Rising Stars 2026- Ages 6-17
Over two school terms, Rising Stars takes young people on an exciting theatrical journey from the first spark of an idea to the thrill of a live performance. Through age-appropriate workshops led by experienced theatre practitioners, students build confidence, creativity, collaboration, and practical theatre skills before stepping into the spotlight for a fully staged production at the end of Term Two.
Primary 1 Class: Year 2-6
Taking Their Confidence From a Whisper to a Roar
For our youngest performers, the focus is on finding their voice. Through drama games, storytelling, movement, and imaginative play, students develop confidence, communication skills, and the courage to express themselves. Every child has a story worth telling—and we'll help them discover that their whisper can become a roar.
The Play...
Cost: $295
Instructor: Liz Cutts
Class Time: Mondays 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Dates:
Term 3: 20th July - 25th September
Term 4: 12th October - 16th December
Dress Rehearsals:
Sunday - 29th September
Sunday - 6th December
Performances:
Friday 11th December - 5pm
Saturday 12th December - 10am
Sunday 13th December - 10am
The Play: Rocking Red Riding Hood
This rock-and-roll retelling of the classic fairy tale by Author Jeffrey Leask, features a rock-dancing heroine and the villainous Wolf O'Malley. Get ready to rock-rap-opera your socks off.
Primary 2 Class: Year 2-6
Taking Their Confidence From a Whisper to a Roar
For our youngest performers, the focus is on finding their voice. Through drama games, storytelling, movement, and imaginative play, students develop confidence, communication skills, and the courage to express themselves. Every child has a story worth telling—and we'll help them discover that their whisper can become a roar.
The Play...
Cost: $295
Instructor: Beth Fourie
Class Time: Thursdays 3:45pm - 5:15pm
Dates:
Term 3: 20th July - 25th September
Term 4: 12th October - 16th December
Dress Rehearsals:
Sunday - 29th September
Sunday - 6th December
Performances:
Friday 11th December - 7pm
Saturday 12th December - 12pm
Sunday 13th December - 12pm
The Play: The Great Meadow Mix-Up
Welcome to the silliest storybook mash-up ever. The Big Bad Wolf is trying a vegan diet, the Tortoise wants a turbo-motor for his shell, and a giant Lion is just looking for snacks. With three lost kids, a lazy Hare, and a finish line made of dental floss, the characters are throwing out the script to make up their own rules. Will the Wolf eat his kale? Will the Hare ever wake up? Find out in this laugh-out-loud comedy where classic fables get mixed up!
Intermediate Class: Year 7-8
Expanding Creative Horizons
Intermediate students are encouraged to stretch their imaginations and explore new possibilities. Through devising, character creation, improvisation, and ensemble work, they learn to think boldly, take creative risks, and discover the power of collaboration. It's a chance to broaden their artistic horizons and uncover talents they never knew they had.
The Play...
Cost: $295
Instructor: Coral Parsons and Teddy Grant
Class Time: Wednesdays 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Dates:
Term 3: 20th July - 25th September
Term 4: 12th October - 16th December
Dress Rehearsals:
Sunday - 29th September
Sunday - 6th December
Performances:
Saturday 12th December - 2pm
Sunday 13th December - 2pm
Monday 14th December - 5pm
The Play: Alice's Revenge
An amateur theatre company is putting on the play 'Alice in Wonderland.' The auditions are tense as a ridiculous amount of girls turn up for the title role. But nobody would have expected that the lead actress would be murdered before rehearsals began! It seems to be a case of a serial Alice killer as all the girls in the lead role get killed. Who is responsible? An absurd chain of deaths plays out to the background of Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s story.
Secondary 1 Class: Year 9-13
Taking Performance to the Next Level
For secondary students, Rising Stars offers the opportunity to refine and elevate their theatrical skills. Through advanced character development, script analysis, ensemble work, movement, and stagecraft, participants deepen their understanding of performance and strengthen their presence on stage. Students are challenged to take creative risks, hone their artistry, and grow as confident, versatile performers ready to captivate an audience.
The Play...
Cost: $295
Instructor: Liz Cutts
Class Time: Tuesdays 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Dates:
Term 3: 20th July - 25th September
Term 4: 12th October - 16th December
Dress Rehearsals:
Sunday - 29th September
Sunday - 6th December
Performances:
Saturday 12th December - 4pm
Sunday 13th December - 4pm
Monday 14th December - 7pm
The Play: Un-Scene and Rehearsed
Students will explore the fundamentals of theatrical production by selecting from a diverse collection of skits and sketches. Working in small groups, they will collaborate to rehearse, shape, and bring their chosen pieces to life, developing teamwork, creativity, and performance skills along the way.
Secondary 2 Class: Year 11-13
Taking Performance to the Next Level
For secondary students, Rising Stars offers the opportunity to refine and elevate their theatrical skills. Through advanced character development, script analysis, ensemble work, movement, and stagecraft, participants deepen their understanding of performance and strengthen their presence on stage. Students are challenged to take creative risks, hone their artistry, and grow as confident, versatile performers ready to captivate an audience.
The Play...
Cost: $295
Instructor: Dinna Myers
Class Time: Tuesdays 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Dates:
Term 3: 20th July - 25th September
Term 4: 12th October - 16th December
Dress Rehearsals:
Sunday - 29th September
Sunday - 6th December
Performances:
Saturday 12th December - 6pm
Sunday 13th December - 6pm
Tuesday 15th December - 6pm
The Play: The Tempest
The Tempest is a magical adventure packed with shipwrecks, romance, comedy, and revenge. When a powerful storm strands a group of enemies on a remote island, the sorcerer Prospero uses magic to confront the people who betrayed him years before. Along the way, young lovers fall for each other, would-be rulers plot and scheme, and everyone is forced to decide whether to seek revenge or forgiveness.
Rising Techs
Come over to the Dark Side!
We are not currently accepting new students to the Rising Techs programme. Previous students can join a special group called The Dark Side and sign up to work on both Rising Stars and Main Stage Productions - subject to approval and previous experience. Interested students should email info@evolutiontheatre.org.nz to get involved.
