Wintec Music and Performing Arts graduates thriving locally, nationally and internationally

Wintec music and performing arts graduates continue to make their mark on the local, national, and international theatre scenes.

From touring New Zealand and Australia to working with Universal Studios in China, Wintec alumni have been putting their skills to use.

One employer which regularly draws talent from Wintec is concert promoter and theatrical production company Showcase Entertainment.

The Hamilton-based entertainment company maintains a healthy relationship with the tertiary institute’s School of Media Arts, often drawing talented graduates for its touring musical theatre productions around New Zealand, Australia, and the Middle East.

Wintec Music and Performing Arts Kaiako (teacher) Nick Braae is keen to keep fostering relationships with local performing arts companies, building pathways for students to enter the industry following their studies. 

“We’re keen to foster more relationships with organisations in the arts sector, as we’ve had with Showcase Entertainment. They have been a great supporter of our programme and have looked to our graduate pool to source talent for multiple years now.

“They’ve also been impressed by the calibre of Wintec’s students – Showcase sees them as talented, hard-working, but also genuine team players, which is necessary for tours and production. It reflects really well on the education that we are providing,” said Nick Braae.

The entertainment company’s recent production of Cat in the Hat featured 2024 graduate Rachael Bloemendal.

Working with Showcase gave Rachael the chance to jump straight into professional theatre work after completing her studies.

“It was amazing to immediately put into practice what I had been learning.

“Wintec provided me with the best industry preparation I could have asked for. Their supportive environment lets you discover who you are as an individual and as a performer, and they nurture that whilst giving you high level training,” said Rachael.  

Rachael Bloemendal, Wintec Graduate 

There are more opportunities for Wintec students on the horizon as well.

In April and July, Showcase Entertainment is touring Australia with its Madagascar production, with almost half of the twelve-strong cast set to be Wintec graduates.

Rachael will join Jessica Ruck-Nu’u, Iosia Tofilau, Ethan Dillon-Mayne, and Helen Drysdale-Dunn on the overseas tour.

Memphis Ward is another former student who has taken his talents to the international stage.

Currently working with Universal Studios in Beijing, China, Memphis has been performing in the Frog Choir at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

“Since graduating, I have been able to use my skills and knowledge every day while in China.

“Studying at Wintec played a huge part in getting me to this point. The tutors were instrumental in pushing me to realise my potential and reach these amazing places,” said Memphis.

Memphis Ward, Wintec Graduate

For many music and performing arts graduates, further postgraduate study is an appealing option, with one prominent pathway being a graduate diploma in teaching.

Two examples of students who have gone on to complete the postgraduate teaching qualification are Jonathan Hawthorn and Kat Strother.

The pair are now firmly planted in the education world, working with Mangakōtukutuku College.

Both are still regularly sighted on Hamilton stages and Wintec is confident many more graduates will continue to be visible in the city’s music and performing arts scene throughout 2025.

Wintec offers a variety of study options, supporting pathways into theatre, audio production, composition, and performance, as well as teaching.

To learn more about what options are available, head to wintec.ac.nz/study-at-wintec/courses/music