Live theatre for students
Performances for Schools
The Outreach programme from the National Youth Theatre brings musical theatre to schools across Aotearoa.
As the culmination of our training programmes, NYT presents large-scale productions each year at the Aotea Centre, alongside shorter OnStage productions in Manukau, Hamilton and Christchurch.
Our school matinee performances give large educational groups the chance to attend these productions, often with funded access and transport support for schools that would otherwise find attendance prohibitive.
For many students this is their first experience of live theatre — and for some, their first trip into the city at all.
Why it matters
Seeing their peers on stage is hugely aspirational. We regularly follow up with schools to offer scholarships and pathways for deserving young people who want to participate in our programmes.
In 2019 alone, more than 11,000 students attended Annie and The Wizard of Oz at the Aotea Centre, with fully funded attendance and transport for around half of them.
Upcoming school performances
Diary of a Wimpy Kid — Hamilton
Thursday 14 May and Friday 15 May
Disney’s The Little Mermaid — Auckland
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Thursday 25 June, 9:45am and 12:15pm
Friday 26 June, 12:00pm
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr — Christchurch
Isaac Theatre Royal
Thursday 6 August, 10:30am and 1:00pm, and Friday 7 August 12:00pm
Grease Young@Part — Manukau
Due Drop Events Centre
Thursday 13 August, 10:30am and 1:00pm, and Friday 14 August 12:00pm
Booking information
For school booking enquiries, please contact schoolbookings@nyt.nz.
If your school group includes families who would find attendance financially prohibitive, please get in touch to discuss sponsorship packages, including transport support.
At a glance
- School performances across multiple regions
- Large-scale professional theatre environments
- Accessible booking options for schools
- Sponsorship packages available
- Follow-up scholarship opportunities
Need help planning?
We’re happy to talk through the best performance options for your students and help you plan attendance for large groups.
Email us and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Email school bookingsWhat students have seen recently
Recent productions
Recent shows that have been shared with school audiences.
The Wizard of Oz
We returned to Oz in the same week Wicked 2 was released — Wizomania! November 2025 at the Aotea Centre.
Frozen Jr
The Disney classic brought Arendelle to Clarence St Theatre, October 2025 in Hamilton.
High School Musical
Go Wildcats! Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the team brought the Due Drop Events Centre to life in August 2025.
Seussical
One of our perennial favourites, the wacky world of Dr Seuss brought to the stage of the Aotea Centre in June 2025.
Cats
Our first Christchurch show at the majestic Isaac Theatre Royal, May 2025.
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