Isadora Lao

Toi Pōneke Arts Centre are delighted to announce Isadora Lao as the recipient for the 2024 Emerging Production Designer Residency.

Izzi will be in residence from the 6 May - 9 June working on a short dance film. They will be collaborating with dancers Tasman Kaitara and Byrin Mita, and videographer Havea Latu. They will be mentored by Emma Ransley from the Design department at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.

Isadora Lao (Izzi/they/them), is a proud queer Chinese born, who was raised in Aotearoa, and has been diving headfirst into the wild world of artistry for the past seven years. They have worn many hats in this creative journey — from lighting/gaffer and set designer to actor, production manager and occasional photographer. They were honoured to be awarded Lighting Designer of the Year for last year's Wellington Theatre Awards.

Originally, they set out to unravel the mysteries of the human mind at Victoria University. But instead of getting lost in psychology textbooks, they found themself immersed in the magic of Theatre, Film, and Media Studies. The arts became their sanctuary, where they could ditch the heavy reading for hands-on creativity. It all started when a friendly theatre tech took them under their wing, teaching them the ropes of lighting design. And that's when the sparks flew.

Since then, they've been riding the waves of creativity, exploring different ways to tell stories that resonate. Whether it's on/off stage, live or prerecorded, each project fuels their passion and pushes them to grow as an artist.

 For more information on other Toi Pōneke Residencies click here