In Search of Fa’amaoni: Trusting the Truth in Your Craft.
Owning your presence, navigating auditions and honoring your authentic voice.
This workshop, led by Shadon Meredith and Amelia Reid-Meredith from SOS + SHA Creative, invites artists to step into the audition space with fa‘atuatua (confidence) and fa‘amaoni (authenticity).
Through meditation, movement, and practical screen audition techniques, we will explore the art of self-belief, grounding our storytelling in cultural strength, intuitive decision-making, and the courage to stand fully in our truth. By shifting focus from external validation to deep personal connection, participants will learn to navigate nerves and step into auditions with presence, purpose, and the power of their unique voice.
The Koi Workshop Series is delivered as part of Te Pou Theatre’s annual Whakapuāwai Programme and delivered in partnership with Equity New Zealand.
Āhea | When: Saturday 22 March, 10am – 4pm
Kei hea | Where: Te Pou Theatre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane
Mō wai | For who: Māori and Moana Nui performers – all levels
Utu | Cost: Free
Roanga | Duration: 6hrs
Shadon Meredith is an Aotearoa-born Sāmoan artist, actor, storyteller, and casting professional with nearly two decades of experience in theatre, film, television, and facilitation. He has worked across Aotearoa and internationally, bringing Oceanic narratives to life through performance, creative collaboration, and bold physical storytelling. A highly skilled deviser, Shadon thrives in ensemble environments and is known for his ability to generate original material, solve creative challenges through movement-based exploration, and shape powerful stories from the ground up. As a casting associate at Lighthouse Casting, he has firsthand knowledge of the audition process and what makes a performer stand out. Through SOS + SHA Creative, he facilitates workshops that fuse cultural wisdom, meditation, and practical techniques to help artists build confidence, trust their instincts, and bring their full selves to the screen.
Amelia Reid-Meredith is an experienced actor, acting coach, and casting director who’s passionate about helping actors bring their best work to the screen. As an actor, she is best known for playing Bella on Shortland Street for six years, with additional screen credits including Friends Like Her (TV3), The Brokenwood Mysteries, Cowboy Bebop, and Ti West’s Pearl. She’s been an on-set acting coach for Testify, Miles from Nowhere, and various TV productions, as well as coaching one-on-one with actors like Beulah Koale, Frankie Adams, and Robbie Magasiva. As the casting director for Lighthouse Casting, Amelia knows what it takes to stand out in the industry. She has taught screen acting at Toi Whakaari and Unitec and regularly runs workshops for actors at all levels. With a hands-on, practical approach, she helps actors build confidence and find truth in their performances. Amelia is passionate about helping people find confidence in their own choices and authenticity. She is continually inspired by actors having breakthroughs in their work, discovering new depths in their craft, and embracing their unique voices.
Equity New Zealand is a community of performers working together to build a vibrant, thriving, diverse industry that operates with creativity and professionalism.
Equity is the largest creative union in NZ, advocating for individual and collective workers rights and improving working conditions and pay for performers. The union works with the Equity Foundation to provide its members with a free professional development program, offering workshops that go to the heart of performers’ needs – skills development, community building, international training opportunities and much more. Equity New Zealand champions wellness, equality and inclusion industry-wide.
The Whakapuāwai Programme at Te Pou Theatre is an annual programme offering opportunities for development and connection for the Māori performing arts community.
Need a great headshot but haven’t got one? Come along for 15 mins with photographer Ralph Brown. Ralph will take a few professional pics of you and send the touched up photos to you after the session for your use on your professional profiles.
Intimacy Coordination is about cultivating a safe and professional environment for the crafting of intimate content on screen and stage. This workshop will provide participants with valuable tools and language that will add to your kete & professional practice.
Bringing back our popular Te Pou Awe acting workshops for 2024, we are inviting whānau Māori of the industry to come along and have a play with some acting. Facilitated by Tainui Tukiwaho, covering the many facets of acting and what makes Māori Theatre.
We are grateful to have various organizations, businesses and people supporting many different aspects of Te Pou. We couldn’t achieve what we have without their support. Our Whakapuāwai Programme is sponsored by the following:
