Year Overview
Your Training at Toi Whakaari
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management) is the only full-time undergraduate degree course exclusively for performing arts management in New Zealand.
The development of technical and management competencies necessary for professional life are a priority of the degree programme, yet equal emphasis is placed on fostering research and exploration skills. Our aim is to open and test the possibility of theatre through a commitment to collaborative process and interdisciplinary work.
Our students are given the freedom to explore their creativity, to take risks, and to test established production procedures. Great importance is placed on providing opportunities for students to test their limitations, develop their strengths and exercise their imaginations through a range of structured project and production activities.
Year One
The first year of the course concentrates on the function and operation of key areas in theatre production. It includes a group devised project to explore a range of production activities and to encourage a collaborative approach to the work. Students learn the basics of all aspects of entertainment technology and performing arts management.
You can check out what an average week looks like for a first year performing arts management student here (54kb).
Year 1 Course Outline Basic stage lighting mechanics |
Year Two
In the second year there is a stronger concentration on developing a deeper understanding and familiarity of process through a series of elective units. Students apply their skills and knowledge to production activity; this is reinforced with specialised block courses and industry secondments.
During their second and third years, students have the opportunity to work on a range of productions in their particular area of specialisation. These include Toi Whakaari acting and directing projects, film productions, collaborative projects with NZ School of Dance, and secondments to outside production houses in New Zealand and overseas. There are also opportunities for Performing Arts Management students to initiate and produce their own work.
You can check out what an average week looks like for a second year performing arts managment student here (49kb).
Year 2 Course Outline Stage lighting design and mechanics |
Year Three
Graduates of the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management) will be required to operate across a range of contexts within the entertainment industry. The third year professional stream therefore focuses on developing business and leadership skills in a range of management, business and administration areas. This includes events management, performance research and development, and financial management.
Each student is seconded to at least one professional theatre company or production. Check out Karl Jenkins' secondment experience with Cirque du Soleil.
Recent secondments have included working with various shows in the International Festival of the Arts, NBR NZ Opera; The Great Canadian Theatre Company; the Royal NZ Ballet, The Court Theatre, Auckland Theatre Company, Downstage Theatre, Capital E National Theatre for Children and Centrepoint Theatre.
You can check out what an average week looks like for a third year performing arts managment student here (46kb).
Year 3 Course Outline Production and professional practice |
