The Toi Whakaari Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting), is an intensive and embodied practice- led training programme which provides essential skills for stage, screen and other performance genres and media. This includes live and screen performance, and considers application to a wide range of contexts, including traditional western theatre, film and television, cultural and community engagement and applied practice. Students are encouraged to consider applications that expand notions of creative practice and performance in Aotearoa and beyond. The programme is delivered across a range of production and interdisciplinary learning opportunities . There is a focus on collaboration and building working relationships that reflect industry practice. Mātauranga Māori is a key part of the BPA programme and holds specific focus across 3 x 15 credit courses. Robust engagement with industry practice, performing arts ecology and professional practice is fostered in pathways courses in each semester. Students will engage in rangahau and research aligned with creative practice and will have opportunities to apply skills to a wide range of new and existing works. This specialisation takes a small cohort of up to 22 students a year to ensure high levels of individualised learning and opportunities.
The Bachelor of Performing Arts is delivered through a range of learning opportunities including workshops, classes, studio-based training, wānanga, self-directed exercises, tutorials, masterclasses, industry placements and practical work on performance and independent projects.
The table below provides a brief overview of BPA courses including course code, name, code, credit value and level. Please note ALL courses are compulsory.
Acting
Year 1: Semester 1
Acting
Year 1: Semester 2
Acting
Year 2: Semester 1
Acting
Year 2: Semester 2
Acting
Year 3: Semester 1
Acting
Year 3: Semester 2
Step One:
A: Complete our Online Application Form
Mihimihi Introduction Info:
Your Mihimihi Introduction is an opportunity for us to get to know you. It could include things like:
You should aim for around 300 words, be succinct! You can type your response into the application form or send us the link to an audio or video (please note: ALL international applicants MUST submit their Mihimihi Introduction as a video).
B: Book and Attend a Workshop
All applicants will attend an initial three-hour audition workshop led by Toi Whakaari acting tutors and graduates. This is an active workshop where you will be on the floor working and learning as part of a group.
There is a cost for the initial audition workshop ($45), if cost is an issue please contact us for options.
Workshops will take place in Whangarei, Tauranga, Dunedin, Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. The link to book the Audition workshops is on the application form information section.
Audition scripts for 2025 can be downloaded via the button below.
If you are successful and move to the next step of the audition process, you will be invited to attend Applicants’ Weekend - If you live in Aotearoa NZ or Australia you must attend Applicants' Weekend if you wish to be considered for a place in 2026.
Step Two:
Applicants Weekend
Held at Toi Whakaari in Wellington, this two-day intensive series of workshops will enable you to work with all the acting tutors at Toi Whakaari in a wide range of environments including screen and live performance.
Successful Applicants:
Successful applicants will be notified by email with an Offer of Place within 10 days of a Applicants Weekend taking place.
Indicative Acting Content and Opportunities
Acting content and opportunities across the 3 years of training may include; Embodied Practice, Movement and Vocal practice, Breath, Waiata, Text and Language, Connection and Story, Character, Reflective Practice, Te Moana Nui a Kiwa Practice and Performance, Western Acting Methodologies, New Media performance, Creation of new work, Improvisation, Devising, Collaborative Performance, Text and Language, On Camera Skills, Audition for Live and Screen performance, Practice Based Research, Rangahau and Research, Mātauranga Māori, Professional Practice.
“I reference my training at Toi constantly. The Acting course gave me confidence, technique, and stamina that have served me on every set and in every rehearsal or audition room I have walked into.”
Brooke Williams, Graduate 2006
- Spartacus,
- 12 Monkeys,
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,
- Graduate 2006
“The most significant taonga I received from my time at Toi Whakaari were the relationships forged with my peers, my tutors, the alumni and the wider performing arts community. The people I met here are a big reason why I’m still in the game and loving it. Mauri ora!”
Matariki Whatarau, Graduate 2009
- Modern Māori Quartet
“Toi Whakaari is a whare-tāpere. It’s a place that nurtures you through challenges, helps you grow through the work and asks you to go to those places that we all hide away from. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is for the courageous.”
Te Kohe Tuhaka, Graduate 2004
– Deadlands, Mahana
