Te Puna Creative Academy & Te Pou Theatre present…
A free one day intensive delivered as a part of the Whakapuāwai Programme
Keen to see what life behind the stage looks like? Eager to equip yourself with technical theatre skills? Intrigued and passionate about lighting, sound and all the things techy?
Join us for an inspiring, hands-on wānanga introducing you to the world of Venue Technicians in the performing arts industry with Te Pou Theatre. This one-day wānanga is an all-inclusive introduction that will give you a taste of foundational skills on what it takes to be a part of the crew that brings live performance to life. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore new creative pathways.
Across the day, you’ll learn:
Whether you’re curious about the tech side of theatre, or looking to explore a new creative pathway in the new year, this wānanga is your backstage pass to the industry.
Āhea | When: Monday 28 September
Kei hea | Where: Te Pou Theatre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane
Mō wai | For who: Māori performing arts industry, and/or Māori keen to move into this space as a viable career. Please note – this is an introductory wānanga specifically for people with no experience in this area.
Utu | Cost: Free
Roanga | Duration: 10am – 5pm (7hrs)
Bekky is a lighting designer, production designer, and senior venue technician working across theatre, dance, film, and live events. Since graduating from Massey University with a Bachelor of Communication in 2019, they have built an extensive practice spanning design, programming, operation, production, and technical management.
Bekky has toured nationally and internationally, including with Ōkāreka Dance Company’s Mana Wahine (USA, 2024) and The Butterfly Who Flew Into the Rave (Edinburgh Fringe, 2025), alongside work with Atamira Dance Company, The Conch, Te Pou Theatre, Red Leap Theatre, Silo Theatre, and others.
Their lighting design credits include A Slow Burlesque (Silo Theatre, 2024) and Speed is Emotional (Silo Theatre & Barbarian Productions, 2025), with production design credits including No Time to Dry (Basement Theatre, 2024) and What Happened to Mary-Anne? (Auckland Pride, 2025).
As a Senior Venue Technician, Bekky brings extensive experience in venue operations, technical delivery, programming, and show operation. They have worked across venues including Basement Theatre, BATS Theatre, Circa Theatre, Te Pou Theatre, and the PumpHouse, supporting a wide range of productions and artists. Their technical practice is grounded in practical problem-solving, collaboration, and a deep curiosity about the “mysteries of the tech world,” with experience spanning lighting, systems, construction, and the technical demands of live performance.
The Whakapuāwai Programme at Te Pou Theatre is an annual programme offering opportunities for development and connection for the Māori performing arts community.
Need a great headshot but haven’t got one? Come along for 15 mins with photographer Ralph Brown. Ralph will take a few professional pics of you and send the touched up photos to you after the session for your use on your professional profiles.
Intimacy Coordination is about cultivating a safe and professional environment for the crafting of intimate content on screen and stage. This workshop will provide participants with valuable tools and language that will add to your kete & professional practice.
Bringing back our popular Te Pou Awe acting workshops for 2024, we are inviting whānau Māori of the industry to come along and have a play with some acting. Facilitated by Tainui Tukiwaho, covering the many facets of acting and what makes Māori Theatre.
This wānanga is delivered in partnership with Te Puna Creative Academy.
We are grateful to have various organizations, businesses and people supporting many different aspects of Te Pou. We couldn’t achieve what we have without their support. Our Whakapuāwai Programme is sponsored by the following:
