Te Whaea
The New Zealand School of Dance is located in
Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre, a home that it shares with Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.
Converted from an old show building into a magnificent architecturally-designed premises, it boasts high, cathedral-like ceilings and an exhilarating atmosphere. You are entering one of the best performance training facilities in the world.
Te Whaea (pronounced 'teh fire') is located in Newtown on part of Wellington’s green belt nature reserve; five minutes drive from the heart of the city.
Features of Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre include:
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five professional dance studios and six drama studios of varying sizes
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sprung wooden floors with Tarkett covering in all dance studios
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full-length mirrors and ballet barres all round
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professional sound system
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pianos
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male/female changing rooms with showers
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Te Whaea Theatre (200 seat theatre)
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The Garage Theatre (100 seat studio theatre)
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Auahi Kore Drama Studio Theatre (70 seat studio theatre)
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The SEEyD Space (60 seat studio theatre)
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Technical production studios and workshops
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Design studios
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Costume workshop
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Lighting laboratory
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AV studio
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Computer lab - enables students access to computers and the internet for research and assignment preparation
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Seminar space
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Ample free parking
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A large communal Plaza used for powhiri, hanging out, and the occasional rehearsal
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An onsite café - The Purple Hatch
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Onsite Physiotherapy room
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Specially equipped Pilates studio
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A student kitchen and common room
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The Nola Millar Library - NZ's best performing arts library
The Plaza of Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre.
The front entrance of Te Whaea.
Costumes created by students of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School students often provide colourful displays for this space.
The Plaza of Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre.
The doors to Te Whaea Theatre are visible in the background.
Hiring space at Te Whaea
Studio spaces are occasionally free for external groups to hire.
For further information about hiring space at Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre, please contact Priscilla Gough, Venue Manager, phone +64 4 381 9214.