Change Lives From The Stage

Hundreds of talented young New Zealanders are standing on the edge of a life-changing opportunity — but for many, the cost of participation is the barrier that shuts the curtain before it can rise.

At the National Youth Theatre, we believe that every child deserves the chance to discover their voice, step into the spotlight, and feel the pride of achievement that comes from hard work, creativity and teamwork.

Your gift today doesn't just fund a rehearsal or a costume — it removes the inequality that keeps dreams out of reach, and replaces it with the confidence, skills, and belonging that can change the course of a young person's life forever.

For many of these children this is their first experience of live theatre, for some, their first trip into the city centre.

Your support funds scholarships, rehearsal rooms, and the unforgettable magic of live performance — transforming confidence, creativity, and community for over 1,000 young people each year.

Why Give Now?

In the past two decades, NYT has delivered more than 40 large-scale musicals, giving thousands of 7- to 21-year-olds the chance to experience professional theatre training and performance. Demand for places has never been higher, but public funding is static, production costs are rising, and more families are facing financial hardship. Without increased support from individuals like you, we risk turning away talented young people just when they most need spaces of creativity, belonging, and hope.

What We Do With Your Gift

Every dollar you give goes directly towards opening the curtain for a young person who might otherwise miss out. Here's how your support makes a difference:

• Scholarships – Over 100 need-based scholarships are awarded annually, each costing $1,400.
• Professional Training – Funding rehearsal spaces, qualified tutors, and safeguarding standards.
• Creative Excellence – Supporting rights, design, and production elements that keep young people engaged.
• Outreach – Bringing live theatre and workshops to more than 30,000 students and families each year.

The Cost to Raise the Curtains

It costs $1,400 to provide a full scholarship for one young person. Our productions cost up to $350,000 to deliver, and scholarships $50,000 in total each year. Ticket sales and small grants cover only part of these expenses — your contribution bridges the gap.

How to Donate

You can make a one-time gift or become a monthly supporter. Quick, secure payment options like credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay make giving easy. Every contribution — whether $10 or $10,000 — has a direct and visible impact on the lives of our young performers.

Examples of Your Impact

• $10 - Sheet music and scripts for a student's rehearsal week
• $16 - A seat for the school’s audience
• $30 - One tutor for professional coaching
• $80 - A costume for a young performer
• $360 - A wireless microphone for the child performing the show
• $1,400 - A full scholarship place for a full production season

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