The Toi Whakaari Bachelor of Performing Arts (Production) is an intensive and practical programme which provides essential skills in production and arts management for stage, screen and other media. The programme is delivered across a range of production-specific 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 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 12 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.
Production
Year 1: Semester 1
Production
Year 1: Semester 2
Production
Year 2: Semester 1
Production
Year 2: Semester 2
Production
Year 3: Semester 1
Production
Year 3: Semester 2
Production
Entry into the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Production) is by application and interview. We welcome ambitious individuals who can identify and seize opportunities to make a positive impact in the arts sector to apply.
Step One:
Complete our Online Application Form: Only successful applicants will proceed to Step Two.
Mihimihi Introduction Information:
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 file (please note: ALL international applicants MUST submit their Mihimihi Introduction as a video).
Step Two:
Interview
Each applicant will be interviewed for approximately 25 minutes.
Options for Interviews: While we encourage you to visit the Kura in person and experience our space, we completely understand that this may be a big ask depending on where you are coming from. We offer in-person or online interviews.
All online interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams. A link to be provided prior to the interview.
Interviews are conducted by Programme Kaiako. We aim to create a welcoming atmosphere for your interview. It’s an opportunity for us to have a conversation, get to know each other and learn about your ambitions. Questions will be fairly informal, and we are simply looking forward to hearing about your ideas and aspirations. The questions we are likely to ask are about your goals, the type of work you're interested in creating and how you like to learn.
Successful Applicants:
Successful applicants will be notified by email with an Offer of Place within 2 weeks of an interview taking place.
Production content and opportunities across the 3 years of training may include; Performance technologies , Lighting, Sound, AV, Performing Arts management, Financial management, Production and Stage management, Production practice- Live and Screen, Critical Studies, Festival and Event production, Budgets, Funding and Marketing, Team Leadership, Industry practice and Internships, Strategic Management, Rangahau and Research, Mātauranga Māori
“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
