Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School

📍Wellington | Audition Tour

Second to last stop of our Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) auditions is here in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, the home of Toi Whakaari.

📅 Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September, 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
📍Toi Whakaari, Wellington

Make sure to complete an application form + book your audition slot on our website by the closing date: 28 August, 2026.

There is a cost for the audition workshop of $45. If cost is an issue please contact us for options.

🔗 toiwhakaari.ac.nz

Love The Arts - Toi Whakaari Digital Auction | Live Now!

We’re calling on friends, whānau, and supporters to get behind this moment, raising funds for Toi Whakaari students today and the arts industry they'll shape tomorrow.

All items have been donated by generous companies and individuals, bringing together hospitality experts, creative businesses, and like-minded people who believe in the kaupapa of Toi Whakaari and share a love for the arts.

Love The Arts is now live on GalaBid!

🔗 www.galabid.com/toi2026

Two of our first year students Loki Le Grice (Acting) and Hannah Gourlay (Production) represented Toi Whakaari in London, performing on the Globe stage this July with the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company 2026. They prepared for two weeks to perform a midnight matinee of scenes from Much Ado About Nothing, both playing their respective Claudio’s. To quote Hannah and Loki “WAHEY”

Spring Awakening 🥀

Join us September 4–12 as the students of the NZ Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) and NZ Diploma in Drama present the award-winning musical Spring Awakening, directed by Gavin Rutherford, musical direction by Kate Marshall, and choreographed by Leigh Evans.

Spring Awakening is the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, with music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll, described by Entertainment Weekly as "the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade". It explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable.

Tickets are on sale now!

Content considerations: Abuse themes, domestic violence, depictions of su***de and self-harm, and explicit language.

🎭 Spring Awakening
📍 Te Whaea Theatre, Wellington
📆 4–12 Sep, 7.30pm (4pm matinee 6 Sep)
🎟️ $15–40
🔗 toiwhakaari.ac.nz/current-shows/spring-awakening

📍Christchurch | Audition Tour

Next stop of our Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) auditions is Ōtautahi, Christchurch, your closest option if you're based in Canterbury or nearby regions.​

📅 Saturday 12 September, 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
📍The Court Theatre, Christchurch

Make sure to complete an application form + book your audition slot on our website by the closing date: 28 August, 2026.

There is a cost for the audition workshop of $45. If cost is an issue please contact us for options.

🔗 toiwhakaari.ac.nz

10 days to go until we reveal this year's major work costumes 🎀

Frances Stephens wonders what she can do To Catch A Thief. 2025 major work by Fritha Johnston , modelled by Ashley Harnett, photo by .

🎭 Costume Showcase 2026
📍Te Whaea Theatre, Wellington
📆 27-28 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
🎟️ $15-40
🔗 www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz

📍Dunedin | Audition Tour

Next stop of our Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) auditions is Ōtepoti Dunedin, your closest option if you're based in Otago or Southland regions.​

📅 Saturday 5 September, 1pm–4pm
📍 Logan Park High School, Dunedin

Make sure to complete an application form + book your audition slot on our website by the closing date: 28 August, 2026.

There is a cost for the audition workshop of $45. If cost is an issue please contact us for options.

🔗 toiwhakaari.ac.nz

Our Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management) third-years spent an afternoon in conversation with three outstanding industry leaders. Talking leadership style, navigating difficult conversations, and where AI fits into it all, consistent themes arose like listening, being adaptable and community/people-focused.

Ngā mihi nui, a big thanks to our panellists for their generosity and honesty:

🌀Tama Waipara MNZM (Festival Co-Director, Tāwhiri Festivals and Experiences)
🌀Gemma Sides (Kaiwhakatere, Inspire Group)
🌀Deb Pathak (ACC, Office of the Deputy Chief Executive – Strategy, Engagement & Prevention)

Two weeks to go until we reveal this year's major works! 🤩

The Golden Bride can catch her own bouquet, thank you very much. 2025 major work made by Amber Winch , modelled by Steffany Silva De Lautour, photo by

Tickets are selling quick - don't miss out on one of our highlight events of the year.

🎭 Costume Showcase 2026
📍Te Whaea Theatre, Wellington
📆 27-28 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
🎟️ $15-40
🔗 toiwhakaari.ac.nz