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Whangaparāoa resident Andres Abuyabor (13) is one of 20 young performers selected for the Kiwi All-Stars ensemble, where he will represent the Hibiscus Coast and New Zealand on the international stage in May next year.
The Kiwi All-Stars is a group of talented young performers from schools and theatre academies across New Zealand. They’ll come together to represent the country at the Junior Theatre Festival in Birmingham where they’ll train with industry professionals on the West End, attend the international festival, see live theatre and participate in the Paris Disneyland Performing Arts programme.
The young teen says as the only performer from Centrestage selected for the group, he’s “a little bit nervous, but mostly excited” for the experience.
“But I’m looking forward to connecting with other performances from across the country and maybe making some new friends too,” he says.
Andres began his performing arts journey at the National School of Performing Arts before joining Centrestage after moving to Stanmore Bay in 2021 when he was nine. He says his passion for performing was sparked while watching a recorded stage production with his family. Although he can’t remember the name of the show, he vividly remembers looking at the main cast on the stage and thinking, “I want that to be me”.
One day, Andres hopes to play the role of “Racetrack” from Newsies: The Musical, who he describes as an energetic, charming and funny boy. Although singing and dancing are his favourite aspects of the performing arts, he also aspires to work behind a camera.
He hopes the overseas experience will help him develop his confidence, acting skills and stage presence to translate both on-stage and behind a camera.
Andres and his family are currently fundraising to cover travel, accommodation and workshop costs associated with the international experience.
“Being chosen for this opportunity means the world to me, but travelling in Europe comes with big costs,” he says.
Anyone wanting to support Andres can visit his Givealittle page for more information, https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-send-andres-to-junior-theatre-festival-europe
