Who is Max Fernandez?
Max Fernandez is a young emerging Australian-Uruguayan performer, known for his performances 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 Co.), Love Letters (Lambert House Productions) and The Boys Are Kissing (Hello Darling Productions). Whilst performing, he is also currently studying a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music at University of Sydney.
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?
The incredible cast and crew of The Boys Are Kissing I had the privilege of sharing the stage with recently. Each and every one of them are just beyond brilliant in every way. They’re not only incredibly talented creatives, but just wonderful people I get to spend time with. When I was cast, I won’t lie, I definitely felt the imposter syndrome of joining such a strong cast, but after literally one rehearsal, I felt so much love from every single person in the room that whenever I wasn’t at a rehearsal, I’d be excitedly thinking about the next one. To be so talented, while simultaneously being so humble and kind all the time 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 art and creating is one of the most important things we as humans can do.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Ooh. I do love a tropical trip! Balancing starting my career with uni can get fairly overwhelming, so anywhere I can lie on a sun lounge, cocktail in hand and just completely relax is alright by me.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Sealife Aquarium Sydney. I will go to this aquarium a minimum of at least 5 times a year. It’s genuinely one of my favourite places ever and EVERY friend of mine I’ve taken there have loved it! (Because if they don’t like it, they’re no friend of mine.)
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?
Oddly enough, the soundtrack of the film so bad its good, Shock Treatment (1981).
Happiness is?
Being present. Being present in the moment. Being present with your friends. Being present with your family. Being present with yourself. Feeling all the emotions. I don’t think happiness is a destination. I don’t think it’s something you get to, it’s something you open up to.
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.