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.
MasterClass
An intensive, week-long musical theatre programme for performers aged 14 - 21. Develop your acting, singing and dance skills through specialist workshops, personalised mentoring and collaborative creation, culminating in performances at TAPAC.
Cinderella
The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale, told with the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. This Enchanted Edition is reimagined with the changes made for the 1997 movie, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. This romantic fairy tale still warms the hearts of children and adults alike.
Book tickets
Current productions on sale now.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Musical
Middle school has never been so hilarious! Based on Jeff Kinney's bestselling book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical follows the unforgettable adventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates friendships, family, school and the minefield of growing up. Packed with catchy songs, laugh-out-loud moments and all your favourite characters, this feel-good musical is perfect for the whole family. With a strictly limited season of just three public performances, November 28-29 at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre - don't miss your chance to experience one of the world's favourite book series live on stage. Tickets from $35.68 - $66.27. Booking & transaction fees additional.
Book Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Musical tickets
CATS
Let the Memory live on! Experience the magic of CATS Young Actors Edition, a spectacular 60-minute musical featuring over 150 talented rangatahi from across the Waikato. With unforgettable music, dazzling choreography, stunning costumes and the iconic ‘Memory’, this beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber classic comes to life for four shows only at BNZ Theatre. Don’t miss this spe-cat-ular celebration of youth, talent and theatre. Tickets from $25.00 to $60.00. Booking & transaction fees additional.
Book CATS tickets
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Find your next OnStage opportunity
Join the cast, book tickets, or explore the wider NYT programme family.
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