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Arts Management

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Arts Management

Arts Management

Mana Whakahaere Toi

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Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management)

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management) is an intensive, full-time, three-year degree course that covers the fundamentals of arts management, including stage and production management, marketing, fundraising and sponsorship, event management and technical skills, as well as financial and strategic planning. We take up to 12 students a year, who acquire an array of practical, technical and managerial skills that lead to creative management and leadership roles in different arts environments. Students hone their skills through productions and workshops and participate in industry networks and internships with seasoned professionals. Toi Whakaari ensures that graduates can build, collaborate, think critically and manage complex processes in order to be ready to enter the arts industry upon graduation.

Graduate
Testimonial

“In 2000 I graduated from Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School with a Diploma in Technical Production. I found my two years there to be hugely beneficial. Since then I’ve spent 20 years working fulltime in the arts industry – in stage management, lighting design and production management – in New Zealand and around the world. I often reflect on the fantastic grounding Toi gave me.”

Natasha James, Graduate 2000

Arts Management Tutor and Production Supervisor

Course Information

During this three-year specialist degree course, you will learn a variety of arts management skills as well as working with all departments at Toi Whakaari to create major theatrical productions and short films. 

Year 1:

An introduction to various arts management disciplines, production management and technical aspects of live performance and film. You will be trained in a range of technical skills ranging from lighting design to health and safety practices. You will also learn the fundamentals of arts administration. Department staff and visiting top industry professionals will mentor you. 


Year 2:

Year 2 includes a variety of advanced studies in technical and management disciplines. You will get hands-on experience by participating in Toi Whakaari theatre and screen productions. You will also develop your own event within a mentored environment, culminating in a performance or production. Internships in the industry will give you the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals.  


Year 3:

In Year 3 you have greater independence to develop your own projects. You will produce and promote film and theatre productions while being mentored by industry professionals. Industry internships will allow you to improve your skills and create contacts so you can, upon graduation, pursue a career in the arts industry. After graduation you will have the opportunity to further develop your special interests with post-graduate study.

School year

Feb - Nov

Length

3 years

NZQA Accreditation

Level 7

Domestic fees

For 2022 NZ$7,405 per year

International fees

For 2022 NZ$26,315 per year

Application Process

2023 ARTS MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS ARE STILL OPEN. We are looking for ambitious people who can see opportunities to contribute to the performing arts sector. Entry to the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management) is by application, interview and a workshop. Applicants are asked to answer some questions outlining why they want to study at Toi Whakaari, and what, with your future goals in mind, this training will help you accomplish. We also require two references - either work, school and/or character references.

Personal Statement Info:

In the Personal Statement section of the Application Form please answer the following questions:

In 100-150 words each (max), please tell us:

  • Why are you applying for this course?
  • Describe two of your most significant achievements and what you have discovered about yourself from these achievements.
  • What challenges do you think you may encounter as a student at Toi Whakaari?
  • Using an example, describe what type of live performing arts events you follow & enjoy, and why.
  • Where do you hope Toi Whakaari will lead you to? What is your main ambition?
  • What qualities would you bring to Toi Whakaari?

Career Pathways

As a graduate of the Toi Whakaari Arts Management programme you will have well-developed practical, administrative and managerial leadership skills. You will be flexible and your skills will be highly transferable. There are many careers that can come from gaining a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Management). The roles listed below are jobs where many of our graduates currently work in, with their skills being highly transferable. Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

  • Producer
  • Stage Manager 
  • Production Manager 
  • Arts Administrator 
  • Events Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Tour Manager
  • Theatre Technician
  • Special Effects technician
  • Television Floor Manager
  • Front of House Manager
  • Music Producer
  • Film Production Manager
  •  Runner
  • Venue Technician/Manager
  • Community Development Worker
  • Fundraiser
  • Festival Producer

“The interdisciplinary nature of the course creates a vigorous training ground, mirroring that of the performing arts industry. Toi Whakaari accommodated opportunities for connections and professional development with world-class performing arts practitioners. Through this training, I was able to explore how to strengthen my interpersonal skills to enhance my adaptability as a stage manager and theatre technician. This has allowed me to create a durable and fulfilling career in the arts."

Ashley Mardon, Graduate 2017

- Site Manager, Wellington City Council


“Toi Whakaari has given me the skills not only to be able to work in the theatre industry but to advance my drag career. I have worked in Australia and New Zealand’s theatre industry, including Melbourne Theatre Company. I have also toured with different theatre shows, including my autobiographical Confessions of a Drag Queen which performed in the prestigious Sydney Opera House. All the skills I learned at Toi Whakaari are transferable to different disciplines and have set me up for life.” 

Henrique Beirao, Production Manager

- Centrepoint Theatre, Graduate