Cole Sharland

BUMP Program

A partnership with Barbarian Productions

Cole Sharland - Independent Practitioner Mentee - BUMP Program 2020

Barbarian Productions alongside Toi Pōneke are delighted to support Cole in the development of his independent theatre practice. We are committed to a holistic approach to professional development that supports creativity, administrative and productions skills, teamwork and self-care.

This is a partnership between Toi Pōneke Arts Centre and Barbarian productions to develop a more sustainable Wellington Performing Arts Industry.

This initiative will provide mentored support over a 12 week period March  – June 2020.

Cole Sharland (Te Atiawa, Ngati Mutunga, Ngati Tama, Ngaiterangi, Ngati Ranginui and Ngati Maru.)

He has a diploma in Stage & Screen Arts and a Bachelor of Applied Arts, both from Whitireia. With his work in the industry, he wants to combat inequality by sharing stories and projects that focuses on social minorities, and he is tired of seeing straight white men at the centre of plays.

He has worked with Barbarian Productions, Kia Mau Festival and Silo Theatre. Cole played character 12 in the successful season of Lovin’ It at BATS Theatre as part of the Te Auaha Stage and Screen graduating class of 2019.

Throughout his time with Barbarian Productions he hopes to finish writing a play that’s very close to his heart, “Yellow Bird”. It explores identity, sexuality and race of a young man who is still trying to figure out what makes him comfortable, in a world where comfort is rare.