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 don't need 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!). The tutors use a range of theatrical devices, games, styles, exercises and devised provocations. Focus is also given to character development and storytelling, and as they learn, students will grow in confidence. 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 is payable. Notification of withdrawal from a class must be in writing.

Meet our tutors

		Tutor Ben Egan (Adults – MONDAYS)  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 Caleb Arkwright (9-11yrs, 12-15yrs – TUESDAYS) Caleb is an actor and speech and drama teacher based in Auckland. He holds an Associate Diploma (ATCL) in Speech and Drama from Trinity College London and a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting) from Unitec. Caleb is currently working towards his Licentiate Teaching Diploma (LTCL) in Speech and Drama from Trinity College London. He teaches Speech and Drama, Public Speaking, and Debate, and is passionate about helping students develop confidence, communication skills, and creativity. Alongside his teaching, he works professionally as an actor in screen and stage productions. Most recently, he appeared in When Darkness Loves Us, directed by James Ashcroft. Caleb has a strong interest in improvisation, imagination, and creating authentic performances through unlocking the text. He brings energy, enthusiasm, and imagination to his classes, helping students develop their skills and create confident, authentic performances.
		Tutor Karishma Grebneff (6-8 yrs, 9-11yrs, 12-15yrs – TUESDAYS)  Karishma Grebneff is a performer and a 2020 graduate of the acting programme at Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa: New Zealand Drama School. She works across screen and live performance and is deeply passionate about helping young people build confidence and creativity. Karishma has experience tutoring in small and large groups; she is a private acting tutor and has also spent time working with Mixit Charitable Trust and Aaja Nachle Dance School.

CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

The classes are arranged in these age groups: 6-8 years, 9-11 years, 12-15 years, and adults (16+), with the adult classes  on Monday and the others on Tuesdays. Participants are advised to wear comfortable loose clothes and closed-toe shoes.

2026 Terms

Term 1:    Mon, 2 February to 30 March (9 lessons due to Easter Monday)

                 Tues, 3 February to 31 March (9 weeks)

Term 2:   Mon, 20 April to 29 June (9 lessons due to Anzac Day and King's Birthday)

                 Tues, 21 April  to 30 June (11 weeks)

Term 3:   Mon, 20 July to 14 Sept (9 weeks)

                 Tues, 21 July to 15 Sept (10 weeks)

Term 4:   Mon, 5 Oct to 7 Dec (9 lessons due to Labour Day)

                 Tues, 6 Oct to 8 Dec (10 weeks)

presentations

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