A performing arts tutor hopes his free workshop at Nathan Homestead will inspire young adults to tap into their acting talent. Sharu Delilkan reports.
Young adults finally have the chance to do a free performing arts workshop at Nathan Homestead, thanks to Chris Neels.
"We've always concentrated on youth and early high
"That's how our new programme, Acting for Young Adults, was born," says the 22-year-old performing arts tutor from Pt Chevalier.
Although he learned his craft at Howick Little Theatre when he was growing up, Neels says he would have loved access to a course like this one.
Co-tutor Daryl Wrightson met Neels when working on Auckland Theatre Company's production of Shrewd in 2008.
"It was one of those unique situations in life where you meet someone and you just 'get' each other."
Wrightson says Neels is "an ideas person. He's always coming up with ideas for new workshops like this one."
In the workshop, students will be taught a smattering of acting styles, to show them the breadth of what they can achieve.
"It's imperative to foster the talent of young adults so they know that acting can be a viable job.
"Ultimately, it's about giving them the knowledge and power to take control of their own work, rather than telling them what to do.
"I hope to see these actors performing at the Maidment in the future," says Neels, explaining that the workshop is designed to provide young potential actors with a safe environment in which they can try new things.
"The beauty is that it's not the end of the world if things don't work out. It's all about showing them that the sky's the limit."
Acting for Young Adults, for 17 to 26 year olds, Nathan Homestead Theatre, 70 Hill Rd, Manurewa, Apr 17, 1pm. Limited space. To book: ph 267 0180
Untapped talent pool
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