The Creative Workshop Programme has been in existence since the Company's inception in 2000.  Up until 2005 it has traditionally provided the opportunity for a number of students in Auckland and Wellington to work with professional opera practitioners to create their own piece of musical theatre over a three to five day period.  This culminates in a performance of their work to their peers, friends and family in a theatre environment.  It's a unique theatre experience that cannot be reproduced in a normal school structure.

However in 2006 two more layers were added with the creation of a Design Creative Workshop for Auckland Intermediate students and the provision of a 2.5 hour mini-workshop as part of The NBR New Zealand Opera National Tour. 

The pilot Design Workshop at Diocesan School for Girls matched two professional practitioners, a theatre designer and costume designer, with 20 intermediate level students. Over the period of three days they were lead through the process of how one would design a full production from scratch.  Students created set models of their own version of the production with costume design imagery also included (these were then displayed in the foyer of the Aotea Centre during The NBR New Zealand Opera season) as well as attending part of a technical day in the theatre.  This provided time on the set of the current opera, a backstage tour to look at the running of a professional theatre and the viewing of the production costumes first-hand, culminating in attendance of the Company's current opera at a matinee performance. 

The mini-workshop connected a Director, singers and an accompanist with students around the country providing a taster of what opera and storytelling is and guiding them towards the creation of their own small scene based on the themes of the touring opera which they then performed to each other to complete the experience.  Students were then able to attend a performance of the opera.

Aims

• to provide greater opportunities for small numbers of young people to participate in relevant, innovative arts experiences of excellence
• to develop an understanding and appreciation of the arts through direct involvement in all stages
• to profile young people as creators and performers in a quality arts experience
• to create a project in performance arts which will be significant and promote the vision of young people

Comments on the experience

"I will never forget this amazing experience.  It helped my self esteem and has made me really confident.  Everyone was really nice.  It made me believe in myself and others."
Student from Kapiti College, Wellington

"I am thinking about a career in opera - it seems like a fantastic thing."
Student from James Hargest College, Invercargill

"Everything was awesome.  The kids loved it, I loved it and I can't thank you enough!! It was brilliant.  The kids are still raving about it.  What an awesome workshop.  It was fantastic.  The Opera was brilliant too.  First time I have seen one in English and also first time I've seen one without an ensemble and first time I've seen such a nice short one.  It was a brilliant choice!!  The kids were a little bit apprehensive but in the end they couldn't believe what a neat medium Opera was and they won't be intimidated by Opera in the future.  The team were awesome as well.  So down-to-earth, funny, and inspiring.  The students got loads out of it.  Thanks so much!!"
Teacher from Aquinas College, Tauranga