Youth Advisory Panel

Olivia Brinkmann is a 23 year old young professional who currently resides in Ōtautahi. She holds her ATCL Diploma in Speech & Drama from the Trinity College of London. Her passion for performing began when she was 13 years old, and she went on to complete various levels of the Trinity Speech & Drama syllabus and competed at the Tauranga Performing Arts Competitions during her years at school. Olivia’s top competing achievement was when she attended PACANZ as a Young Performer of the Year Nominee. From a performing aspect, she is most proud of having been a full-year member of the Court Theatre’s Youth Company. Whilst Olivia still seeks out performing opportunities, her goal for 2022 was to take a different approach to involving speech & drama in her life. This has led her to teaching at the Court Theatre and at Giant Leaps. Her favourite part of teaching is facilitating safe spaces for kids to collaborate and brainstorm their interests, and pairing this through the medium of speech & drama activities. Olivia believes that it’s important for young students to be nurtured in this way so that they can become confident in who they are.

Dom is an up and coming theatre-maker currently based in Whakatū Nelson. While studying towards a BA in Theatre, Film and NZSL from Victoria University of Wellington, Dom worked supporting young people with disabilities. In 2021, he performed in the touring show 'Seasons' with Capital E and is now touring the country with Duffy Books in Homes. He is passionate about instilling children with wonder and play, and wants young people not to be afraid to question how the world works. Dom is vegan and loves animals, especially his tabby cat named Susan.

Anika has recently finished studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Drama and Sociology, at the University of Auckland. Her journey with the performing arts started through dancing and singing, while being involved with Tauranga Musical Theatre. While at university, she transitioned from performing into production management. In her final year, she was an executive committee member for the UoA Drama club, Stray Theatre Company. She has also worked as a Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager for the Theatre of Love and Prayas Theatre. Anika believes that the performing arts can be a safe place for children to explore their feelings and identity, just as she did as a child. She is very excited to be part of the PAYPA Youth Advisory Panel.

Louise began dancing at the age of 3, and her love for the performing arts has only grown since then. She has studied BAL Ballet and Tap, and NZAMD Tap and Jazz, with experience in Latin and ballroom, and aerial arts. Louise is an experienced choreographer and has been involved with the Auckland musical theatre community for a number of years. Louise teaches dance throughout the week at various studios and preschools. Her passion is teaching those with disabilities in an attempt to break down barriers and stigmas within the performing arts community. Louise is currently studying a Masters of Dance Movement Therapy at Auckland University.