Leki Jackson-Bourke is an emerging performing artist, and a graduate of the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts. He is of Tongan, Niuean and Samoan descent and has worked professionally as an actor, dancer, writer, director, producer, choreographer & stage manager. Leki first began working with Massive Company as an actor in the critically acclaimed devised theatre show, "THE BRAVE" which toured around NZ and Hawaii. Leki wants to develop as a director so he can ignite others through the creativity and magic of story telling, he also wants to help develop and nurture young emerging talent and he feels he is able to do that through directing. 

Wassssup! Just your average strong independent brown woman straight from the streets of Mangere, South Auckland - I'm Sieni and I'm 21 years old. From performing at church to joining Massive Company when I was sixteen years old and have been with them since. Through Massive Company I have been able to stick my fingers into a few things and get a feel of being on stage and behind the scenes! I have been in Massive Nui Ensemble since 2013 and have performed in showings regularly with them throughout the years. I was also one of six actors who traveled to Scotland to perform "The Island" at the National Theatre of Scotland Exchange Festival where ten companies from around the world came together to workshop and perform a devised show. I was also in the most recent show "Chance to Ignite" alongside a cast of six women. I want to take part in TDL 2018 as I have been an actor and stage manager but never had a chance to sit in the director's seat. I want to test my decision making and learn the ropes of a director. I'm not too sure if I will enjoy it or not but the best part is not knowing...and I can't wait to figure that out! I have been with Massive Company for five years and choose to stick with them because I know no other place that works as hard as them. I love that I am constantly challenged and being pushed past my limit. Massive has helped me share my stories in the best way I can through physical theatre. I can be my most honest self here and I am always given the chance to be brave and vulnerable!!! It is a space to bring your truth, fears, loves and everything else you have to offer. 

ROBERTO NASCIMENTO was born in Brazil and moved to New Zealand 15 years ago. Since then, he worked in theatre, TV and Film. In film, he directed short films, documentaries and two webseries. For theatre, he devised critically acclaimed solo show Zen Dog with actor Mick Innes (both seasons) and a range of short plays. Roberto first came across Massive Company as an actor, participating in several development workshops over the past 8 years - his goal is to keep growing as a director and the opportunity to work with Sam is extremely valuable. Having directed only short plays in the past, Roberto wants to work in ensemble pieces and longer works, as well as keep learning and nurturing emerging young talent - he loves stories about outsiders and real people, so The Director's Lab is a fantastic chance to fine tune his skills and hang out with great people.

With a CV that includes everything from judges to Amazon queens, award-winning actor Alison Bruce has worked on many film, TV shows and stage productions over the years. She has worked with Red Leap Theatre Company, Theatre at Large, Silo Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company, and has recently starred in TV series ‘The Brokenwood Mysteries’ and ‘Golden Boy.’

Wesley joined Massive Company at the age of 17, going on to perform in many productions including 'Sons of Charlie Paora,' '100 Cousins,' and 'My Bed My Universe.' He is an established performer and tutor with Massive, has multiple stage/TV/film credits, and is scheduled to direct a Massive emerging artists’ production in 2020.

Iwi: Ko Ngati Maniapoto toku iwi, ko Ngati Uekaha toku hapu
Georgia-May Pope has been acting and producing theatre since 2011, with companies Northland Youth Theatre and Company of Giants. She currently tutors the Northland Youth Theatre Senior Drama Class and will be directing the 2019 Northland Youth Theatre winter show in Whangarei. Georgia-May is passionate about devising and creating original theatre.

Iwi: Ko Ngapuhi toku iwi, ko Ngati Hine me Ngati Kaharau toku hapu
Ringi studied at Northtec in the Diploma of Applied Arts (Theatre) programme in 1996-97. Over the past 22 years she has worked both on stage and off in many amateur theatre productions in Whangarei. Ringi is currently looking forward to directing ‘Steel Magnolias’ at the Octagon Theatre, Whangarei later this year.

Ngati Porou
Celeste has been with Massive Company since 2016, when she joined Massive Nui Ensemble. She performed in the emerging artists’ shows ‘Chance to Ignite’ (2017) and ‘Sightings’ (2018). Celeste trained as a tutor in 2018, and is now part of the Massive teaching team. She recently performed in the touring production of "I am Māori," directed by Nancy Brunning for Young and Hungry.

Hunter joined Massive Company in 2019, as a member of the Nui Ensemble. His performing credits include ’The Pohutukawa Tree’ with Onewhero Society of Performing Arts, a rural community theatre near the West Coast where he grew up. Hunter is appearing in Massive’s emerging artists show ‘Babble,’ as part of the 2020 Auckland Arts Festival.