National Training and Networking Weekend 2025

To Refresh - Infusing new life into something existing.

To Rebrand - Presenting something in a new way, with an updated appearance.

To Rebuild - Restoring enthusiasm for gathering together while acknowledging feedback from our community.

Join Music Theatre New Zealand and our host society ACT THREE PRODUCTIONS for our annual National Training and Networking Weekend.

Date: 6.30pm Friday 14 March 2025 - 12.30pm Sunday 16 March 2025

Location: Palmerston North

REGISTRATION

New to MTNZ events? Select "New" to register. If you've attended an MTNZ event/training before you may already bo on our database, choose "Current or Past Member" to log in to the registration platform.

Sponsor/Partner opportunities HERE:

Registration Information: Whakakā - MTNZ Networking and Training Weekend

$200.00incl - full weekend early bird special (ending Jan 31).

$100.00incl - Music Theatre International - Australasia Whakakā Juniors - see more info below

Friday evening only - $20.00incl

Training only - $100.00incl

Annual General Meeting only - nil fee

Saturday evening social hour and function - $90.00incl

Weekend Overview

Friday - ACT THREE PRODUCTIONS Clubrooms

ACT THREE PRODUCTIONS birthday celebration - 125 years! A fun, social networking event

Saturday - Palmerston North Conference & Events Centre

Opening Keynote Speaker

Annual General Meeting

THREE Training Streams: Performance, Leadership and Tech featuring; short deep dives into specific relevant topics

Zone Time, Social Hour and a performance from the Juniors Stream

iTICKET Gala Dinner & Awards Evening - themed 'Pirates of Penzance'

Sunday - ACT THREE PRODUCTIONS club rooms

Brunch

Performance and Leadership Extended Workshops/Masterclasses

Conference Streams/Sessions

Stream 1: Performance – Explore the latest tools, techniques, and best practices for performers.

Session one	Session two
Self-directed vocal warm ups	Learning repertoire
Pop up choir	Accent - American - New York
Auditions - top tips	Auditions - top tips for movers
Covering Tattoos	Etiquette - what creative teams want you to know
Building resilience	Nerves - strategies for coping with them
	Mastering a cold read

Stream 2: Leadership – Dive deep into leadership; gaining targeted knowledge in this field.

Session one

Session two

The power of thankyou

Covert Marketing: Making marketing
not feel like marketing....

Engaging your membership

Following the billing instructions
- top mistakes

NZ Audience trends

Holding effective meetings

Compelling grant applications

NZ Musicals

Connecting with community

Compelling posters - top tips

Diversifying audition process

Appropriate casting

Stream 3: Tech – Providing innovation and tools, from theory to hands-on application, in the technical/behind scenes aspects of theatre.

Session one

Session two

Tuning your sound system for the room

Considering diversity as technical departments

Lighting design for small stages

Managing 'Tech Rehearsals' efficiently

Network infrastructure

Hazard management backstage

Creating mood with lighting/colours

Troubleshooting/preventing common sound issues

Wireless DMX: benefits and pitfalls

Choosing the right projector for your venue

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL - AUSTRALASIA
WHAKAKĀ JUNIORS

Running concurrently with our Training and Networking Weekend MTNZ are offering a specific programme for tamariki and rangatahi aged 8 - 18 years.
The programme, facilatated by the team at Junior Theatre Festival NZ, will work on developing skills required for musical theatre in a fun inclusive environment.
Participants will work towards a ten minute performance at the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening.

Whakakā Juniors is proudly sponsored by Creative Communities NZ

Date: 5.30pm Friday 14 March 2025 - 10.00pm Saturday 15 March 2025

Location: Globe Theatre, Palmerston North

Music Theatre International - Australasia Whakakā Juniors registrations HERE:

ACCOMMODATION

The Central Districts Field Days is on locally the same weekend as Whakakā - we recommend reserving accommodation as soon as possible. The following hotels have partnered with MTNZ and are offering discounted rates for attendees.

Distinction Hotel:

175 Cuba Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4441

Please phone 06 355 5895 for reservations and mention MTNZ Conference 2025 reservation specials