The chances of students being employed after graduating at Toi Whakaari is high, partly because New Zealand has a busy TV and film industry with international connections, but also because students leave Toi Whakaari equipped with considerable knowledge, skills and experience to thrive in New Zealand’s performing arts scene.

Toi Whakaari has outstanding tutors and guest tutors, who are experienced practitioners themselves, who can successfully harness the amazing raw talent of their students. Studying at Toi Whakaari has become an essential step for students wishing to pursue a career in the performing arts, and the connection with the school does not end at graduation. The learning opportunities continue well after, and the industry connections students make while studying with us will remain important for the student’s entire career. This is a major difference between Toi Whakaari and other drama schools, both in New Zealand and around the world.

During this time the school has gained a reputation for producing graduates who perform brilliantly in their respective disciplines and who create their own work. Our graduates occupy key roles in all areas of our creative industries and over the last fifty years they have greatly influenced the performing arts in Aotearoa.

During the next 50 years, Toi Whakaari will continue to be a major voice in the New Zealand performing arts industry as we train students and give them the skills to meet the current industry demands. In addition, we give students transferable skills that enable them to easily adapt to this country’s fast-changing arts scene.

Students want to study at Toi Whakaari because they know they will be in a supportive environment, as well as being part of a highly regarded organisation with an international reputation.