A free one day workshop delivered as a part of the Whakapuāwai Programme
A theatre production starts with an idea, but it reaches the stage through people making hundreds of decisions together. Stage management helps turn those decisions into action, keeping people, information and practical details connected as the work moves forward.
In this one-day workshop with Stage Manager Karena Letham, we’ll follow a production from early planning into rehearsals and performance, stopping along the way to look at what the stage manager is doing, what they need from the wider team and what the team needs from them.
The day will be conversational and practical. Using real examples and guided group exercises, we’ll explore how stage managers communicate, organise information, respond when plans change and decide what needs attention first.
No previous theatre or industry experience is needed. We’ll explain the language as we go and leave plenty of room for questions. By the end of the day, you’ll have a clear and realistic picture of the work and where stage management fits within the process of making a show.
Āhea | When: Thursday 27 August 2026
Kei hea | Where: Tāhū, Te Pou Theatre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane
Mō wai | For who: Māori performing arts creatives
Utu | Cost: Free
Roanga | Duration: 10am – 4pm
What to bring: Pen, notebook & lunch
Stage management sits between an idea and everything needed to make it happen. That is where stage manager and educator Karena Letham has spent more than 15 years—connecting people, information and technical systems, solving problems and helping teams move forward together.
Karena trained at Toi Whakaari and spent eight years freelancing across Aotearoa, working on new writing, physical theatre, opera, festivals and large-scale performance. Her credits include work with Tawata Productions, Hāpai Productions, Kia Mau Festival, World of WearableArt, Taki Rua, Red Leap Theatre, Auckland Theatre Company and New Zealand Opera.
Internationally, she has led stage management through the creation of resident shows, opening ceremonies, major events and large-scale spectacles—from early development and rehearsal through technical integration, opening and performance. That work includes the creation of The House of Dancing Water and projects with Cirque du Soleil, FIFA and EMAAR.
Karena brings that experience into her teaching. Her approach is practical, direct and grounded in the real decisions, relationships and problem-solving that make a production work. She believes passing on knowledge is part of the responsibility that comes with experience.
The Whakapuāwai Programme at Te Pou Theatre is an annual programme offering opportunities for development and connection for the Māori performing arts community.
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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:
