One-Year Acting Training Course
In 2027, the course will be structured around six integrated disciplines that collectively support the development of foundational acting skills, performance practice, collaboration, creativity, and professional readiness. The programme is informed by contemporary actor-training methodologies, practice-led learning, ensemble collaboration, and performance-making processes that prepare students for further training and participation in the performing arts sector.
One-Year Acting Training Course
In 2027, the course will be structured around six integrated disciplines that collectively support the development of foundational acting skills, performance practice, collaboration, creativity, and professional readiness. The programme is informed by contemporary actor-training methodologies, practice-led learning, ensemble collaboration, and performance-making processes that prepare students for further training and participation in the performing arts sector.
One-Year Acting Training Course
The course is focused on the study of physical action, movement training, mask technique, improvisation, theatre creation and performance, and is a pre-requisite for the six-month course.
One-Year Acting Training Course
In 2027, the course will be structured around six integrated disciplines that collectively support the development of foundational acting skills, performance practice, collaboration, creativity, and professional readiness. The programme is informed by contemporary actor-training methodologies, practice-led learning, ensemble collaboration, and performance-making processes that prepare students for further training and participation in the performing arts sector.
Course Information:
Acting Training, Theatre History & Theory
Develop your skills as a versatile performer through practical and theoretical training inspired by Jacques Lecoq's poetic body, Stanislavski's Method of Physical Actions, and contemporary performance practices. Students explore movement, mask work, improvisation, character creation, storytelling, theatre history, and ensemble performance while building strong creative and analytical foundations.
Key areas include:
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Movement analysis and physical presence
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Neutral Mask and Physical Action
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Melodrama and tragedy
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Commedia dell'Arte and popular theatre
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Clown and Bouffon
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Improvisation and theatre creation
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Theatre history and performance theory
Voice
Voice training is informed by the Roy Hart Theatre approach, developing vocal freedom, range, resonance, and expressive power. Through breath work, singing, text exploration, ensemble voice practice, and performance training, students cultivate a flexible and responsive vocal instrument for stage and screen.
Circus & Dramatic Acrobatics
Build strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and physical confidence through circus and dramatic acrobatics training. Students develop body awareness, stamina, agility, object manipulation skills, and the ability to transform physical technique into expressive performance.
Puppetry & Visual Theatre
Explore object theatre, animation, visual storytelling, and original creation. Students investigate puppet manipulation, ensemble puppetry, visual dramaturgy, and non-verbal communication, expanding their understanding of theatrical storytelling beyond the human body.
Māori & Pasifika Performing Arts
Engage with the performance traditions of Aotearoa and Te Moana Nui a Kiwa through haka, waiata, poi, mōteatea, Pacific dance, chanting, storytelling, and cultural practice. Students explore concepts such as ihi, wehi, and wana, developing cultural literacy, ensemble awareness, leadership, and Indigenous approaches to performance.
Self-Creation & Original Theatre Making
Inspired by Jacques Lecoq's Auto-cours philosophy, students develop their own artistic voice through devising, experimentation, solo and ensemble performance-making, creative writing, and interdisciplinary performance. The programme culminates in the creation and public presentation of original theatre works, preparing graduates for contemporary professional practice as performers, theatre-makers, and creative leaders.
Applications for the One-Year Acting Training Course are open until 23 October 2026.
Candidates must complete the online application form and upload Letter of Support (PDF or Word document) from a teacher, director, tutor, mentor, or another person who has worked with them in an artistic, educational, or professional capacity. The letter should comment on their commitment, reliability, creativity, ability to work with others, and suitability for training at Hagley Theatre School.
Candidates will attend a full-day audition workshop comprising a practical group class, the presentation of a solo performance inspired by a provocation provided in advance (with a maximum duration of five minutes), and the creation and presentation of a group performance based on a separate provocation given on the day of the audition.
AUDITION TOUR
AUCKLAND - SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2026.
WELLINGTON - SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 2026.
CHRISTCHURCH - SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2026.
Please click "APPLY NOW," complete the application form, upload the required documents (including your reference letter), and select one of the audition locations listed above.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Fees:
Enrolment Fee: $ 220
One Year Acting Training Course: $ 1800
Under 19 students:
Te Puna Wai o Waipapa—Hagley College subsidizes students under 19. However, HTS encourages a donation of any percentage of the total study cost to support the school.