Who is Max Fernandez?
Max Fernandez is a young emerging Australian-Uruguayan performer, known for his roles in productions such as The Frogs: In Hell They Sing Showtunes (New Theatre), Bonny & Read: A New Musical (Qtopia), As You Like It (Fingerless Theatre), Love Letters (Lambert House Productions) and The Boys Are Kissing (Hello Darling Productions). He is currently studying a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music at University of Sydney. While in high school, Max started working on a play titled Incursion, which will run 29 September – 3 October as part of this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Honestly, I’d be a marine photographer. Not a lot of people know this about me, but I am really passionate about marine life and conservation, so if I had to choose a different dream career, a marine photographer would be awesome.
Who inspires you and why?
I’d say my big three performing inspirations would be Nathan Lane, Hugh Jackman and Tim Curry. The way they balance their film and theatre careers effortlessly is definitely inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d want to do as much as I can to help the Australian theatre industry, as we are facing a really tough time at the moment. It devastates me to see the arts be pushed aside, when being creative is one of the most important things we humans can do.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere I can lie on a sun lounger with a cocktail or six beside me. I love a relaxing trip.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Sealife Aquarium Sydney: I just find it super peaceful.
What are you currently reading?
Unfortunately, a lot of my reading time is spent working with scripts, so I’ve got a few plays I’ve been reading, but you’ll have to wait and see what they are…
What are you currently listening to?
It honestly changes day to day, but as of right now I’d say a mix of The Beatles, Megan Thee Stallion and the soundtrack of Shock Treatment (1981).
Happiness is?
Being a part of a fun project, binging TV shows with my family, pub lunches, and spending time with my friends, whether that’s working with them on a project, or just enjoying a few glasses of wine on movie night.
What does the future hold for you?
Who knows? I couldn’t tell you what the next 20 years or 30 seconds looks like for me. Life has always been, and always will be whimsically unpredictable! In a more printable answer, I’m very fortunate and grateful to have worked with so many brilliant creatives in my career so far, so hopefully more of that to come!
Max is the Co-Director & Writer of Incursion – which will be presented at The Actors Pulse Playhouse, Redfern, as part of the 2026 Sydney Fringe Festival, from 29 September – 3 October. For more information, visit: www.sydneyfringe.com for details.