Classes
Hawke's Bay Youth Theatre offers theatre training classes to ākonga from year 3 through to year 10 and then on to the Company.
Classes are streamed as follows:
PLAYERS
The Players class is designed for students in years 3-4 (ages 7-8). In this class, tamariki are introduced to theatre, primarily learning through play. Classes are fun and energetic, encouraging creativity and developing foundational stagecraft skills in an engaging way.
Players classes are taught by Pia Rhodes.
Wednesdays 4-5pm, Aubyn Live, Hastings, Yr 3/4. $160 per term
Players classes commence on 4 February 2026.
TROUPE
The Troupe class is designed for ākonga in years 5-6 (ages 9-10). In this class, foundations of key acting skills are laid down and practised while the students play a lot of drama games to encourage creative thinking and storytelling, as well as key theatre skills, in an engaging and energised way.
Troupe classes are taught by Olivia Campbell.
Mondays 4-5pm, Theatre Hawke's Bay, Hastings, Yr 5/6. $160 per term
Troupe classes commence on 2 February 2026.
ENSEMBLE
The Ensemble class is designed for students in years 7-8 (ages 11-12). In this class, ākonga develop foundational stagecraft skills through a variety of creative exercises to expand their storytelling abilities, in a fun and engaging way.
The students of the Ensemble class will work towards a performed play throughout the course of the year, with the play generally taking place in Term 4 (October-December).
Thursdays 4-5pm, Nelson Theatre, Keirunga Creative Hub,
Yr 7/8. $160 per term
Ensemble classes commence on 5 February 2026.
ASSOCIATES
The Associates Class is designed for rangatahi in years 9-10, (ages 13-14), where the foundations laid down in the Ensemble are built upon and extended through games, workshops and exercises. The Associates will spend the year working on a Shakespeare play together with the Senior Company to be performed at the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival in October.
Associates are taught by Jandyra Maciel and Frances Caceres.
Thursdays 5.30-7pm, Sundays from Term 2 3-6pm, Nelson Theatre, Keirunga Creative Hub, Yr 9/10. $180 per term
Associates classes commence on 29 January 2026.
SENIOR COMPANY
The Hawkes Bay Youth Theatre Company is a theatre training company for 15-20 year olds, with a focus on advanced acting skills that pave the way for possible further tertiary training.
The core principle of the HaBYT company is whānaungatanga - the treasuring of connection, community and trust. Throughout the year, members of the HaBYT Company work closely together to develop their craft as actors and performers, with a key focus on voice, movement and character work. Company members work towards a staged theatre work which is performed later in the year.
Our whānau is important to us, and trips away are organised occasionally and when possible to help bonding and friendships flourish. There will be a compulsory retreat/camp in the July school holidays (dates TBA) for all ākonga. The Senior Company will spend the year working on a Shakespeare play together with the Associates to be performed at the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival in October.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or would like to register your interest.
We do not have a mid-year intake for the Company.
Senior Company classes are taught by Jandyra Maciel and Peter Cottrell.
Tuesdays 6-9pm, Sundays from Term 2 3-6pm,
Nelson Theatre, Keirunga Creative Hub, Yr 11/13+ $250 per term
Senior Company classes commence on 27 January 2026.
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