October 18, 2022
35 for EMCC35 | Nipuna Perera
In this instalment of our #35forEMCC35 series, we spotlight Nipuna Perera, a past EMCC Crew member, who has been in the events industry for 15 years. During this time, he has taken on a multitude of behind-the-scenes roles such as producer, show caller, production manager, operations manager etc. His resume is jam-packed with prolific events like the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, Timbre Rock and Roots, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, All That Matters Conference, and VidCon Asia Summit. In between his busy schedule, Nipuna returns to NUS to work on events such as HERE! Arts Festival, and to conduct training and sharing sessions with EMCC Crew students.
How long have you been working with NUS Centre For the Arts (CFA) and the EMCC series respectively?
I was an EMCC Crew from 2005 – 2007 when I was an NUS undergraduate. Upon graduation, I joined the CFA Talent Development and Programming team from 2007 – 2010, where I was charged with managing and training the EMCC Crew. I helped to programme EMCC and NUS Arts Festival (NAF) before eventually becoming a freelance production coordinator with CFA’s Production Services unit from 2011 – 2014, which allowed me to continue working on NAF and EMCC even after I left CFA as a full time staff.
What do you enjoy most about being on this job that has sustained you to this day?
I love being able to create magical moments on stage for the audience. I treasure the camaraderie that comes from being in team of hardworking crew that pull off the impossible amidst tight timelines and limited resources. Not forgetting, the rush of adrenaline that only comes from dealing with the organised chaos of events which is unlike any other job!
How has the experience been like working with undergraduates from EMCC Crew?
It has been an honour to share my experiences of being a EMCC Crew with various batches of students over the years. I look forward to paying it forward whenever I am called to conduct hands-on training or just to share my stories. I hope that our stories may inspire them to follow a career path in event production.
Is there any show you worked on within the EMCC series that you remember till this day?
There are two that come to mind.
- In 2008, we held the very first Timbre MusicFest on Campus under the EMCC banner at University Cultural Centre (UCC). We co-produced this one-of-a-kind Welcome Back to Campus festival with Timbre Music. It comprised performances on multiple stages, popular local rock and roll bands, and amazing food from Timbre’s own kitchens.
- In 2010, we held a show at the now defunct Munchie Monkey Cafe at NUS Yusof Ishak House called EMCC Crew in Concert. It was a rare performance where EMCC Crew got to be on stage showcasing their talent, alongside some talented CFA staff. I recall performing songs by The Eagles and Lifehouse that day on stage with some of the students, my colleague Jacey Yeh and my own brother who was also a EMCC Crew at that time.
Was there any inspiring mentor that you worked with on EMCC series?
I consider Karen Loh, Assistant Director at CFA’s Talent Development and Programming unit at the time, as one of my early mentors. She was a tough and demanding boss but through her, I learnt the importance of paying attention to details, being organised, trying new ways of looking at problems, and learning from every failure. These skills eventually helped build my career as a producer and show caller. To date I still consider Karen one of my closest confidants and motivators.
What hopes do you have for EMCC Crew?
I hope that EMCC Crew continue to produce more industry professionals that will carry the legacy of EMCC as not just a platform for supporting young artists but also for inspiring the next generation of producers, stage managers, crew etc who help make magic behind the scenes at every show.
About #35forEMCC35
NUS Centre For the Arts is proud to commemorate 35 years of ExxonMobil Campus Concerts (EMCC) through our #35forEMCC35 series. Spotlighting 35 individuals from past and present editions of EMCC, the series showcases how EMCC has complemented these individuals’ academic and professional lives, and their hopes for EMCC in the years to come.