Acting Classes

Looking for Auckland acting classes? Howick Little Theatre's classes are structured to allow individual students to learn and be challenged in a fun environment. You do not need to have existing acting experience – a strong desire to be there and a willingness to try new things is all that is required (though a sense of humour is a plus!). A range of theatrical devices, games, styles, exercises and devised provocations is used. Focus is given to character development and storytelling and students will learn much and grow in confidence. There is also a strong emphasis on creating work. Students are encouraged to free up their imaginations and explore the notion of play as a creative tool while also learning to trust their abilities to communicate through physical expression. 

CLASS PAYMENTS AND WITHDRAWALS POLICY

PAYMENTS: Pre-enrolment and full payment of term fees are required before the first day of class each term. No place will be confirmed for a student until full payment has been received. Students will not be able to participate if they have not paid the term's fee in full before the start of each term. Please note there will be no refund for missed classes.

WITHDRAWAL FROM A CLASS: A student may withdraw from a booked class at no cost before the first class of term. Withdrawal after the first class of term will incur a $25 administration charge, then the balance of fees will be refunded. If a student withdraws any later in the term, no refund of fees will be payable. Notification of withdrawal from a class must be in writing.

Meet our tutors

		Tutor Ben Egan (Adults)  By day, Ben is a speech and drama teacher at Saint Kentigern College and Boys School. Shortly after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts and Screen Arts, he was involved at Howick Little Theatre, playing Jesus in The Book of Everything (2019), and then as Mike in Worst Wedding Ever (2024). He has roots in Shakespearean performance. After TBoE, Ben stepped away from the stage to pursue screen and voice-over work, working with companies such as Fujifilm and Amazon and appearing on Power Rangers.
		Tutor Maya Watson (6-8yrs, 9-11yrs, 12-15yrs) Maya has been teaching Speech and Drama for 3+ years and currently teaches at Baradene College of the Sacred Heart in their after-school drama programme run by Glenda Pearce. Maya also works for Speech NZ as an Exam Supervisor. She has an Associate of Trinity College London Diploma in Speech+Drama and a second in Public Speaking, both achieved with distinction. Since age 8, Maya has been competing in drama competitions around Auckland, winning various awards. Maya is currently a student at the University of Auckland. She is studying for a Law degree as a conjoint with Global Studies, majoring in Global Politics + Human Rights and Te Reo Māori (LLB+BGlobSt). But her spare time is filled with her passion for theatre and inspiring confidence in her students. Maya specialises in the 'behind the scenes' side of drama and bases her classes on theory and skill. She has a lot of experience working with neurodivergent children and understands the importance of adapting lessons to suit the needs and inspirations of her students. Maya loves the fun side of drama and encourages her students to experiment with characters, accents, costumes, and storytelling. On top of this, Maya teaches the theory of speech and develops students' pronunciation, fluency, expressive language, and communication.
		Tutor Bridget Spencer (6-8yrs, 9-11yrs, 12-15yrs) Bridget is a multidisciplinary performance artist and drama teacher with a background in acting from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and additional training from LAMDA and the Oxford School of Drama. Now based in New Zealand, she’s also an experienced dance coach for competitive crews and dance lovers of all ages. Her motto, “If it feels good, it looks good,” shapes her playful and energetic teaching style, blending acting techniques like Meisner and Grotowski with a focus on physicality and emotional truth. Whether it’s working on a monologue or choreographing a dance routine, Bridget loves helping her students connect, express, and find their own creative voice. When she’s not teaching, Bridget choreographs and performs for NYC-based theatre companies, with recent work showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Off-Broadway.

CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

There are  classes available to suit different ages and allow student progression. The classes are arranged in these groups: 6-8 years, 9-11 years, 12-15 years, and adults (16+). The adult classes are on Mondays, with the other age groups on Tuesdays.

We advise participants to wear comfortable loose clothes and closed-toe shoes.

2025 Terms

Term 1:    Mon, 3 February to 7 April (10 weeks)

                 Tues, 4 February to 8 April (10 weeks)

Term 2:   Mon, 28 April to 23 June (8 lessons due to King's Birthday Monday)

                 Tues, 29 April  to 24 June (9 weeks)

Term 3:   Mon, 14 July to 15 Sept (10 weeks)

                 Tues, 15 July to 16 Sept (10 weeks)

Term 4:   Mon, 6 Oct to 8 Dec (9 lessons due to Labour Day)

                 Tues, 7 Oct to 9 Dec (10 weeks)

presentations

In-class presentations are staged during the year as well as opportunities to share work with friends and family.