Summer School

An incredible opportunity for young people interested in the performing arts, Red Leap's 2026 Summer School is a two-week devising programme for young performing artists, aged 15-20.

Working with two Red Leap directors, including Artistic Director Ella Becroft, participants will create a 45-minute physical theatre piece, resulting in a showing in Te Pou Theatre for friends and family.

Red Leap's world-renowned visual and physical approach makes this ideal for young people interested in acting, dance, or production design.

Participants will leave with the tools to create their own original work, confidently share their creative ideas and vision, and develop a stronger stage presence. Summer School is a fantastic opportunity for people wishing to audition for tertiary education in the performing arts, offering a unique foundation of cross-disciplinary skills.

The workshop will be based at Te Pou Theatre, Henderson, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. There are plenty of public transport options and free parking available.

Dates:
12th January - 23rd January 2026, Monday-Friday. 9am-4pm

Audition:
Auditions will be held on November 29th 2025. We welcome video submissions from international and out-of-Auckland performers.
Auditions are necessary because places are strictly limited; however, we will guide you through the audition process to make it a valuable (and fun!) learning experience.

Cost: 
$600NZD for the two week workshop.
We will offer two scholarships; you can request consideration for these scholarships when completing your registration form.

Email Ella, [email protected], with any questions and to request a registration form.

"Working with Red Leap is an excellent introduction to the very best of storytelling and physical theatre. Their approach is subtle, inventive and playful, so the learning for the participant comes thick and fast. I would recommend their workshops highly." - NEIL HARRIS, SHATIN COLLEGE, HONG KONG

During the two week workshop we will explore:

PUPPETEERING AND OBJECT MANIPULATION
Red Leap's approach to handheld puppetry and the foundational skills of object manipulation. These skills extend to the manipulation of set and world-building.

STYLISING ACTION AND SPACE
Stepping away from naturalism and stylising action through exploring scale, perspective, space, pace and physical qualities.

PHYSICAL APPROACHES TO THEME
A theatrical, physical or metaphoric approach to conveying a theme to an audience using gestural movement, archetypal characters, and compositional images.

PHYSICAL APPROACHES TO CHARACTER
Create characters using gesture sequences and elemental movement qualities.

HANDHELD LIGHT AND MATERIALS
Using handheld light and basic set materials we explore how Red Leap inventively utilise transformation to create multiple images and landscapes. By bringing the language of light into the devising process, we empower participants to explore how to use this vital element to establish image and tone.

GENERATING TEXT
We use a range of games and tools to quickly generate excerpts of text that can be used within a devising context. Using restrictions and rules, and a physical approach, these tools take the stress out of quickly generating interesting vocal offers.

The final piece was outstanding and each student was able to see themselves in the piece. Their work, their words, and their ideas were realised on stage. Because they created the piece, they were so invested in the performance and their level of commitment was noticeable to the audience. - Amanda Burnett, Head of Drama, Macleans College

Devising workshops are particularly inspiring for young people. They develop soft skills (e.g. collaboration, sharing, inclusiveness, innovation, confidence building, interconnectedness) which are transferable to all aspects of life.

By providing a safe space for young people to build creative confidence, we are offering Summer School participants the opportunity to develop as cultural contributors. In this way, we are proud to support the growth of their individual and community's cultural identity.