Full-scale musical theatre productions
ONSTAGE
BIG THEATRE EXPERIENCES FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS
Auckland • Hamilton • Christchurch • Manukau
Train hard, grow in confidence, and perform on a real theatre stage
OnStage is the National Youth Theatre’s flagship production pathway — giving young people the chance to be part of spectacular musical theatre seasons in some of Aotearoa’s most exciting venues.
These programmes combine high-quality training in singing, acting and dance with the thrill of preparing and performing in a full-scale production.
What makes OnStage special
- Large-scale productions in major theatres
- Professional training embedded into the rehearsal process
- No audition required to join the ensemble
- Lead roles auditioned from within the cast
- A welcoming environment for both first-timers and experienced performers
How it works
Once you register, you are part of the programme and will rehearse in age groups with experienced tutors who teach all the skills you need to take part.
Rehearsals usually build over several months, culminating in public performances and often subsidised school performances too.
Our lead roles are auditioned from within the cast, but every ensemble participant is part of the production and performs on stage.
Who it’s for
OnStage is open to young people aged 7–18 who want to grow their confidence, creativity and performance skills in a supportive environment.
These productions are equally suitable for students who are completely new to theatre and those who dream of pursuing it further.
Places can be limited depending on cast balance, so current productions are listed below.
Join the cast
Current productions open for registrations.
Disney's "The Little Mermaid JR"
Step into the magical underwater world of The Little Mermaid at the Isaac Theatre Royal - a vibrant, high-energy production filled with unforgettable songs, colourful characters, and plenty of theatrical fun. This is a fabulous opportunity, with lead roles for all age groups, combining skill-building with the excitement of bringing a beloved story to life.
Grease Young @ Part
Get ready to rock ’n’ roll with Grease Young@Part at the Due Drop Events Centre — a fast-paced, feel-good show packed with iconic music, big ensemble numbers, and bold storytelling. With plenty of opportunities to shine, this production is all about energy, confidence, and having a blast on stage.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Musical
Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. Will Greg’s plans to become popular lead him to sacrifice his one true friend? Can anyone avoid the dreaded Cheese Touch? Grab a hall pass and don’t be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who actually survived middle school.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a vibrant, laugh out loud show for the whole family, with a range of roles available for all ages!
CATS
Be part of something truly spectacular with CATS at the brand new Waikato Regional Theatre — a large-scale musical theatre experience that pushes performance skills to the next level. With dynamic choreography, ensemble storytelling, and a rich theatrical world to explore, this production offers an unforgettable OnStage journey.
Book tickets
Current productions on sale now.
Support National Youth Theatre
On Matching Mondays, every dollar you give helps remove financial barriers for young people who deserve their moment on stage.
Double your donation nowReady to take the next step?
Find your next OnStage opportunity
Join the cast, book tickets, or explore the wider NYT programme family.
Loading...