Using the Fame Grant to support Tick, Tick... Boom!

A few months ago, I was approached by two incredibly talented young performers with a bold idea—they wanted to put on a show right here at 16th Ave Theatre. Their passion was infectious, so I encouraged them to share their vision and send in the paperwork. They did, and I was genuinely impressed by their enthusiasm and drive.

Our management committee quickly jumped in to see how we could help. We considered everything, from simply hiring out the theatre to collaborating more closely. In the end, we made a big call: we would use the Fame Trust grant we received earlier in the year  to support Ethan Shiriwastow and Aadit Tandon’s production of the musical Tick, Tick… Boom! It felt like a win-win—helping young people grow while bringing fresh faces to our theatre.

Putting on a musical is way outside our toolbox, but thankfully Ethan and Aadit have had loads of experience in the field, and it has been an absolute pleasure working with them. Their passion and enthusiasm is infectious, and I am so envious of the wonderful future they have ahead as they continue their theatrical pursuits.

If you are curious about this inspiring project and want to join us for a show, check out the details, and grab your tickets here.

http://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/mar/16th-ave-tick-tick-boom

We are truly grateful for the Fame Trust grant, which is only possible thanks to generous Tauranga donors who support The FAME Trust (Fund for Acting and Musical Endeavours), managed by the Acorn Foundation. Since 2007, the Trust has backed artists at every stage, as well as organisations like the NZSO, Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School, the NZ School of Dance, and treasured local groups such as Opus Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic, and BOP Symphonia.

The Acorn Foundation, based in the Western Bay of Plenty, is all about helping people make a lasting difference by investing in local causes. Since 2003, the foundation has distributed over $25 million, and it is all thanks to the kindness of local donors. Want to learn more? Visit www.acornfoundation.org.nz.

We are excited to keep finding ways to open doors for young creatives at 16th Ave Theatre. We want the arts to be accessible and to encourage everyone to chase their artistic dreams, no matter their age or experience. Thanks to support from initiatives like the Fame Trust grant, we hope to be able to launch other new projects, nurture local talent, and bring our community together—on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience.

We warmly invite you to be part of it all—whether you are keen to perform, volunteer, or simply enjoy a night out at the theatre. Let’s keep the spirit of creativity, community, and collaboration alive in everything we do.