TEMPO.COM, Jakarta - Social media has lately been buzzing over an Indonesian woman featured during the ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup 2026. That woman is Wellah Hatta. Her name turned into a viral sensation online after a photograph of her alongside legendary Hollywood actor Tom Cruise swept the internet.
Wellah serves as Senior Stage Manager for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. As the youngest of three siblings, she was entrusted with overseeing three major ceremonies while accompanying global icons like Lisa of Blackpink, Katy Perry, and Idina Menzel.
Tempo's Cantika had the opportunity to speak with Wellah Hatta by phone on Monday, July 27, 2026, exploring her career trajectory, the art of manifestation, her steady rise in international stage management, and her upcoming aspirations.
Here is an inside look at our exclusive interview with Wellah Hatta.
Could you tell us how your love for stage management first began?
To be honest, ever since I graduated from LSPR in 2009, I have been working in stage management. I found my passion early on and have been pursuing it ever since.
Since then, I have been deeply involved in the entertainment field; I enjoy watching live productions and concerts. My initial dream might have been to perform on stage, but I cannot sing, dance, or play a musical instrument.
During my college years, I considered how I could work in entertainment without being a performer. I realized that teams manage production from behind the scenes. When I secured my first job as a stage manager in Bali, it just felt right!
You have had an extensive career journey, so what is one experience that built the foundation for where you are today?
In 2010, at Bali Safari, they had a show called Bali Agung, which continues to exist today. At the time, it was held on the largest indoor theater stage in Southeast Asia. The show was huge, involving 200 dancers, 30 musicians, and a crew of nearly 100 backstage personnel.
The creative and production teams included professionals from Australia and the United States. We were taught how to run a theater production systematically over seven months of rehearsals before opening night. It felt like getting a free stage management course.
Professional stage manager Wellah Hatta poses for a portrait. With 16 years of experience, she has managed major national and international productions, including the musical theater Perahu Kertas, the 2018 Asian Games, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Personal Document
How did your transition into an international career begin?
From Bali, I relocated to Thailand to work as a stage manager at Cartoon Network Amazone. Later, I returned to Indonesia because I planned to pursue a master's degree in France, taking French language classes in Jakarta.
While taking language courses, a friend mentioned that the 2018 Asian Games was looking for stage managers and suggested I apply. I thought the Asian Games would only take a few months, then I could continue my master's degree. Alhamdulillah, I got the job.
During the Asian Games, I had the opportunity to collaborate with an agency that handles the Olympic Games. Their crew came from various countries and traveled the globe executing major projects. It was really fascinating. It made me realize, "Wow, there is actually this kind of world that I didn't know about."
What did preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup entail, and what responsibilities fall under a Senior Stage Manager?
There was no training provided. They knew our professional background when hiring us. The role of a senior stage manager at the 2026 World Cup is similar to the usual stage management duties, including handling rehearsals and managing show flow. We function as a central communication hub across departments, organizing preparation needs, preparing field markings, and making schedules.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I served as a Senior Stage Manager for the Field of Play. The moment performers stepped onto the pitch, they entered my domain. For instance, whenever a cue was called internally, I had to give clearance on whether the pitch setup was ready. My duty was ensuring that every performer entering the field was positioned and prepared.
I was in the United States for two months starting in late May 2026 and was entrusted with managing three ceremonies. First came the opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where I accompanied Lisa of Blackpink, Katy Perry, and other artists.
Next was Philadelphia, where I accompanied Idina Menzel and other singers during celebrations coinciding with the Fourth of July (America's 250th anniversary). Then, I traveled to New York and New Jersey to handle rehearsals for the 2026 World Cup closing event.
We are dying to know: what was that conversation with Tom Cruise on the sidelines actually about?
Haha, I kind of forgot what exactly we talked about, but we were in the middle of a briefing. We were moving through the tunnel toward the spot where Tom Cruise was scheduled to deliver his speech. My job was to receive him, ensure he got his cues, and confirm his audio feed was okay. Simply put, I was tasked with guiding Tom Cruise.
Wellah Hatta, Senior Stage Manager at FIFA World Cup 2026, took a photo with actor Tom Cruise at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Photo: Personal Document
How did you feel when your social media posts suddenly went viral in Indonesia?
I was surprised and did not expect it, as I have worked in this field for 16 years. I used to share clips of my work on social media casually without giving it much thought. Actually, I rarely post on Instagram [feed], but I often update on stories. My family and close friends were already familiar with my work journey, including my work as a stage manager at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Perhaps this time it went viral because of the photos and videos with Tom Cruise, and a touch of divine timing. Suddenly, out of nowhere, it simply exploded. I was really surprised to wake up to a lot of notifications. My follower count, which was originally around 800 or 900, jumped to over 6,300.
I am grateful to be able to offer a positive inspiration to others. My sister was also shocked and happy. She told me that whenever she opened Instagram, her feed was filled with pictures of me in my blue [production] outfit.
Beyond raw passion, what has been the defining key to reaching this stage in your career?
I believe in what I want. Because I love this field so much, I have never thought of doing anything else. It comes down to being consistent and focused on this dream.
I am also a believer in dreaming big and manifesting my goals. Before moving to Bali, I told myself, "One day I will live in Bali," and it happened.
During a vacation in Bangkok, I quietly wished to live there, and I ended up spending two years working there. Whenever I watched major opening or closing ceremonies, I manifested working them, and thankfully those came true.
What has been the biggest challenge during your career as an international stage manager?
As a freelancer, the challenge is in the uncertainty of where the next project will be. But so far, alhamdulillah, there have always been opportunities.
Another challenge is adapting to the food and the dynamic of the entertainment industry, which demands that we always be open to change. But because I love it so much, it never feels overwhelming or burdensome. I approach this job like play. It feels like a hobby. In fact, whenever a production wraps up, I actually feel a bit sad.
Wellah Hatta, Senior Stage Manager at FIFA World Cup 2026. Photo: Personal Document
Could you share three pieces of advice for Gen Z hoping to follow in your footsteps?
First, find out what you like: figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. When you love it, you will be happy doing anything. Do it wholeheartedly; promotions, salary, and opportunities will follow.
Never stop dreaming. Dream as high as you can. When you pray, be specific and thorough about what your dream is. It would be a missed opportunity to receive less because the prayer is not detailed.
And, always be kind to others. Character and kindness are far more valuable than skill. Skills can be taught, but a positive character leaves a lasting impression that makes people want to collaborate with you again.
What is the next dream on the horizon for Wellah Hatta?
My next dream is the Olympic Games. In the realm of ceremonies, the Olympics is the pinnacle.
While in New York, I suddenly recalled an early dream I had forgotten: working as a stage manager for a Broadway show. When I arrived in New York and remembered that dream, I was moved to tears.
Another dream of mine is to share my experience with fellow stage managers across Indonesia. Whether through sharing sessions or workshops because I really care about the local musical theater industry, which is currently developing rapidly.
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