HBRW 2026 - Being Live With Words

Want to feel more confident speaking in front of others? Perhaps you have a poem you’d love to perform, or you simply want to develop greater confidence, control and presence when addressing a room. Drawing on their extensive theatre and MC experience, Jo Randerson will guide you through practical performance exercises designed to warm up your voice and presence, build confidence, and help you stay natural, engaging and authentic in front of an audience. Bring along a short piece of writing, a poem, a speech, or simply be ready to introduce yourself and your work. About Jo Randerson Jo Randerson ONZM (they/them) is an award-winning playwright, performer and writer, and the founder and artistic director of Barbarian Productions. An Arts Foundation New Generation Laureate, Jo’s accolades include the Robert Burns Fellowship, Bruce Mason Playwriting Award, Auckland Fringe ‘Unf**k the World’ Award and, in 2023, the Topp Prize for Comedy. Jo has published four books of short fiction and poetry, as well as numerous plays. Their nonfiction book Secret Art Powers was published in 2025 and is already in its fourth reprint. Their show Speed Is Emotional, exploring neurodiversity, creativity and parenting, is currently touring.