2027 Programme & An update on funding

An update from Massive Theatre Company regarding our funding and next year's programme.

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30 October, 2026

Kia ora Massive friends and whānau,

October typically marks the launch of seasons and programmes for many performing arts companies. And fittingly we are announcing our 2027 Workshop Programme!

But first….

Back in July we shared news of our significant 60% funding cut from Creative NZ (more about that here). Following that cut, we’ve done our best to keep delivering Massive’s core mahi with a focus on forging performing arts development pathways that provide opportunities for rangatahi from age 15 to learn, train, perform, teach and be excellent artists.

The good news is, thanks to our small but mighty group of loyal supporters, we have managed to secure our workshop programme for 2027 (although at a slightly reduced capacity). This includes a full year of Massive Nui Ensemble (our free ongoing development programme for committed young creatives aged 16-30), Foundations (ages 15-25). Essentials (ages 20+) and a condensed version of The Directors Lab mentoring programme.

For over 35 years Massive has seen the positive impact our work has on people - growing their confidence, helping them find community, and providing an accessible industry pathway that revels in play and expects excellence. An essential part of this mahi is its accessibility. Many of the rangatahi who participate in Massive would not be able to do so if there were fees involved.

Yes, this email newsletter is an announcement of all the 2027 workshops now available for you to book, but it is something more than that…

It is a reminder that we cannot continue this mahi without support.

You’ll hear more from us in November about the ways you can support, and the impact your support has. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know loves Massive, has benefited from what Massive provides, and wants Massive to continue offering these opportunities -

then please donate to that cause.

Any amount helps. A regular, monthly donation is especially meaningful and can be easily set up through our donation platform Donorbox.

For context, here is what it costs Massive to provide a few of our accessible pathways…

  • $140 pays for one young person to attend a free 2-day workshop
  • $1,600 pays for one young person to participate in Massive Nui Ensemble
  • $2,000 keeps our wharenui open for a week
    (a place where artists can come create and learn)
  • $6,000 pays for one person to participate in the full version of The Director Lab
  • $7,500 pays for one person to train as a Teaching Artist

And now onto the 2027 workshop news! Scroll on for all the links…

Ngā mihi nui,

The Massive Team

Donate Today

and build 35 more years of Massive Theatre Company

2027 WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

Massive Theatre Company's workshops put play and physical theatre at the forefront. Work with others to create pieces of theatre using moments and experiences from your own life. Our workshops will encourage you to be your excellent and most wonderful self on stage.

FREE FOUNDATIONS WORKSHOPS FOR 15-25 year olds
Suitable for all levels of experience and led by professional teaching artists from the Massive team, this is the perfect place to learn a wide range of foundational theatre skills and techniques.
Find out more & book a workshop.

ESSENTIALS WORKSHOPS for 20+ year olds
Explore essential skills and approaches to Massive's unique style of making and performing theatre. Open to all levels, with no upper age limit, and new content each time. It's one you can do again and again. Find out more & book a workshop.

TEACH+LEAD WORKSHOPS for professional development
Massive Theatre Company will run only one  Teach+Lead professional development workshop next year in Auckland. This will be announced later in 2027. Find out more.

BRING DEVISING INTO YOUR CLASSROOM

“As a teacher, it was amazing to see my class break out of their comfort zones as Massive’s teaching artists challenged them physically and on taking chances. Each activity had a purpose and a lesson for us to learn, opening the students up to experimenting with their ideas and becoming better performers.” - Teacher on Massive Making in their classroom

Massive Making is our bespoke workshop offering designed to put students in the devising seat. We work directly with you to create a workshop that supports your curriculum goals.

Students learn how to create original theatre using Massive’s devising process. Our workshops focus on creativity, collaboration, and practical theatre-making skills. Your students will come away with more confidence and an understanding of devising practice.

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK

EDUCATION PACKS: Lesson Planning Sorted

Massive has developed comprehensive education packs for 12 of our most popular productions. These resources are designed to make your curriculum standards come alive.

They provide prompts and activities aligned with a real-world professional production.

Each pack includes access to:

  • a full video recording of the show, trailers/behind-the-scenes videos,
  • a copy of the script, and
  • a detailed written study guide
    that speaks to curriculum assessment needs.

ORDER ONLINE TODAY

More Pathways Through Massive

We offer accessible entry points and pathways into careers in the arts. Through free workshops and ongoing mentoring/training, artists are able to become a part of the company from age 15 and stay with us throughout their career development.

Find your path with Massive