The FAME Emerging Practitioner Awards, now in their fourth year of delivery, are awarded to performing arts students at University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, Ara Institute of Canterbury, and NZ School of Dance. A student from each of these institutions who has demonstrated a high level of skill in the performing arts is awarded $10,000.
Acorn Foundation manages the fund and Creative Bay of Plenty administers the awards.
We spoke to past recipients to find out where they are at now in their creative careers.
Oliver Bramah – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2021
University of Auckland
Discipline: Music – composition
2021 study: MMus in musical composition
2022 study plans: MMus in musical composition
Since receiving the FAME Emerging Practitioner Award, Oliver has completed his master’s degree with first class honours, researching how music affects the perception of ancient poetry. His significant composition for Bach Musica NZ, inspired by Sappho and Hindustani Classical Music, was premiered in Auckland to critical acclaim. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in composition at the University of Auckland, focusing on music’s role in cultural connection and honoring Te Tiriti. He is also preparing an arrangement for the Sounds of Now Vienna festival, symbolising resilience.
Maurea Perez-Varea – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2021
Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School
Discipline: Acting
2021 study: Bachelor of Performing Arts (second year)
2022 study plans: Bachelor of Performing Arts (final year)
During her final year at Toi Whakaari, Maurea created and produced her “Home” show. Thanks to the award, she was able to purchase equipment to support and nurture her creativity. The award helped Maurea and her community recognise the potential artist within us all. She had such success producing and funding her show, “Home”, that she featured it in the Measina Festival MakersLab, “Untitled”. Maurea hopes to inspire more indigenous artists to flourish without limits.
Jordan Wichman – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2021
Otago University
Discipline: Theatre Direction
2021 study: Bachelor of Performing Arts (final year)
2022 study plans: Master of Arts – Theatre Studies
In 2022, Jordan collaborated with Dunedin’s Dollhouse production company to produce the New Zealand premiere of “Matt and Ben”, a play depicting Hollywood golden boys Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Although Jordan’s NZ Fringe invitation was postponed due to COVID, she attended in 2023, working on ten performances in three days. This led to multiple Dunedin Fringe Festival awards with Afterburner’s “Dark Radio” and a regional tour of Richard Huber’s “Wonderful” with SBZ Productions. Jordan also designed and operated lighting for Pop Up Production’s “Spring Awakening”, and in 2024, won the Beyond Words Award for “The Trapeze Artists” and started a mentorship programme for young directors and producers with Cue-Go Productions.
Abhinath Berry – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2021
Otago University
Discipline: Music – instrumentalist
2021 study: MusB (Hons) (third year)
2022 study plans: MusB (Hons) (final year)
Abhinath completed his Bachelor of Music degree with First Class Honours in performance and composition at the University of Otago in 2022. In 2023, he received several national awards, including Creative New Zealand’s Jack McGill Scholarship, a Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Award, and the Judith Clark Memorial Fellowship. He also presented numerous piano recitals across New Zealand, including performances in the Chiron Lewis Eady Foundation’s Emerging Artists series and at Dunedin’s Glenroy Auditorium. Abhinath has been accepted into the Master’s programme in piano performance at both the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, aiming to start in September this year.
Persia Thor-Poet – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2021
NZ School of Dance
Discipline: Classical Ballet & Contemporary Dance
2021 study: NZ Diploma in Dance (second year)
2022 study plans: NZ Diploma in Dance (final year)
Since graduating from the New Zealand School of Dance, Persia has pursued her dream in North America. She started in Toronto, working as the main dancer and assistant for a top illusionist. She then moved to Montréal to teach ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray, where she instructs students of all levels, including those preparing for weddings. Persia found a dance partner, Anthony, and they compete professionally in American Ballroom, traveling mainly to the US. She dances the waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha-cha, rumba, and swing, living her dream daily.
Sebastian Hunter – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2021
Victoria University of Wellington
Discipline: Acting
2021 study: Bachelor of Arts majoring in theatre (third year)
2022 study plans: Bachelor of Arts majoring in theatre (final year)
The FAME Emerging Practitioner Award opened doors for Sebastian in the film and music industries. He starred in the New Zealand film “Poppy”, leading to numerous paid film projects and memberships in unions and guilds for actors and musicians. He took piano lessons, learned to read sheet music, and confidently play. He also bought an electronic drum kit and a guitar. Recently, he completed and is recording his debut album. Although he now aspires to become a nurse, he continues to pursue music in his spare time.
Alfred Fuimaono – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2022
University of Waikato
Discipline: Music – operatic baritone
2022 study: Bachelor of Music – Classical Performance (final year)
2023 study plans: University of Waikato Master’s programme specialising in opera
Alfred began his Masters in Advanced Opera Studies at the University of Waikato, completing it with distinction in December. This programme allowed him to work with staff from renowned opera houses and legends like Anthony Legge, Jack Livigni, and Sir Simon Keenlyside. Alfred competed in the Joan Sutherland Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award, winning the Stimme Leib und Seele Prize Package for a summer programme in Salzburg. He attended the New Zealand Opera School for a fifth year, winning the top prize, and also secured second place in the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition and first place in the Napier Aria Competition. Alfred continues to perform regularly and has several exciting engagements ahead, attributing his success to the support from the FAME Trust.
Michael Lyell-O’Reilly – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2022
Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School
Discipline: Production & Stage Management
2022 study: Bachelor of Performing Arts Technologies & Stage Management (second year)
2023 study plans: Bachelor of Performing Arts Technologies & Stage Management (final year)
Since graduating with a degree in Performing Arts Technologies and Management in November 2023, Michael has been busy with various roles. He served as production and stage manager for “Belle – A Performance of Air” by Malia Johnstone’s Movement of the Human, and took on the same role for a development with Stella Reid. Currently, he is the technical operator for Michael Hurst’s solo show at Circa. Many of his projects are expected to have future shows or international tours. The FAME Emerging Practitioner Award enabled him to buy essential tools and safety equipment, pay for vital training, and secure his transition from student to full-time worker. He has applied to work at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with the award helping cover flights, visas, and other expenses.
Hannah Scholten – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2022
NZ School of Dance
Discipline: Contemporary Dance
2022 study: NZ Diploma in Dance (second year)
2023 study plans: NZ Diploma in Dance (final year)
Hannah expresses her gratitude for the FAME Emerging Practitioner Award, which has significantly impacted her dancing career over the past two years by alleviating the financial burden of full-time training. Since graduating in December 2023, she has performed in the NZ Fringe Festival and received residencies at Wellesley Studios in Auckland and the Pōneke Winter Festival. In July, she will move to London to build her dance career and community over the next two years. Hannah thanks the FAME Trust for enabling her to focus on what matters most in her dance career.
Sarah Hubbard – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2022
Otago University
Discipline: Music – opera singer
2022 study: Bachelor of Music, majoring in performance (final year)
2023 study plans: Post Graduate Certificate, Queensland Conservatorium
The FAME Emerging Practitioner Award enabled Sarah to move to Brisbane to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Opera, a move that transformed her life both academically and personally. While in Brisbane, she received a scholarship for an audition tour in the UK and is now set to study for a Master’s at the Royal Academy of Music in London starting in September. She credits the FAME Award for providing the opportunities that led to her studying at her dream music school.
Chas Mamea – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2022
University of Auckland
Discipline: Dance
2022 study: Doctor of Philosophy (Dance)
2023 study plans: Doctor of Philosophy (Dance)
In April 2023, Chas presented her Honours research on street dance’s importance for South Auckland Pasifika/Māori youth wellbeing at a conference in Canberra. In May, she competed with the South Auckland dance crew, Nappyboyz, in Mexico, placing third. She presented her research again in Toronto in June and performed with Company B under Neil Ieremia and Black Grace, which led to a full-time contract with Black Grace and NZ Opera, touring Auckland and Wellington. Now freelancing, Chas is working towards her PhD, focusing on how dance provides a sense of belonging for Pasifika and Māori practitioners. She recently participated in a video shoot for Maramatanga with Lisa Reihana and Maaka Pepene. Chas credits the FAME Award for enabling her achievements and inspiring her to support the next generation.
India Worsnop – FAME Emerging Practitioner Award 2022
Victoria University of Wellington
Discipline: Acting
2022 study: Bachelor of Arts – theatre and film (third year)
2023 study plans: Master of Fine Arts – theatre
The FAME Emerging Practitioner Award enabled India to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre despite financial concerns. For her thesis, India produced, marketed, and adapted the script for the world-premiere stage adaptation of Yorgos Lanthimos’s film “The Lobster”, obtaining special licensing rights from the film’s writers. She is now re-pitching the show for a larger venue in 2025. India interned with the World of Wearable Arts for their 2023 show. She credits the award for making 2023 her most academically challenging and inspiring year, and feels enthusiastic and well-prepared to enter the industry.
