Miranda Harcourt (Acting graduate 1984) has returned to Shortland Street for a cameo role in the classic NZ soap. Miranda’s acting career started in the 70s in radio, she played Gemma in the 80s TV series Gloss and her extraordinary … Continue reading
THE RED HOUSE receives March cinema release Following a successful run at the 2012 NZ International Film Festival, Toi Whakaari MTA graduate and director Alyx Duncan’s award-winning feature film debut The Red House opens in theatres across New Zealand this … Continue reading
Last night’s ‘Sorta Unofficial New Zealand Film Awards’ (or ‘The Moas’ as they’re also called) were a great success for all those involved with ‘The Orator – O Le Tulafale’, the first feature-length Samoan language film filmed entirely on location … Continue reading
A huge congratulations to all those who won or were nominated for this year’s Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards! And a special congratulations to all the Toi Whakaari graduates and staff who were in among them, there were quite a few! … Continue reading
A bittersweet, funny and unconventional love story, written by Vanessa Rhodes (acting graduate 1997) and directed by Cameron Rhodes (acting graduate 1987), that explores the pursuit of happiness and the courage to love again despite all that has gone before… … Continue reading
David Carson-Parker, supporter of the Arts has passed away All at Toi Whakaari are saddened by the sudden death of David Carson-Parker at the weekend. He was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of not only Toi Whakaari but the Arts … Continue reading
Former design student Claire Middleton, who graduated in 2007, made this short film with Davide Dominici in Vietnam in 2011: The Fisherman: Cha Ba Cut
The students and staff at Toi Whakaari are delighted to congratulate 3 Toi graduates who were recognised in the recently announced 2012 Arts Foundation Awards. They are: Rachel House (Acting graduate 1993), 2012 Arts Foundation Laureate Award Recipient. Fiona Samuel … Continue reading
Toi was very pleased to welcome a group of staff from the construction company Downer on Friday 21 September. After their welcome the group were shown around the school by some of our students and also participated in a movement … Continue reading
Last night Toi Whakaari staff, students, alumni and friends farewelled George Webby in fine style. Danny Mulheron, Michael Nicholas Williams and Alice Canton played the piano and rousing singing echoed around the building. The George Webby Memorial Piano fund was … Continue reading
Sima Urale has been appointed to the role of Head Tutor at The New Zealand Film and Television School, in Wellington City. Urale returns to her hometown to take up this new role. With more than twenty years’ experience in … Continue reading
The Thought Exchange Creating theatre that matters…to you. The Thought Exchange is an experiment by A Slightly Isolated Dog Ltd. in creating theatre that connects to and collaborates with the community in new and innovative ways. It consists of a … Continue reading
Acting graduates Veronica Brady and Julia Croft are raising money to bring their critically acclaimed show The Keepers to BATS Theatre in September. The Keepers was awarded the ‘Best Absurd Physical Theatre Show of 2011′ by Metro magazine. It is … Continue reading
An event to remember the magnificent George Webby. Gather around the piano with a G&T, sing a few songs, enjoy reminiscing about George and the old days, catch up with people you haven’t seen for ages. Tea and scones served … Continue reading
Created & performed by Tim Carlsen. Directed by Sophie Roberts. After three years in development, input from one of the most celebrated theatre companies in the United States, and a sell-out Auckland season – Tim Carlsen’s One Day Moko comes … Continue reading
2011 Acting graduates Phoebe Hurst and Emma Fenton are raising money to bring their comedy theatre piece – Big Mouths: a.k.a. Come To Our Show Or We’ll Punch You – to The Basement Theatre in Auckland. Made from their two … Continue reading
Once again The New Zealand International Film Festival showcases work by Toi Whakaari Alumni. Alyx Duncan, Master of Theatre Arts in Directing graduate (2010), has directed her first feature film The Red House, an intimately observed drama of change in … Continue reading
Familiar to many from Go Solo 2010, Toi Whakaari Acting Graduate Jennifer Martin’s (Ivy) whirlwind trip through history will warm the hearts and spark the imaginations of children of all ages at Capital E this June & July. Written by … Continue reading
Toi Whakaari Directing graduate Erina Daniels’ production of Party with the Aunties can be seen in the Denbigh Hotel, Feilding from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 June. Tickets cost $20 and you can book by emailing tepuanga@gmail.com or ringing 021 854 … Continue reading
None other than Sir Ian McKellen (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Da Vinci Code etc) popped in to Toi to chat to the students. He also took part in a voice class with our voice tutor … Continue reading
Following on from Matt Whelan’s lead role in The Most Fun You Can Have Dying, Toi Grad Cohen Holloway (Boy, Eagle vs Shark, Until Proven Innocent) is grabbing the limelight for his role in Good For Nothing, the new indy movie from … Continue reading
Toi Grad Matt Whelan is starring in the lead role in the new Kiwi feature film sensation The most fun you can have dying. Based on the book Seraphim Blues by Steven Gannaway, The most fun you can have dying … Continue reading
Today (Monday 30 April) six of NZ’s elite sports coaches are visiting Toi to take part in our courses over the day and see what we do. They are all about leadership in sport - we are all about leadership in … Continue reading
Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School has been shortlisted to receive one of New Zealand’s hottest new awards – the Grafton Art of Change Awards, which will be announced shortly at a ceremony in Auckland. Launched by Grafton, business consultants in … Continue reading
Toi grad Chelsie Preston Crayford (Acting, 2008) has just won The Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding New Talent in the Logie Awards. The Logies are the most prestigious TV awards in Australasia, and were announced last night (Sunday 15 April) … Continue reading
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Grant Tilly, the great New Zealand actor and past tutor at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. TILLY Grant Leonard Ridgway M.B.E. Died peacefully at Mary Potter Hospice, South Wellington, … Continue reading
News just to hand from Nathaniel Lees, Senior Tutor (Acting), who was one of the Associate Producers on Tusi Tamisese’s award-winning film The Orator (O Le Tulafale)… This is the list of prizes it has won so far: 68th Venice … Continue reading
An illustrious group of famous acting names descended on Toi today, for the first meeting of the Acting Department Think Tank Group 2012. The acting department wheeled out a gorgeous lunch for them and there were very many delighted faces … Continue reading
Toi Whakaari is delighted to announce the inaugural recipient of a brand new award, named after past Associate Director of the School, Bill Guest. Worth $6,000, the Bill Guest Award goes towards the fees of a student entering their final … Continue reading
Acting grad Jeff Kingsford-Brown (Acting, 1983) has just been appointed the new Artistic Director for Palmerston North’s Centrepoint Theatre. Jeff has a long association with the theatre, having more than thirty years experience as an actor, singer and director both … Continue reading
Some of the cast from The Maori Troilus and Cressida at koiwi last week: Awhina-Rose Ashby, Calvin Tuteao, Rawiri Paratene and William Davis. This is the play that has just finished at the NZ International Arts Festival, and it features a whole host … Continue reading
No less than an astonishing 43 Toi graduates, students and staff members are taking part in this year’s New Zealand International Arts Festival, across seven shows that range from Shakespeare in te reo to world premiere grand opera. Whether acting … Continue reading
We are delighted to announce that James Johnston has been appointed new Chair of the Board of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. James has been on the board of Toi Whakaari since 2007. Chairman of Partners at Wellington-based law firm … Continue reading
The most lucrative arts awards in the country were announced last week at a glittering ceremony at the Viaduct Events Centre on Auckland’s Waterfront – the Arts Laureate Awards, presented annually by the Arts Foundation. Awards totalling $360,000 were awarded … Continue reading
Congratulations to all our Toi Whakaari graduate winners of Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards! The awards ceremony was held on Sunday 4 December at Wellington’s Opera House, and Toi grads featured large among them including Jason Te Kare who won Toi … Continue reading
Multiple awards for actor, playwright and Toi grad Arthur Meek, who has just been announced the winner of the Bruce Mason Playwriting Award 2011, at a ceremony at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre on Wednesday (23 November). Not only that, but two … Continue reading
“There’s so much more to Toi Whakaari than just becoming a good actor. It teaches you how to be a better human.” Toi Whakaari acting student Alex Tarrant is the recipient of the 2012 Museum Art Hotel Scholarship in association … Continue reading
Toi Whakaari graduates dominate the Chapman Tripp nominations this year! The Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards honour Wellington’s best on and off stage talent, their contribution to the arts and the community. Established in 1992 and sponsored by law firm Chapman … Continue reading
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR 2011 GRADUATES … and watch out for their names! DIPLOMA IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY Joseph Mahoney Tessa Alderton Halo Collins Matthew Eller BACHELOR OF PERFORMING ARTS (MANAGEMENT) Monique Webster Tim Nuttall Amber Maxwell Alana Kelly Rebekah … Continue reading
Congratulations to the Toi Whakaari winners in the AFTAs (Aotearoa Film and Television Awards) and Aotearoa Film and Television Craft Awards, announced last week at glittering ceremonies in Auckland: Best Production Design in a Feature Film Winner: John Harding (contract tutor) … Continue reading
Announcing… the WINNERS of our Spring Raffle 2011, helping towards the cost of a new seating block for Te Whaea Theatre. 1st Prize: A Night at the Museum Hotel WINNER: Elliot Stark 2nd Prize: Ruth Pretty Cooking School Vouchers WINNER: … Continue reading
Congratulations to the 2011 Year 3 Acting Class - all of whom have graduated with a Bachelor in Performing Arts (Acting). They showcased their skills to agents and interested parties from around the country at the recent Industry Day held at … Continue reading
Toi Whakaari dominates the nominations for Film and Television in the Aotearoa Film & Television Awards (formerly the Qantas Awards), announced Wednesday 12 October… Best Children’s/Youth Programme Yvonne Mackay (Board member) – Kaitangata Twitch Best Performance by an Actress (Television) … Continue reading
This forum is envisaged as a space where graduates of Toi Whakaari and other professionals can come together and reflect on questions related to performance, leadership and training. Participants are expected to bring a current area of concern or a … Continue reading
Latest news on The Orator (O Le Tulafale), which Nathaniel Lees (Senior Tutor of Acting & Screen at Toi Whakaari) worked on as one of the producers - the Academy Awards Selection Committee has announced that it has been accepted for consideration as Best … Continue reading
Introducing Brett Adam, who has just arrived from Australia as Toi Whakaari’s new Head of Directing. Renowned in his home country for his work with young people, Brett has worked as a freelance theatre director, dramaturg and acting teacher with … Continue reading
Karl Jenkins, a graduate of Toi Whakaari’s Entertainment Technology / Bachelor of Performing Arts and Management degree, has landed his dream job with Cirque du Soleil’s latest show in New York.
An audio-described performance of The Pohutukawa Tree by last year’s graduating class of Toi Whakaari has been recognised by the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Continue reading
The Board of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School appointed Christian Penny as Director of the School to replace Annie Ruth when she steppeds down from the post in May 2011. The Board was unanimous in their selection of Christian to … Continue reading
Toi Whakaari staff and students participated in the second Drama School Festival and Conference in New Delhi, India in early January 2011. This biennial event brings together performing arts educators from a wide variety of theatre traditions, including Chinese Opera, … Continue reading
Bill Guest, retired Head of Entertainment Technology and Performing Arts Management and Associate Director of the School, was made a Member of the Order of New Zealand for services to the performing arts in the Queen’s 2011 New Year Honours … Continue reading
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As part of the Graduation ceremony we acknowledge the excellence of our past graduates and the work they have made. The 2010 recipient of the Toi Whakaari Award for Graduate Excellence was actor Jennifer Ludlam, who graduated from Toi Whakaari … Continue reading
This public forum is for everyone interested in the performing arts. How does a great idea go from vision to being experienced by an audience? Producers including Stephen Blackburn, Caroline Armstrong, Mark Westerby and Lisa Maule – all with different … Continue reading
Quarters is a set of four evocative short films made by students in their last year of Design at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. The film project was funded through the School’s pitched project scheme, which supports independent collaborative work … Continue reading
As part of the yearlong celebration the students and staff of the School have put together a Time Capsule, which will take greetings from the current Toi Whakaari crew to the future one in 2050. The burial of the Capsule … Continue reading
It was ‘all about screen’ in the design department last week with guests from The Hobbit and and Rings Trilogy Team, a visit from an LA based textile artists and a host of experts contributing to a screen hui that … Continue reading
Chelsie Preston Crayford graduated from Toi in 2008 and features as her grandmother in the Kiwi movie, Home by Christmas. It is a love story written, produced and directed by Gaylene Preston (Chelsie’s mum) based on the wartime marriage of … Continue reading
Last night at the Wellington Fringe awards, Toi Whakaari students and grads swept the floor with a bouquet of prizes including Best One Man Band (Guy Langford, acting grad 2009), Best Production Design and Where Did You Come From? (Best … Continue reading
New Zealand short film The Six Dollar Fifty Man has won the Jury Prize for International Short Filmmaking at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Written and directed by Toi acting grad Louis Sutherland and Mark Albiston and produced by … Continue reading
The School is in mourning for a member of the Te Whaea Staff who died in the Christchurch earthquake. Rachel Conley was with us throughout 2010 and left only two weeks ago. She had an enormous impact on the Schools … Continue reading
NZ on Screen are featuring some classic Toi Whakaari graduation films on their website. Click on the film names below to have a watch, all free and not too long. BAD DATES Graduation Film 2005 WATCH Written and directed by … Continue reading
In a dramatic theatrical event on Tuesday 6 October, Prime Minister John Key officially opened the new Design Wing at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, the learning place of the theatre and screen designers of the future. The Bachelor of … Continue reading
Director Annie Ruth and Jonathon Hendry, Head of Acting, took four students to the UNESCO ITI Asia-Pacific Festival of Theatre Schools in Shanghai in early June. The International Theatre Institute (ITI), an international non-governmental organization (NGO) was founded in Prague … Continue reading
