Onstage Wānaka is excited to bring a fantastic series of workshops to our local performing arts community! From vocal health and confidence to exploring Shakespeare and the creativity of improv theatre, there’s something for performers of all experience levels.
Led by experienced industry professionals, these practical sessions offer an opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, come along, get involved and discover something new. We can’t wait to see our local talent grow and shine on stage!
Open to 14yrs +
Limited spaces available.
Members $20/ students $15
Non members $30/ students $25
Unlocking Shakespeare – Wednesday 18th November 6-8pm
Unlock the mystery behind Shakespeare! During this two hour Shakespeare intensive, we’ll be digging deeper into understand the meaning and rhythm of the text. Then we will explore how to put that into performance.
With a Master’s in acting with multiple semesters of Shakespeare specific training, Shakespeare workshops around the globe, and professional Shakespeare performance experience, I can help the performer bring the text to life and gain a deeper understanding of bringing Shakespeare to the stage.
Please bring a pencil and notebook. Shakespeare text and highlighters will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing.
Discover Improv – Sunday 22nd November 7-9pm
Improv theater is a form of stagecraft in which characters and storyline are created on the spot with no script. You may have heard of “yes and” as the main maxim of improv, but there are many other rules of improv to discover. In the workshop, we’ll focus on improving comfort on stage, playing nicely with other stagemates, learning when to lead and when to follow more intuitively – and ideally – you find a few throughlines that translate to your life off the stage, whether in interpersonal relationships or professional pursuits. Come with questions and good vibes!
Jeff has been performing and teaching improv theater for about a decade now on and off. He has led workshops in US (Bay Area) for companies and universities, taught Improv 101 at his university, and would perform weekly with his troupe: That Thing We Do. Jeff has practiced Long form, short form, musical and dramatic improv.
Attendees should bring a water bottle and good vibes.
Stage Craft & Audition Skills – Tuesday 24th November 6-8pm
In this two hour workshop we will focus on learning about stagecraft, demystifying some of the tricks of the trade. We will play with various approaches to text which will mainly be about what the scene is asking of you. Discovering ways into a scene and how to present it for an audition. Expect a fun relaxed space where everyone is made to feel comfortable and safe.
Anna Shaw has worked in theatre and as an educator for many years. She has a Masters of Directing from Toi Whakaari ( New Zealand School of Drama). Over many years her work has been in education as a Drama Teacher. Much of her work has been in community theatre and more recently she has created two solo shows wanting the challenge of devising, acting and having full creative freedom to use theatre as a vehicle for telling her story. Anna is passionate about facilitating people to find joy and creative expression through theatre.
Please bring a notebook, pen, comfortable clothes and an open mind!
Vocal Workshop – Wednesday 25th November 6:30-8:30pm
Join experienced vocal coach and performer Janine Weatherly for a practical 2-hour session designed to help singers build confidence and vocal longevity. The workshop will focus on understanding your own voice type, safe vocal practices and techniques for overall vocal health, along with key skills for audience engagement and performance.
Janine holds a Level 1 Certification in Applied Vocal Pedagogy and Voice Science from Voice Lab, Ōtepoti. She completed a comprehensive online vocal course from 1108 Vocal Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing on the mixed belt method and studied classical performance singing under Judy Bellingham at the University of Otago before transitioning to Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM). As a registered primary school teacher with over 25 years of singing experience performing in top corporate bands and musical theatre productions – including directing Blood Brothers for Onstage Wānaka and Stars In Your Eyes – she is passionate about holistic, technique-driven vocal coaching.
Attendees should bring a water bottle, a notebook and pen, and wear comfortable clothing.
Reading Music 101 – Thursday 26th November 6:30-8:30pm
An absolute beginner crash course for actors wanting to understand the dots and squiggles that make up music notation – of special interest to the cast of musicals when learning ensemble and harmony parts. We’ll cover a very basic introduction to melody, rhythms, time signatures, and keys.
Graeme began his musical career in rock bands before studying orchestration, film scoring, and jazz at Berkley College of Music in Boston and the Dick Grove Music Workshops in Los Angeles. He later worked in New Zealand as an NZSO librarian, Radio NZ producer, piano teacher, and music director for theatre and television programs like Play School. Over his career, he has composed more than 150 film and documentary soundtracks for outlets such as National Geographic and Discovery Channel, alongside performing in major musical productions. Currently based in Luggate, he continues to direct and arrange local musical productions while remaining active in community life.
To bring: pencil, paper and if possible a phone or i-pad with a keyboard app installed. .