Fiona McKenzie
Fiona founded the Academy in Christchurch after creating performances with disabled artists in Geraldine. Her background in writing, directing and journalism helps turn workshop ideas into public work.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PERFORMANCESpace to
Space to
be brilliant.
Inclusive Performance Academy is a place to learn, collaborate and turn ideas into work that meets an audience.
OUR STORYThe artists
The artists
lead the way.
The Academy was founded in 2020 by writer and director Fiona McKenzie, who saw the need for more opportunities for young disabled people to be the ones making the show.
In workshops and classes, performers develop ideas through acting, music, movement, dance and story. Those ideas become live theatre, public performances and films. The point is to give people the time, support and creative ownership to make something together — and then put it in front of an audience.
The work is funny, surprising and ambitious because the people making it are.
Watch the Frank Film profile ↗HOW WE WORK
01
Find the idea
Performers bring their own stories, humour, interests and instincts into the room.
02
Make it together
Devising, rehearsing and filming become a collaborative creative practice.
03
Meet the audience
The finished work belongs on a stage or screen, where it can change the conversation.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
A family of makers.
Jasper Sutcliffe
Jasper collaborates with the Academy on screen projects, including its 48Hours films and People Like Us, which he co-wrote and directed with Fiona.
The ensemble
The performers’ voices, comic timing and creative choices shape what the Academy makes. That is where every show begins.