Cinderella

REGISTRATIONS OPEN

No audition required. Everyone performs - on the Aotea Centre stage!

In this OnStage Aotea programme, you’ll rehearse each Sunday afternoon in your age group, working with our inspirational tutors in singing, dance and drama.

Performances at Kiri te Kanawa Theatre at the Aotea Centre
Everyone performs in every show
Multiple lead casts to maximise opportunities

"Cinderella" is a 4 month training programme, building up to another season of NYT's dazzling performances at Auckland's Aotea Centre.

The National Youth Theatre is New Zealand's largest and longest running theatre programme for young people. We change lives from the stage, providing a space where you are embraced for who you are and encouraged to share your unique voice. This is a fantastic opportunity for young performers to be part of this spectacular production, as we bring the magic of these beloved characters to the stage.

About the show:

The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale, told with Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella was the most widely viewed program ever upon it's release. Its recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less successful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true. This Enchanted Edition is inspired by a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, this romantic fairy tale still warms the hearts of children and adults alike.

National Youth Theatre is an all-access training programme for children and young adults aged between 7 - 21. You don't need to audition to be part of the ensemble, once you register, you are part of the programme and will perform on stage in all performances. Our lead roles are auditioned from within the cast.

Rehearsals are broken up by age group and all of the skills you need to participate in the show are taught by our experienced tutors. Rehearsals are mostly on Sunday afternoons, with lead rehearsals on Thursday evenings. Rehearsals mostly take place at Bayfield School, in Herne Bay.

COURSE FEE: $595
(Needs-based scholarships are available, to find out more, click here)

REHEARSAL TIMES: Rehearsals are held each Sunday, at Bayfield Primary School Hall, 2-12 Clifton Road, Herne Bay.
(ages are by cut off date 20th June, 2027 - the final performance day)

ORIENTATION DAY, 13th February
Team Whero/Red: (7-9 yrs) 1pm - 2pm
Team Kōwhai/Yellow: (10-11yrs) 2pm - 3pm
Team Kākāriki/Green: (12-13yrs) 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Team Waiporoporo/Purple: (14-21 yrs) 4.30pm - 5.30pm

REHEARSALS FROM 14th FEBRUARY ONWARDS
Team Whero/Red - (7-9yrs) 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Team Kōwhai/Yellow - (10-11yrs) 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Team Kākāriki/Green - (12-13yrs) 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Team Kahurangi/Blue - Extension Dance (Selected by audition from Teams Green and Purple only) 3:45pm-4:45pm
Team Waiporoporo/Purple - (14-21 yrs) 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Leads on Thursdays: 6.30pm - 8.30pm

At the end of the programme there will be public performances (on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June 2027) and three subsidised performances for schools, on Thursday 17th at 9.45 am & 12.15 pm, and Friday 18th June at 12 pm. If your school is interested in attending please get in touch.

Important Dates

Note: Unless specified, rehearsals take place at Bayfield School.

Orientation Day for all cast: Saturday 13th February 2027

1st Rehearsal: Sunday 14th February 2027

Rehearsals continue every Sunday except for 28th March (Easter Sunday), 18th April (School Holidays)

Please note: There will be compulsory rehearsals as follows:
Monday, 26th April (instead of Sunday 25th April (ANZAC holiday))
Monday, 7th June (instead of Sunday, 6th June (King's Birthday weekend)).

Saturday, 22nd May, Saturday rehearsal - TBC
Sunday, 23rd May, Sunday - Costume Day TBC

Dance Extension Workshop: Sunday 21st February

1st Round Auditions & Callbacks: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th February

Dance Extension Auditions: Sunday 7th March

Final Round Auditions: Saturday 13th March

Final Round Callbacks: Saturday 20th March

Weekend Intensive: TBC (Team Purple, dance extension team and selected leads required). Camp is an additional fee.
There will be rehearsal as usual for Red/Yellow/Green on this weekend

Full Runs: 8th and 10th June 6:30 - 9:00pm (Leads and older cast)

Full Runs: 12th and 13th June, Bayfield School (Full cast)

Theatre Week: Monday 14th - Sunday 20th June (some time will be required off school, particularly leads. All cast will require full days off school Wednesday 16th - Friday 18th June)

Performances to Schools:

Thursday 17th June, 9:45am & 12:15pm
Friday 18th June 12:00pm

Public Performances:

Friday 18th June, 7pm
Saturday 19th June, 1:30pm & 7pm
Sunday 20th June 1:30pm