National Youth Theatre is always looking for new tutors to help us run our wide variety of programmes. If you are a musical director or vocal coach, choreographer or dance tutor, director or drama tutor we want to hear from you. 

As Director – you will lead the creative vision for the production, work collaboratively with the other Tutors and the production team, and guide the students through the rehearsal process to deliver a high-quality performance.

As Musical Director – you will lead the musical component of the programme, teaching students vocal techniques, helping them to learn and master the songs, and preparing them to perform in front of an audience.

As Choreographer – you will teach students the dance routines and movements required for the production, using inclusive techniques and ensuring that all students can participate fully.

As General Artistic Assistant – you will provide support to the students and the tutor team, as well as managing some basic administration. This could be a development or youth role.

Please send your CV through to recruitment@nyt.nz

NYT tutors are contracted practitioners - this is paid work, and we value and respect the expertise you bring. You will be joining an established team with national infrastructure, programme support, and a shared commitment to making theatre that changes lives.

Our programmes are built on the belief that every young person deserves access to high-quality arts training. We are committed to inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We are a Diversity Works NZ member organisation.

Currently we are actively recruiting for:

Programme Coordinator (Auckland Office)

We are seeking an organised, proactive, and people-focused Programme Coordinator to help deliver National Youth Theatre's programmes, productions, and events.

This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of our organisation. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Artistic Team, tutors, volunteers, and production staff, you will coordinate schedules, communications, resources, logistics, and administrative systems that support our programmes from enrolment through to performance.

Key responsibilities include:

•  Coordinating rehearsal schedules, programme timetables, and venue bookings.
•  Supporting tutor and volunteer onboarding, rostering, and communications.
•  Preparing and distributing programme resources and documentation.
•  Coordinating production logistics, events, and special projects.
•  Supporting licensing, reporting, and administrative requirements.
•  Coordinating communication between creative teams, families, volunteers, and staff.
•  Assisting with ticketing, merchandise, and programme administration.

We value flexibility and work-life balance. This role is intended to operate on a hybrid basis, with the opportunity to work from home up to two days per week while remaining closely connected to our programmes, productions, and team.

The ideal candidate will have strong organisational skills, excellent communication abilities, and the confidence to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Experience in administration, programme coordination, events, education, or the arts sector would be advantageous.

Most importantly, you'll be passionate about supporting young people and contributing to a creative, collaborative environment.

Applications to james@nyt.nz by Thursday June 25.

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Cats (Hamilton, August - November 2026)

We are bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic CATS to the brand-new Waikato Regional Theatre in November 2026 - and we're looking for exceptional creative practitioners to help us make it happen.

This is a chance to work on a large-scale musical production with a cast of young performers aged 7–18, in a stunning new venue, as part of a nationally-established organisation with a genuine commitment to accessible, inclusive arts education.

Positions Available

We are recruiting for the following contracted roles. You may apply for one or more, and we welcome expressions of interest from multi-disciplinary practitioners.

Director / Drama Tutor

You will hold the creative vision for the production, collaborating closely with the Musical Director and Choreographer to deliver a cohesive, high-quality show. Week-to-week, you will guide students through character work, script, staging, and storytelling - meeting them where they are and raising the bar progressively across the rehearsal period.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading drama rehearsals across all age groups
• Directing the full production from first rehearsal through theatre week
• Working collaboratively with the wider tutor team on creative decisions
• Supporting lead-role development and audition processes
• Creating a safe, supportive, and ambitious creative environment

Musical Director / Vocal Coach

You will lead all musical learning across the production - teaching songs, developing vocal technique appropriate to each age group, and preparing the cast to perform with confidence and artistry. CATS is a vocally demanding and iconic score; we're looking for someone who can bring genuine musical skill alongside warmth and adaptability.

You will be responsible for:

• Teaching and rehearsing all vocal content including chorus and lead repertoire
• Adapting vocal arrangements as needed for the NYT cast
• Liaising with Director and Choreographer to ensure musical and production coherence
• Supporting lead auditions and individual vocal development
• Preparing the cast for live performance with full production accompaniment

Choreographer / Dance Tutor

CATS is, at its heart, a dance show. You will create and teach choreography that is inclusive, age-appropriate, and captures the character and energy of this iconic production. You'll work with students of varied movement experience, and the best candidate will know how to build confidence and skill in every participant - not just those with a dance background.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and teaching choreography for all age groups
• Creating inclusive movement sequences accessible to participants of all ability levels
• Collaborating with the Director and MD on staging and musical integration
• Adapting choreography for lead roles alongside the wider ensemble
• Maintaining high energy and engagement through the rehearsal process

General Artistic Assistant

This is an ideal role for an emerging practitioner, recent graduate, or former youth theatre participant looking to build professional experience in a production context. You will provide hands-on support to the tutor team and students, assist with general coordination, and gain real insight into how a large-scale youth production is run.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting tutors in rehearsals across all age groups
• Assisting with coordination, communication, and basic administration
• Being a reliable, encouraging presence for students
• Stepping into delivery roles as skills and confidence develop

What We're Looking For

All candidates must:

• Be at least 19 years old
• Be able to work effectively and enthusiastically with young people / tamariki
• Have relevant performing arts experience (performing, directing, choreographing, or vocal coaching)
• Have clear and consistent written and verbal communication skills
• Be available for weekly Sunday rehearsals from 9 August through Theatre Week (3–9 November)
• Be willing to complete a police check as per NYT's Child Protection Policy

Highly desirable:

• Previous experience tutoring, teaching, or facilitating in a youth or community arts context
• Familiarity with CATS or Andrew Lloyd Webber repertoire
• Experience working within a multi-tutor creative team
• Hamilton-based or strong existing connections to the Waikato performing arts community

How to Apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter (no more than one page) to: recruitment@nyt.nz

Please indicate in your cover letter:

• Which role(s) you are applying for
• Your connection to Hamilton / the Waikato region
• A brief outline of your relevant experience with youth or musical theatre

Applications close Friday 19th June - however applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early expressions of interest - don't wait for the deadline!

Questions? Reach out to us at recruitment@nyt.nz

TripleThreat after school programme and AllStars Holiday programme in Auckland

National Youth Theatre is always looking for new tutors to help us run our wide variety of programmes. If you are a musical director or vocal coach, choreographer or dance tutor, director or drama tutor we want to hear from you. 

For our weekly classes and regular holiday programmes, we are looking for both triple threat performers who are confident across musical theatre disciplines, but also specialist tutors who can hone in on one area. So whether you’re a musical theatre superstar, a drama teacher with two left feet, a dancer who is tone deaf, or anywhere in between, we want your skills!

About You:

- Must be able to work well with young people/tamariki.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have relevant performing arts experience - performing or directing/choreographing/vocal coaching.
- Teaching experience preferred but not required.
- Clear, consistent written and verbal communication skills.
- Able to travel to any of our core locations - Northcote, Belmont, Grey Lynn, Western Springs.
We are also looking to expand to other locations, both in Tāmaki Makaurau and throughout the country. If these locations are currently not possible for you, but you would be interested in classes in your local area, please get in touch!
- As per our Child Protection Policy you will be asked to complete a police check to ensure suitability for working with young people.

Additionally, we are always looking for specialists who are keen to share other production and performance related skills within our classes - costuming, prop/puppetmaking, design elements, accent work, etc. If you aren’t right for teaching a class, but still want to share your skills with the next generation of theatre makers, reach out to us with your cv and relevant skills!

If you are passionate about the arts and want to help young students develop their skills and talents, then we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@nyt.nz detailing why you are the ideal candidate.

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Outside of Auckland

We are currently running programmes in Õtautahi Christchurch and Kirikiritoa Hamilton each year. We are exploring our options in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington also. If you are a practitioner from any of these areas please do get in touch!

- Must be able to work well with young people/tamariki.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have relevant performing arts experience - performing or directing/choreographing/vocal coaching.
- Teaching experience preferred but not required.
- Clear, consistent written and verbal communication skills.
- As per our Child Protection Policy you will be asked to complete a police check to ensure suitability for working with young people.

As Director – you will lead the creative vision for the production, work collaboratively with the other Tutors and the production team, and guide the students through the rehearsal process to deliver a high-quality performance.

As Musical Director – you will lead the musical component of the programme, teaching students vocal techniques, helping them to learn and master the songs, and preparing them to perform in front of an audience.

As Choreographer – you will teach students the dance routines and movements required for the production, using inclusive techniques and ensuring that all students can participate fully.

As General Artistic Assistant – you will provide support to the students and the tutor team, as well as managing some basic administration. This could be a development or youth role.

If you are passionate about the arts and want to help young students develop their skills and talents, then we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@nyt.nz detailing why you are the ideal candidate.

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Costume Intern

We are always looking for Costume Interns to work with the Head of Costumes, supporting them through the process of designing, creating, and managing the costumes for the show. This is a chance for a young creative to work alongside our Costume Team and learn more about the process of costuming a large scale production.

About You

• You have some experience sewing/making costumes or clothing, and can use a sewing machine.
• You are passionate about costuming and the arts and want to expand your skill set and understanding of what goes into a production.
• You are 16+
• You are a collaborative person who works well within a team.
• You are committed to attending regular costume making workshops and meetings.

Timing

Exact schedule is negotiable, but most costume workshops will be on Sunday afternoons and some evenings. There are key times that require more in-person involvement, such as in the lead up to production weeks. Depending on the applicant, there may be other wardrobe management responsibilities supporting our other programmes.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@nyt.nz detailing why you are the ideal candidate.

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.