Creative Learning
Photo: Signy Bjorg
AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY
CREATIVE LEARNING
Our Creative Learning programme includes workshops for ākonga, school matinee performances, and curriculum-linked resources.
The Plays
We are delighted to introduce our 2025 Creative Learning programme for kaiako and ākonga. On behalf of the artists and everyone behind the scenes, we welcome you and your ākonga to a year of extraordinary experiences in 2025.
a mixtape for maladies by Ahi
Karunaharan
Term One ASB Waterfront Theatre
When memory is both a gift and a curse.
Sweeping from 1950s’ Sri Lanka to modernday Aotearoa, seventeen tracks on an old mixtape reveal bittersweet memories of a family’s resilience behind every song.
Suitability: Year levels 11 – 13
Advisory: Includes themes of war and trauma.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
Term Two ASB Waterfront Theatre
All aboard Agatha Christie’s most thrilling murdermystery.
One murder, eight suspects and a wild ride that’s about to go off the rails. The classic whodunnit, cleverly adapted for the stage.
Suitability: Year levels 11 – 13
Advisory: Includes references to the death of a child and suicide, depictions of death.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
Term Three ASB Waterfront Theatre
These violent delights have violent ends.
An epic new production set in 1960’s Verona by director Benjamin Kilby-Henson (The Effect, King Lear).
Suitability: Year levels 9 – 13
Advisory: Includes depictions of drug use, suicide and violence.
MARY The Birth of Frankenstein by Jess Sayer
Term Three ASB Waterfront Theatre
To make a monster, you must first become one.
A terrifying re-imagining of the night Mary Shelley became the mother of horror by award-winning Kiwi playwright Jess Sayer. Cocreated and directed by Oliver Driver (Amadeus).
Suitability: Year level 13
Advisory: Includes offensive language, depictions of drug use, sexual content and violence.
TIRI: TE ARAROA WOMAN FAR WALKING by Witi Ihimaera
Term Four ASB Waterfront Theatre
I am 185 years old. I was born on 6 February 1840. 185 taku pakeke 6 o Pēpuere 1840 taku rā whānau.
For the first time, Witi Ihimaera’s extraordinary play will be performed in both English and te reo Māori, with both versions capturing the enduring spirit of Te Ao Māori.
Suitability: Year levels 9 – 13
Advisory / Whakatūpato: Includes descriptions of violence.
How to Book
Fill in the online booking form for our School Matinees and workshops.
atc.co.nz/ learn-and-explore
A collaboration between Agaram Productions, Auckland Theatre Company and Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival.
Workshops, Briefings & Resources
Auckland Theatre Company is committed to supporting ākonga and kaiako to get the most out of the 2025 Creative Learning programme.
IN-SCHOOL STUDENT WORKSHOPS
Pre-show workshop to prepare students to see the play. Postshow workshop to dive deeper into the play. The duration is 50 minutes.
$100 per workshop
ZOOM BRIEFINGS
Shorter versions of our pre-show and postshow workshops can be delivered on Zoom, directly into your classroom. Zoom briefings are 35 minutes long.
$55 per workshop
EDUCATION PACKS
An education pack, including curriculum-linked resources and exercises are available on opening night of each play. Packs are designed to support NCEA standards at Level 1 (91943), Level 2 (91219) and Level 3 (91518).
Available for free
PRODUCTION RECORDINGS
Every kaiako who books for a production in 2025 receives a recording of the dress rehearsal for in-class revision. Available for free
Creative Learning workshops and briefings share tools, techniques and methodologies direct from the rehearsal room into your classroom. Workshops and briefings are designed to fit within your timetable. In each workshop, there will also be time for questions, discussion, and reflection.
For more information and to book, visit atc.co.nz/creative-learning
The Numbers
Ākonga tickets: $17
Kaiako tickets: One kaiako is free for every 15 ākonga. Additional adults are $20. Teacher aides are complimentary.
Equity tickets: Complimentary tickets are available for members of the community who face social or financial barriers to attending theatre.
Travel subsidies: Limited travel subsidies are available if cost is a barrier. For more info, visit atc.co.nz/learn-and-explore
Ratios: There must be one adult for every 15 ākonga booked.
Unfold for dates and details on our 2025 Year Planner
CURRICULUM LINKS Learn More
Our Creative Learning programme is designed to meet the four key Achievement Objectives outlined in the Arts Learning Area from the New Zealand curriculum, specifically the subject of Drama at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Education packs are designed to support NCEA standards at Level 1 (91943), Level 2 (91219) and Level 3 (91518). Resources and workshops enrich learning across a range of topics, such as exploring Drama Components, Theatre Form, creating drama from scratch and how live theatre makes us think, feel, and act.
A note on 1.4: Achievement Standard 1.4 (91943) may be completed at any point in the year and submitted for marking in October, allowing Level 1 students have flexibility regarding when they see live theatre.
The integrated approach of the refreshed NCEA means that responding to live theatre, creation of drama and unpacking the plays in the Theatre Aotearoa canon, can be taught as part of a rich programme of work.
Explore Auckland Theatre Company's full Creative Learning programme online. atc.co.nz/learn-and-explore
To explore how Auckland Theatre Company can support your drama programme, contact Auckland Theatre Company’s Head of Learning and Participation, Sam Phillips; sam@atc.co.nz
