PAYPA Hui & Award Winners 2024
The weekend of October 11-13 saw our third PAYPA hui come alive in Tāmaki Makaurau, with practitioners, students, performers, and educators joining us for a full schedule of activities. The event kicked off with ATC and Nightsong’s Peter Pan, where we enjoyed seeing ATC Youth Company perform alongside professional actors—a true highlight!
On Saturday, nearly 20 practitioners gathered to discuss how we can collectively strengthen the sector. (P.S. keep an eye on our newsletter for more whakaaro from this session!) Later, we were treated to Tim Bray Theatre Company’s Mrs. Wishy Washy at the scenic lakeside Pumphouse Theatre. That evening, esteemed practitioners shared their insights on creating work that puts young people at the heart of the industry. Big thanks to ASSITEJ EC member Shoab Iqbal, Massive Theatre Company, Brickworks Drama School, Dan Goodwin, and Youth Arts NZ for your inspiring kōrero. Special thanks as well to Youth Advisory members Jamie Lee and Anika John for facilitating these important discussions. We also enjoyed performances by Chloe Bettina and Logan Ding and celebrated our 2024 PAYPA Awards winners.
Sunday wrapped up with our PAYPA AGM and board meeting, closing out a successful and inspiring weekend. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Next year’s hui is set for Christchurch, so keep an eye out for more details soon!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 PAYPA Awards:
Emerging Artist Award/Company Award: Te Kura Maninirau
As Aotearoa's first kaupapa Māori circus school, Te Kura Maninirau is breaking new ground in the performing arts. Through a mix of recreational classes and professional development, they’re creating pathways for Māori to step into the world of circus. Led by Tainui Tukiwaho and Eve Gordon, the kura has developed a Māori-accessible tuition framework that provides rangatahi with a culturally safe space to learn the powerful physical skills and self-confidence that circus arts can bring. This important work is transforming access and paving the way for future Māori performers! We were delighted to have school manager Natasha van Etten with us on the night to pick up this award. Congratulations, Te Kura Maninirau! We can’t wait to see how you continue to inspire and elevate our community. Find out more about Te Kura Maninirau
Production of the Year: The Messy Magic Adventure by Rollicking Entertainment
The Messy Magic Adventure captivates audiences with an unforgettable mix of circus, slapstick, and magic, creating a magical journey for tamariki and their whānau, earning PAYPA’s Production of the Year award for Rollicking Entertainment. Lizzie Tollemache and David Ladderman couldn’t join us at the awards, as they were out doing what they do best — performing for an audience elsewhere! We’re excited to see where their journey takes them next. Congratulations, Lizzie and David — keep on rollicking! Find out more about Rollicking Entertainment
The Peter Wilson Supreme Award for Significant Contribution to Performing Arts & Young People: Samantha Scott
With over 30 years of dedication to youth theatre, Sam has shaped the lives of countless young performers through Massive Theatre Company. Massive isn’t just about theatre, its values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga provide emerging artists with a safe, nurturing, and supporting space, and a strong foundation to build their craft and confidence. Sam’s dedication to fostering these values has helped so many young people thrive, connect and develop their artistry. Congratulations, Sam! Thank you for your inspiring work and for empowering the next generation of performers in Aotearoa. Find out more about Massive
