theatre lab for young creators
14-18 year olds
Make something awesome. Make new friends. Make these holidays count.
Date: Monday 7 July - 11th July and showcase on Saturday 12 July
Time: 9am until 5pm
PROGRAMME COST:
- Standard Price: $495 (incl. GST)
- Early Bird Discount: Save $50 when you register between 19–30 June
- Early Bird Price: $445 (incl. GST)
These holidays, take centre stage at one of Wellington’s legendary theatres and dive head first into the world of performance.
Across six days, you’ll train with some of Aotearoa’s top theatre and TV pros - actors, directors, singers, techies and creatives who actually do this for a living. Learn stage and screen combat, master the fundamentals of improvisation, play with voice and movement, belt out some tunes, and even step behind the scenes to explore lighting and sound.
You’ll team up to devise and perform your own original piece — and share it live with family and friends at the end of the week!
- All gear provided
- Delicious lunch included
- Just bring yourself, your passion, and a good sense of humour
No boring holiday vibes here. Just lights, action, and a whole lot of awesome.
What you'll learn
- Improv techniques
- Voice work
- Acting techniques
- AV lighting possibilities
- Combat choreography
- Story creation
- Singing
- Acting methodology
What you'll bring
- Morning tea + snacks
- Water bottle
- Comfy clothes, to move and be active in
- Warm layers it gets cold in the theatre
What is included
- Lunch
- Stationery
- Expert Tutors
MEET OUR FACILITATORS
More details to come...
Lyndee-Jane Rutherford | Voice, devising
Lyndee-Jane Rutherford has been a professional actor and director for over thirty three years. She trained at Toi Whakaari/New Zealand Drama School and has a Bachelor of Performing Arts.
She has performed in and directed over eighty professional theatre productions across New Zealand, Australia and the US.
MICHAEL NICHOLAS WILLIAMS | Singing
Michael was born in Petone and studied Music at the Wellington Polytechnic.
He made his professional debut as Musical Director in 1983 with Tom Foolery at Circa Theatre.
Since then he has been responsible for productions throughout New Zealand including Side by Side by Sondheim, and Judy and sang and danced in his own show, Dead Tragic.
Simon Manns | Stunt/Fight coordinator
Simon is a certified Stage Combat teacher and Fight Director from the Nordic Stage Fight Society (NSFS). He holds an honorary fight director title with Fight Directors Canada and was on the Board of Directors for The International Order of the Sword and Pen.
Guanny Liu Prosse | Youth Improv Instructor (supplied by NZIF)
More details to come...
Dennis Eir Lim | acting
Dennis has performed in Te Whanganui-a-Tara for over 10 years in musicals and plays. Recent credits include Watch Out Gay Panda, Rent and Hector. He has a BA and a Master of Fine Arts at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, and also works behind the-scenes on a variety of creative projects.
Sarai Perenise-Ropeti | Story creation
In 2024, Sarai took on the exciting role of Creative New Zealand x BATS Theatre Pacific Producer Resident. Most recently, Sarai’s been making waves as the Associate Producer for Capital E's National Theatre for Children and as Public Programmer for City Gallery Wellington.
Alexander R Dickson | Light & sound design
Alex worked with some of Wellington’s key venues and technical suppliers, including San Fran, Meow, and Illumination Optics.
He has also worked in large-scale production settings, including as Production Manager for Wellington Opera’s Tosca.
Tania Marie Tapiki Smith | Holiday Programme Coordinator
As well as being BATS General Manager, Tania is a well-known face around Wellington in the events, business and hospitality spaces. Currently Licensee and Head of Curation for TEDxWellington, former co-founder of The Brokerage Investments, and a former dancer with years in Wellington’s events scene, She is passionate about creating experiences that inspire, connect, and push creative boundaries.
