Fredric Mao obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa in USA.  At the young age of 27, he was appointed Artistic Director of the Napa Valley Theatre Company in California and in 1976 he made his Broadway acting debut in the legendary Prince/Sondheim musical Pacific Overtures.

In 1985, Mao joined the Academy as its Head of Acting.  He directed numerous productions at the Academy including major works of Shakespeare, Moliere, Chekhov, Shaw, and Brecht.  His teaching provided new inspiration and standard for theatre students in Hong Kong.  He also lent assistance to the early formation of Cantonese Opera Diploma Programme at the Academy.

After 15 years teaching at the Academy, Mao was appointed Artistic Director of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre in February 2001.  In 2004, his directing assignment of an original musical Sweet & Sour Hong Kong was featured at the 7^th Chinese Arts Festival in Hangzhou and staged in Shanghai with resounding success.  In addition to working as a director he has also given lectures at the Stanford University in USA, London Guildhall Scholl of Drama in UK and Beijing Central Academy of Drama in China.

Mao has received numerous awards: ‘Best Director’ – five times at the Hong Kong Federation Drama Awards, and ‘Artist of the ear 1999’ (Stage Director) from the Hong Kong Artists’ Guild.  In July 2004, the Government of the HKSAR conferred upon Mao one of the territory’s most important civic honours, the Bronze Bauhinia Star, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Hong Kong performing arts scene.

The award of Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is presented to Mr Fredric Mao for his distinguished achievement in the performing arts in Hong Kong.