside my own creative practice, I am passionate about giving back to the community. I regularly volunteered with the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective, mentoring young performers and working with youth from marginalised communities and those with disabilities to make the performing arts more accessible. I also teach at Wright Rhode Academy of Performing Arts (WRAPA), where I help young people develop their performance skills, confidence, and creativity. Seeing someone discover their voice, find a sense of belonging, and realise their potential through theatre is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

As I continue my journey towards a career in theatre directing, I am always excited to collaborate with fellow creatives, support community arts initiatives, and create meaningful theatre that celebrates connection, belonging, and the stories that bring us together.