Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
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YOUTH COMPANY APPLICANT PACK ABOUT YOUTH COMPANY ....................................................................................................................... 3 WHAT IS YOUTH COMPANY?............................................................................................................. 3 PROGRAMME OUTLINE ........................................................................................................................ 4 2026 Schedule .................................................................................................................................................. 7 WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? ......................................................................................................... 9 WHAT WE OFFER: ..................................................................................................................................... 9 APPLICATION PROCESS: ......................................................................................................................... 10 ABOUT AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY ............................................................................... 12 READY TO APPLY? .................................................................................................................................. 12
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
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ABOUT YOUTH COMPANY Nurturing the next generation of theatre makers Auckland Theatre Company's Youth Company is a pre-professional training programme for emerging theatre artists aged 18-25. We create a supportive environment where young people can develop their practice, explore their artistic voice, and build professional skills. This is our fifth year of ATC's Youth Company. Youth Company is a pathway programme for emerging artists who are ready to take their practice to the next level and explore life in a theatre company. Our Youth Company is a part-time, year-long programme offered free to participants aged 1825 that lets young people learn in a working theatre, feel comfortable in this space, and train in an environment that acknowledges being an artist takes enormous strength and resilience. "ATC Youth Arts is a space where you can grow, explore, and play creatively in an environment that fosters community and connection, and values the perspectives and backgrounds that all individuals bring into the space." — Kalia Regan, 2024 Youth Company member
VALUES Generous
Open
Sharing
Rigorous
Expansive
Relevant
WHAT IS YOUTH COMPANY? Over the course of 2026, twelve participants will work alongside professional theatre artists, contribute to the development of new New Zealand writing, and perform in two major productions: Shakespeare's Macbeth at the ASB Waterfront Theatre and new work at The Basement Theatre. Youth Company members train weekly throughout the year, building skills in performance, voice, movement, and collaborative creation. You'll work with professional artists, attend ATC productions, and gain an understanding of what it takes to work in professional theatre. Cost: Absolutely free.
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
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PROGRAMME OUTLINE Block One: The Company Block One builds an ensemble and establishing a common artistic language through scene work. Directed by Beatriz Romilly, and with voice & movement sessions, this foundational block includes company-building exercises and collaborative training, culminating in a scene showing that demonstrates the skills and connections developed during this period. Block Two: Macbeth Be part of the ensemble in a production of Macbeth directed by Benjamin Kilby Henson, performing as supernumeraries throughout the show in roles such as dinner guests at the feast, soldiers, attendants and guards. Across the rehearsal process you’ll work with Engine Room Assistant Director, Sepe Mua'au and Movement Director, Katrina George, and Macbeth director, Benjamin Kilby Henson. The 12-member Youth Company will be divided into two ensembles of 6 (Group Red and Group Blue), with each ensemble performing in half of the season—four shows per week across the four-week run—to maintain sustainable performance schedules. Block Three: The Basement Season provides an opportunity to work with new writers and mentors to develop original material, culminating in a two-week season of new plays presented at The Basement Theatre, giving Youth Company members experience in creating and performing contemporary New Zealand work.
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
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WHO WILL YOU WORK WITH? Block One: The Company Beatriz Romilly is a Spanish-born actor working across theatre, film, TV, voice-over and motion capture. After training at Drama Centre London and making her West End debut in 2.22 A Ghost Story with Tom Felton, she moved to Aotearoa where she's become a notable presence in the theatre scene. Recent credits with Auckland Theatre Company include the solo performance Girls & Boys (2024), which earned her critical acclaim, and playing Edmund in King Lear (2023). She also starred as Lady Capulet in ATC's 2025 production of Romeo & Juliet. Her work spans both dramatic and comedic roles, with a particular strength in complex, layered characters. Beatriz's diverse practice includes work in animation, gaming as a voice-over artist, and film, bringing a dynamic range to every project she takes on.
Block Two: Macbeth Sepelini Mua'au is a theatre maker, director and actor working across Aotearoa, with a focus on Pasifika-led and decolonised theatre processes. As a performer, Sepe has worked with Circa Theatre, BATS Theatre, A Slightly Isolated Dog, Tawhiri, and Barbarian Productions. Recent highlights include Second Unit (Tawhiri), PSA: Election 2023 (Circa), Don Juan (A Slightly Isolated Dog), and a national tour of Stravinsky's The Soldier with the NZSO and Royal New Zealand Ballet. Directing credits include co-directing Toi Whakaari's 2021 Graduate Show Clean Up in Aisle 3 with Jo Randerson, FLAMES: A Hip Hop Musical (Measina Festival 2022; Kia Mau Festival 2023), and codirecting The Handlers by Poata Alvee McKree (Kia Mau Festival 2025). The Handlers received multiple Wellington Theatre Awards nominations and wins, including Production of the Year. Sepe holds a BA (Hons) and MA in Theatre from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. His play Blackout, developed through Playmarket's Brown Ink programme, explores concussion, masculinity and responsibility for young Samoan men.
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
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Benjamin Kilby-Henson Benjamin is one of New Zealand's leading theatre directors, forging a diverse career, spanning form, scale and medium, including original works, scripted premieres and opera. Prior to New Zealand, Ben worked for one of the UK's largest youth arts organisations, leading participatory projects for primarily at-risk youth, including taking six productions a year to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for five consecutive years. Ben later trained in theatre direction at the prestigious Mountview Academy in London, while continuing to direct for the London fringe and cabaret circuit. Following projects in Germany and France, Ben was director in residence at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford. Ben teaches in Auckland's drama schools and is Artistic Manager of The Actors' Program, Aotearoa's leading training ground for actors, achieving the highest employment rates in the country. Under theatre collective Fractious Tash, Ben has received critical acclaim for Earnest, Not Psycho and Titus. Titus was then remounted for a sell-out season at the Pop-up Globe (featuring Beyoncé covers by New Zealand’s only season band…). The award-winning production of Last Tapes' Valerie toured throughout New Zealand, following dates in Australia and Edinburgh, adding to its accolades the coveted Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival fringe. For the Court Theatre, Christchurch, Ben has directed The King’s Speech, Little Shop of Horrors, Strictly Ballroom and Something Rotten! The latter returned for a repeat season thanks to audience demand. For Auckland Theatre Company, Ben has directed Red Speedo, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, King Lear and The Effect, described as having "masterful direction" by The New Zealand Herald. Ben is the Artistic Associate and Casting Director at Auckland Theatre Company.
Block Three: Basement Season
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2026 Schedule Date
Time
Saturday, 7 March 2026 Sunday, 8 March 2026 Tuesday, 10 March 2026 Tuesday, 17 March 2026 Tuesday, 24 March 2026 Tuesday, 31 March 2026
7pm 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Programme Phase
ATC Balmoral
Orientation Weekend
Orientation weekend
ATC Balmoral
Block 1 Block 1 Block 1 Block 1
Attend ATC Production – Waiora Te Ūkaipō Weekly session Weekly session Weekly session
ASB Waterfront Theatre ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral
Block 1
Break
ATC Balmoral
7pm
Block 1
Tuesday, 21 April 2026 Tuesday, 28 April 2026 Tuesday, 5 May 2026 Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Tuesday, 19 May 2026
6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm
Block 1 Block 1 Block 1 Block 1 Block 1
Tuesday, 26 May 2026 Tuesday, 26 May 2026 Tuesday, 2 June 2026 Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Attend ATC Production – Helen Clark in Six Outfits Weekly session Weekly session Weekly session Weekly session Weekly session
TBC (Daytime) 6:30–9:30pm 7pm 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm
Date
Time
Monday, 22 June 2026 Tuesday, 23 June 2026 Saturday, 27 June 2026 Tuesday, 30 June 2026 Saturday, 4 July 2026 Tuesday, 7 July 2026 Saturday, 11 July 2026 Tuesday, 14 July 2026 Saturday, 18 July 2026 Monday, 20 July 2026 Tuesday, 21 July 2026 Wednesday, 22 July 2026 Thursday, 23 July 2026 Friday, 24 July 2026 Saturday, 25 July 2026 Sunday, 26 July 2026 Monday, 27 July 2026 Tuesday, 28 July 2026 Wednesday, 29 July 2026 Thursday, 30 July 2026 Friday, 31 July 2026 Saturday, 1 August 2026 Saturday, 1 August 2026 Sunday, 2 August 2026 Tuesday, 4 August 2026 Wed, 5 August 2026 Wed, 5 August 2026 Thursday, 6 August 2026 Friday, 7 August 2026 Friday, 7 August 2026 Saturday, 8 August 2026 Sunday, 9 August 2026 Tuesday, 11 August 2026 Wed, 12 August 2026 Wed, 12 August 2026 Thursday, 13 August 2026 Friday, 14 August 2026 Friday, 14 August 2026 Saturday, 15 August 2026 Monday, 17 August 2026 Tuesday, 18 August 2026 Wed, 19 August 2026 Thurs, 20 August 2026 Friday, 21 August 2026 Friday, 21 August 2026
10am-4pm 6.30-9.30pm 10am-4pm 6.30-9.30pm 10am-4pm 6.30-9.30pm 10am-4pm 6.30-9.30pm 10am-4pm TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC Day Off 7pm 7pm 7pm 8pm 2pm 8pm 4pm 7pm 11am 7pm 7pm 11am 8pm 8pm 4pm 7pm 11am 7pm 7pm 11am 8pm 8pm 11am 11am 11am 11am 11am 8pm
Venue
Orientation weekend
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Monday, 25 May 2026
Activity
Orientation Weekend
Block 1 Block 1 Block 1 Showing (TBC)
Programme Phase Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Block 2 Perf 1 Perf 2 Perf 3 Perf 4 Perf 5 Perf 6 Perf 7 Perf 8 Perf 9 Perf 10 Perf 11 Perf 12 Perf 13 Perf 14 Perf 15 Perf 16 Perf 17 Perf 18 Perf 19 Perf 20 Perf 21 Perf 22 Perf 23 Perf 24 Perf 25 Perf 26 Perf 27 Perf 28
ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral
First day of rehearsals – Sons of Vao by Vela Manusaute (OBSERVATION)
ATC Balmoral
Weekly session Attend ATC Production – RBG: Of Many, One Weekly session Weekly session
ATC Balmoral ASB Waterfront Theatre ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral
Activity Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Macbeth Rehearsals Rehearsal / Preview 1 Rehearsal / Preview 2 Rehearsal / Opening Night Two show day Two show day Pay What You Wish Performance School Matinee 1 Two Show day Actor's Benevolent Fundraiser Night School Matinee 2 Two Show day Touch Tour & AD Performance Relaxed Performance School Matinee 3 Two Show day School Matinee 4 Two Show day, NZSL Performance Week 9 | School Matinee 5 School Matinee 6 School Matinee 7 School Matinee 8 School Matinee 9 Two Show Day; Public Performance
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
ASB Waterfront Theatre
Venue
Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue Group Red Group Blue
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ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront ASB Waterfront
Saturday, 22 August 2026
2pm
Saturday, 22 August 2026
8pm
(Option Perf 30) Perf 29
Wednesday, 25 November 2026 Thursday, 26 November 2026 Friday, 27 November 2026 Saturday, 28 November 2026 Tuesday, 1 December 2026
Closing performance
ASB Waterfront Group Red
First day of rehearsals – Cabaret (OBSERVATION)
Monday, 10 August 2026
Date Tuesday, 1 September 2026 Tuesday, 8 September 2026 Tuesday, 15 September 2026 Saturday, 19 September 2026 Tuesday, 22 September 2026 Saturday, 26 September 2026 Tuesday, 29 September 2026 Saturday, 3 October 2026 Tuesday, 6 October 2026 Saturday, 10 October 2026 Tuesday, 13 October 2026 Saturday, 17 October 2026 Tuesday, 20 October 2026 Saturday, 24 October 2026 Tuesday, 27 October 2026 Saturday, 31 October 2026 Tuesday, 3 November 2026 Saturday, 7 November 2026 Tuesday, 10 November 2026 Saturday, 14 November 2026 Sunday, 15 November 2026 Monday, 16 November 2026 Tuesday, 17 November 2026 Wednesday, 18 November 2026 Thursday, 19 November 2026 Friday, 20 November 2026
Public Performance , Two Show Day
Time 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 7pm 10am-5pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 6:30–9:30pm 10am-5pm 12pm-10pm 5-10pm 5-10pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 3-4.30pm 4.30pm 7-8.30pm 7pm 7pm 7pm
Programme Phase Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3 Block 3
ASB Waterfront
ATC Balmoral
Activity Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Attend ATC Production – Cabaret Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Development session Basement Pack In Basement Pack In Basement Pack In / Dress Rehearsal
Supporters Group Reception Evening Showing Block 3 Showing Four Block 3 Showing Five Block 3 Showing Six Block 3 Showing Seven
Venue ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ASB Waterfront Theatre ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral ATC Balmoral Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre Basement Theatre
Debrief
ATC Balmoral
Showing One Showing Two Showing Three
The Excerpts
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
Programme Debrief
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WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? We are looking for twelve young people aged 18-25 who are passionate about theatre and ready to commit to a year of pre-professional training and performance. Youth Company is designed for emerging artists at the beginning of their theatre journey— not professional actors. We're looking for people who want to explore their practice and build foundational skills in a supportive environment. If you have received vocational training in acting, this programme isn’t for you. You should: •
Be aged 18-25
•
Be passionate about theatre and committed to developing as an artist
•
Be available for the full programme
•
Be based in Auckland for the duration of the programme
We welcome: •
All levels of experience
•
Artists from all backgrounds, identities, and communities
•
People who are curious, collaborative, and ready to take creative risks
•
Anyone who wants to grow as a performer and theatre-maker
You don't need to be "ready", you need to be willing. We value the perspectives and backgrounds that all individuals bring into the space.
WHAT WE OFFER: A pre-professional training programme that includes: • • • • • •
Sessions with theatre artists Performance opportunities in two productions Experience rehearsing and performing at the ASB Waterfront Theatre Access to Auckland Theatre Company's working environment Complimentary tickets to six Auckland Theatre Company productions in 2026 A supportive community of rangatahi artists where you can grow, explore, and work creatively
Cost: Absolutely free. There are no fees for Youth Company participation. All training, rehearsals, and performance opportunities are provided at no cost to participants.
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
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APPLICATION PROCESS: The Youth Company audition process is about us getting to know you and you getting to know us. We want to understand who you are, what drives you, and whether Youth Company is the right fit for your journey. TIMELINE Stage
Detail
Key Dates
Round One
Application Form
Closes: 12pm, Friday 23 January 2026
Round Two
Auditions
Saturday 24 January 2026 OR Saturday 31 January 2026
Round Three
Recall Round 1
Thursday 12 & Friday 13 February 2026
Round Four
Recall Round 2
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 February 2026
Announcement Youth Company 2026 confirmed
Tuesday 3 March 2026
Orientation
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 March 2026
Orientation Weekend
(All dates subject to change; shortlisted applicants will be notified directly.)
GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER STEP 1: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF Complete the online application form at https://www.atc.co.nz/learn-and-explore/youth-arts We want to know who you are beyond your experience. The form asks you to share: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Your contact information, home address (including postcode), and date of birth What you'd like us to know about you Why you want to be part of Youth Company Your favourite live performance and why it resonated with you Your favourite play text or playwright Any special skills you have An emergency contact (your next of kin or support person outside of ATC) Any access needs or dietary requirements
YOUR AUDITION PIECE At the audition, we'll ask you to perform a memorised piece of dramatic text (maximum 1 minute). Dramatic text means a piece where a character goes on a journey or where something happens to a character. It should be a monologue from a play, not a poem or a speech. When selecting your piece: • •
Choose something that resonates with you personally Look for a character experiencing a clear shift or change
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• •
Make sure it's a piece you connect with emotionally Keep it to one minute or under
Need help finding a piece? Libraries, online play databases, and published play anthologies are great resources. Don't stress about finding the "perfect" piece—we want to see you, not just the material you've chosen.
STEP 2: AUDITION DAY Auditions will take place at Auckland Theatre Company, Balmoral on: •
Saturday, 24 January 2026, 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm, or
•
Saturday, 31 January 2026, 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm
You'll select your preferred audition slot(s) in your application. ATC will confirm your specific audition time shortly after your application is submitted. What to expect: • • •
Perform your prepared monologue Work with us in group activities and exercises Get a sense of what Youth Company is like
This is as much about you meeting us as it is about us meeting you. We want you to get a feel for the programme, the people, and the space.
STEP 3: RECALLS (IF SHORTLISTED) If we'd like to get to know you better, you'll be invited back for one or both recall rounds: • •
Recall Round 1: Thursday 12 or Friday 13 February 2026, 6.30-9.30pm Recall Round 2: Thursday 26 or Friday 27 February 2026, 6.30-9.30pm
Recalls give us more time together to explore your work, your interests, and whether Youth Company is the right next step for you.
STEP 4: OFFERS Successful applicants will be notified on Tuesday 3 March 2026. We'll be in touch by phone and email. If you're offered a place, you'll have time to ask questions and decide if you want to accept.
Questions along the way? Contact us at youtharts@atc.co.nz
Youth Company is supported by Youth Company Supporters Group
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ABOUT AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY Auckland Theatre Company (ATC) introduced itself to the world in 1993 under the leadership of Simon Prast with the world premiere of David Geary’s Lovelock’s Dream Run, directed by Raymond Hawthorne ONZM at the Watershed Theatre. The company was led by Artistic Director Colin McColl ONZM from mid-2003 to 2021 who created an unprecedented 18 seasons during a highly productive period in which ATC established a permanent rehearsal base at Balmoral and set the scene for a theatre to call home. In 2016, after a decade of dreaming, planning and fundraising, the company opened the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Wynyard Quarter, creating a new platform where theatre-makers could work at scale. Now with an annual subscription season of 6-8 works, a thriving Youth Company, digital classroom and education programmes, new work in development, a suite of arts industry partnerships, rehearsal studios on Dominion Road and a 675-seat theatre to call home, ATC looks ahead to the next 30 years ready to embrace the new challenges of creating and presenting theatre for an ever changing audience in the context of Aotearoa’s largest multicultural city. Our purpose of ’powerful storytelling that connects communities and enriches lives’ is manifested in five programme strands. We: • • • • •
Produce theatre of scale and ambition, presenting outstanding New Zealand and international work that thrills audiences and builds community. Develop new work by New Zealand theatre artists, reflecting the community of which we are a part and nurturing the next generation of New Zealand storytellers. Inspire and engage young people, through initiatives in which young people can participate through school and independently. Provide leadership for the performing arts sector, offering professional development and resources that nurture theatre workers. Programme ASB Waterfront Theatre to fulfil its potential as a cultural asset for the benefit of Aucklanders.
READY TO APPLY? Applications close: 12pm, Friday 23 January 2026 Apply now: https://www.atc.co.nz/learn-and-explore/youth-arts We can't wait to meet you.
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