A Backstage Pass to the Arts: Exploring Creative Careers with The Court Theatre

When several ākonga shared their interest in acting, performing, and careers in the creative arts, Michelle – one of our Youth Coaches – reached out to The Court Theatre to see what opportunities might be available. Thanks to Ben from their Education team, a special behind-the-scenes tour was organised, and we were lucky enough to be the very first community group to get a guided tour at their brand-new site!

A group of six rangatahi from our Youth Coaching and Employment teams came along, each with their own passion, from performing and makeup to technical support. Ben led us through the building, offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a professional theatre.

We discovered that The Court Theatre is almost entirely self-sufficient, handling everything in-house, from set and costume design to production, and even their own food and beverage service. One highlight was visiting the props department, where we learned about the role of the ‘Prop Master’, the person responsible for creating or sourcing every item needed on stage. It was a fascinating look at the wide range of roles in the arts, many of which are hidden from the audience's view.

We followed the journey of a production from the very first idea through to opening night, learning about all the moving parts and career pathways involved in bringing a show to life. From lighting design and scriptwriting to costume creation and stage management, it became clear there’s a lot more to theatre than what happens under the spotlight.

We were also impressed by some of The Court Theatre’s inclusive practices, like their audio description booth, where a team provides live narration via headsets for audience members with visual impairments.

Best of all, Ben shared the many ways young people can get involved, from drama classes and the Youth Company, to volunteering and gaining work experience across different departments. Whether you're passionate about performance or curious about behind-the-scenes roles, there’s something for everyone.

This visit was not only inspiring, but eye-opening, showing our rangatahi that a future in the arts is full of possibility, creativity, and diverse career paths.