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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

 

Maya Watson

 

Tutor Carleena Walsh (Adults) 
Carleena brings with her over 30 years of acting experience. In more recent years her theatre credits include directing last year’s Home I’m Darling at HLT, and acting roles in A Murder is Announced, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, God of Carnage, Good People, Punch & Judy, the Real Story and Ladies in Lavender. She has had extensive training in workshops led by industry experts including Miranda Harcourt, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, John Callen and Stuart Devenie. Carleena is passionate about theatre and acting and her role as Drama Teacher at Macleans College includes directing junior and senior productions and teaching Drama to Scholarship level. She enjoys facilitating and nurturing students as they explore different theatre forms and practitioners whilst developing their own skills for the stage and screen. She is thrilled to be undertaking this role at HLT. The adult drama classes will have a programme of warm up games, working with scripts, improvisation and devising.

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.

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, which feature a strong screen component, are on Mondays, with the other age groups on Tuesdays.

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

2024 Terms

Term 1:    Mon, 5 February to 8 April (9 lessons due to Easter Monday)

                 Tues, 13 February to 9 April (9 lessons due to Waitangi Day)

Term 2:   Mon, April 29 to July 1 (9 lessons due to King's Birthday Monday)

                 Tues, April 30  to July 2 (10 weeks)

Term 3:   Mon, 22 July to 23 Sept (10 weeks)

                 Tues, 23 July to 24 Sept (10 weeks)

Term 4:   Mon, 14 Oct to 16 December (9 lessons due to Labour Day)

                 Tues, 15 Oct to 17 Dec (10 weeks)

 

presentations

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

Enrolment

Enrol Online

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE ENROLLING.

  • ENQUIRIES ABOUT A PLACE IN A CLASS: Please click here to receive more information from our office  about the availability of a class place before completing the online enrolment form. New students should not make a payment without first checking there are places available. 

The class fee per term for senior teens and adult students is $195 and $110 for junior students. It must be paid in full prior to the start of each term.

Please note there will be no refund for missed classes.

 

Photos

  • Acting Classes 2011
    7 photos
  • Acting Classes 2013
    22 photos
  • Acting Classes 2014
    15 photos