Management 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
Basic sound and AV mechanics
Basic stage mechanics and staging
Set construction

Costume construction
Prop making
Design process and research methodology
Introduction to CAD

Exploration of set, costume, lighting and sound design
Cultural and theoretical studies
Basic stage management procedure
Basic principles of production management

Production and performance procedure

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 management student here (49kb).

Year 2 Course Outline 

Stage lighting design and mechanics
Stage sound design and mechanics
AV design and mechanics
Stage mechanics

Stage management
Production management
Introduction to financial management
Prop and set construction
Production practice
Industry internships

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
Principles of performing arts management

Financial management
Industry internships

Electives:
Marketing and promotions
Arts funding and sponsorship
Stage management
Production management
Events management
Project management
Film production management
Performing arts administration
Independent study