ABOUT THE ENGINE ROOM
AcustomisedprofessionaldevelopmentresidencyforartistswithAucklandTheatreCompany.
The Engine Room supports early to mid-career theatre practitioners to deepen their practice within the context of a producing theatre company.
Residents gain hands-on experience across Auckland Theatre Company’s (ATC) productions and develop their understanding of large-scale theatre-making, from creative development through to production and performance.
In 2026, three residencies will be offered:
• Engine Room Resident: Design – working across HelenClarkinSixOutfits , Macbeth , and Cabaret .
• Engine Room Resident: Direction – observing HelenClarkinSixOutfits , SonsofVao , and Macbeth(including serving as resident director during the performance season of Macbeth).
• Engine Room Resident: Musical Theatre Assistant Director, supported by Auckland Live – observing Cabaret
Residents will be embedded in the process of staging ATC’s productions at the ASB Waterfront Theatre participating in planning, rehearsals, production periods, and performances. They will engage with all ATC departments to understand how artistic, technical, marketing and organisational elements interconnect in the making of theatre.
The programme also provides structured professional development. Residents have access to an external mentor for consultation throughout the residency and in the concluding debrief.
The Engine Room is made possible by a generous gift from the Friedlander Foundation.
Cabaretis an Auckland Theatre Company & Auckland Live production.
“Ithasbeenanincrediblejoyandhonourtoworkalongsidethreepowerhousedirectorsas theyexpertlybringtheseenormousshowstoport.Iamemergingontheothersideofthe EngineRoomResidencywithahungertogetonthetools,adeeperconfidenceinmyvoice asapractitionerandagreatappreciationforourcraftandalltheincrediblepeoplewho dedicatethemselvestothewonderfulchallengeoftheatre.”
Katrina George (Engine Room Resident, 2025)
“Ilearntsomuchfromwatchingsomeofourcountry'sabsolutebestandmostexperienced actorsonthefloor.Seeingalltheirprocesses,hearingtheirquestions,watchingthemnut thingsoutandfindsolutions...wasabeautifullyrichaffair.”
Nī Dekkers-Reihana (Engine Room Resident, 2025)
“Thegreatestlearninghasbeeninfindingmyownartisticpointofdifferenceandthe aestheticsI’minterestedinpursuingfurtherinmycareer.”
Ahi Karunaharan (Engine Room participant, 2016)
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
The Engine Room Residencies are paid, fixed-term roles embedded in selected productions in Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season. Each resident receives a weekly salary for active periods of engagement, with additional hourly payments covering pre-residency meetings, introductory sessions, and a debrief at the end of the programme.
Rehearsals take place at Auckland Theatre Company’s Balmoral Studios on Dominion Road, with performance seasons presented at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter. The Design residency may also include work in other locations within Tāmaki Makaurau including but not limited to production workshops in alignment with each production’s requirements.
RESIDENCY SUMMARIES
Residency Productions Active Dates Duration
Engine Room Resident: Design
Engine Room Resident: Direction
Engine Room Resident: Musical Theatre Assistant Director
HelenClarkinSix Outfits , Macbeth , Cabaret
HelenClarkinSix Outfits , SonsofVao , Macbeth
Mon 2 Mar – Sun 27 Sept 2026 (intermittent blocks to the equivalent of approximately 18 full-time weeks, fixed term)
Mon 2 Mar – Fri 10 Apr 2026 then Mon 25 May – Sun 23 Aug 2026 (full-time, two fixed terms)
Cabaret(supported by Auckland Live) Mon 10 Aug – Sun 27 Sept 2026 (full time, fixed term) 7 weeks
At the conclusion of the programme, residents are expected to write a short report on their experience, documenting their outcomes and learnings. The report will be presented to ATC and the Friedlander Foundation and for the Cabaretresidency to Auckland Live
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for three early to mid-career theatre practitioners ready to expand their professional practice within a producing-company environment.
Applicants should:
• Have completed training and/or hold equivalent professional experience in their field (design, directing, or musical theatre).
• Be passionate and committed to their chosen profession and can demonstrate a track record of at least two professional productions relevant to their discipline.
• Be positioned at a turning point in their career
We acknowledge The Friedlander Foundation as the Excellence Partner of Auckland Theatre Company Page 4 of 12
• Be eager to develop their capacity to work on productions of scale within a company environment.
• Commit fully to the residency schedule, which includes regular evening and weekend work and a significant time commitment during production periods.
• Be based in Auckland for the residency (ATC cannot provide relocation or living allowances).
• Be aged 18+ and hold the right to work in New Zealand for the duration of the residency period.
We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.
As Auckland Theatre Company frequently works with young people, shortlisted candidates must undertake Police Vetting.
For the EngineRoomResident:MusicalTheatreAssistantDirector , Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live are specifically looking for a female identifying or non-binary theatre artist to address the under representation of women and non-binary people in creative leadership positions in professional musical theatre.
WHAT WE OFFER:
• Fixed term paid professional residencies embedded in Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season.
• The role of EngineRoomResidentat Auckland Theatre Company.
• Base salary of $1,200 per week plus a percentage increase reflecting the prevailing Labour Cost Index, holiday pay and Kiwisaver employer contribution. Salary based on CNZ’s Remuneration Policy for Artists and Arts Practitioners.
• Six sessions with an external mentor.
We acknowledge The Friedlander Foundation as the Excellence Partner of Auckland Theatre Company Page 5 of 12
ENGINE ROOM RESIDENT: DESIGN 2026
The EngineRoomResident:Designwill collaborate with Dan Williams across three largescale ATC productions, gaining a detailed understanding of the design process from early concept development to fabrication through to realisation in the theatre.
Productions:
• HelenClarkinSixOutfitsby Fiona Samuel Set Design by Dan Williams
• Macbethby William Shakespeare Set Design by Dan Williams
• Cabaretby Joe Masteroff, John Kander & Fred Ebb Set & Costume Design by Dan Williams
Dates: Monday 2 March – Sunday 27 September 2026
Schedule and Structure:
This residency follows the working rhythm of a professional designer, frequently a mix of flexible, project-based hours and concentrated periods during rehearsals and production periods.
You’ll work in alignment with Dan’s design schedule, with the expectation of approximately 18 full-time weeks of engagement spread across three productions.
While the hours will vary, our baseline expectation is:
• 2 weeks for pre-production and design meetings (casualhours)
• 2 weeks of rehearsal room attendance at ATC Balmoral (casualhours,acrossthe four-five-weekrehearsalperiod)
• 2 weeks through the production and technical period at the ASB Waterfront Theatre (full-time)
Weekly check-ins with ATC will keep you connected and supported throughout.
Indicative Dates:
• Helen Clark in Six Outfits
• Rehearsals: Mon 2 Mar – Sat 28 Mar 2026 (casualhours)
• Production Period including previews & opening: Thurs 26 Mar – Thurs 9 Apr 2026 (full-time)
• Macbeth
• Rehearsals: Mon 22 Jun – Thu 16 Jul 2026 (casualhours)
• Production Period including previews & opening: Thu 16 Jul – Thurs 30 Jul 2026 (full-time)
• Cabaret
• Rehearsals: Mon 10 Aug – Sat 5 Sep 2026 (casualhours)
• Production Period including previews & opening: Mon 7 Sep – Fri 25 Sep 2026 (full-time)
At the conclusion of the programme, residents are expected to write a short report on their experience, documenting their outcomes and learnings. The report will be presented to ATC and the Friedlander Foundation.
We acknowledge The Friedlander Foundation as the Excellence Partner of Auckland Theatre Company Page 6 of 12
ENGINE ROOM RESIDENT: DIRECTION 2026
The EngineRoomResident:Directionwill observe the following directors and productions:
Productions:
• HelenClarkinSixOutfitsby Fiona Samuel Directed by Sophie Roberts
• SonsofVaoby Vela Manusaute Directed by Anapela Polata’ivao
• Macbethby William Shakespeare Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson (this residency requires the Assistant Director to be the Resident Director during the performance season of Macbeth)
Dates:
Monday 2 March – Friday 10 April 2026, then Monday 25 May – Sunday 23 August 2026
(Approx.19weekstotalfull-timeengagement)
Schedule:
• HelenClarkinSixOutfits Rehearsals through to opening night: Mon 2 Mar – Fri 10 Apr 2026
• SonsofVao Rehearsals through to Opening Night: Mon 25 May – Sat 20 Jun 2026
• Macbeth Rehearsals: Mon 22 Jun – Sat 18 Jul 2026
Production & Season: Thu 16 Jul – Sat 22 Aug 2026
Key Responsibilities:
• Observe and support the creative vision of each production throughout rehearsals, and production periods.
As Resident Director for Macbeth
• Lead understudy, ensemble, or fight/intimacy rehearsals where required.
• Oversee performance continuity across the Macbethseason, including schools and extension performances.
Debrief:
- Session with all three directors you’ve worked with to wrap up.
- At the conclusion of the programme, residents are expected to write a short report on their experience, documenting their outcomes and learnings. The report will be presented to ATC and the Friedlander Foundation.
ENGINE ROOM RESIDENT: MUSICAL THEATRE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 2026
The EngineRoomResident:MusicalTheatreAssistantDirectorwill observe the Auckland Theatre Company & Auckland Live co-production of Cabaretcreative team, gaining experience in large-scale musical theatre direction and understanding the integration of music, choreography, and staging.
Production:
• Cabaretby Joe Masteroff, John Kander & Fred Ebb Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson
An Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live Production.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for an early to mid-career theatre practitioner ready to expand their musical theatre professional practice within a producing-company environment.
For the EngineRoomResident:MusicalTheatreAssistantDirector , Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live are specifically looking for a female identifying or non-binary theatre artist to address the under representation of women and non-binary people in creative leadership positions in professional musical theatre.
Dates:
Monday 10 August – Friday 25 September 2026 (7weeksfull-time,fromrehearsalsthroughtoGalaOpeningNight)
CabaretSchedule:
Rehearsals: Mon 10 Aug – Sun 6 Sept 2026
Production & Gala Opening: Mon 7 Sept – Fri 25 Sept 2026
Key Responsibilities:
• Observe the director, musical director, and choreographer in rehearsals and technical runs.
• Engage with music and choreography teams to understand collaborative processes.
• Participate in company, production, and post-show debrief sessions.
At the conclusion of the programme, residents are expected to write a short report on their experience, documenting their outcomes and learnings. The report will be presented to ATC and the Friedlander Foundation.
The EngineRoomResident:MusicalTheatreAssistantDirectoris supported by:
We acknowledge The Friedlander Foundation as the Excellence Partner of Auckland Theatre Company Page 8 of 12
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Engine Room application process starts with an Expression of Interest, designed to be accessible with a view to respecting the time of all interested candidates.
Stage Detail
Key Dates
Round One Expression of Interest video Closes: 12pm, Friday 28 November 2025
Shortlisted applicants notified: Friday 5 December 2025
Round Two Invitation to Apply & Interviews Tuesday 9 – Wednesday 10 December 2025
Round Three Final Interviews Friday 12 December 2025
Announcement Successful residents confirmed Monday 15 December 2025
(Alldatessubjecttochange;shortlistedapplicantswillbenotifieddirectly.)
If you’d like to submit an Expression of Interest in another way, or if you require further details about The Engine Room, please contact Head of Learning & Participation, Sam Phillips, sam@atc.co.nz
ROUND ONE: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Submit a short Expression of Interest, via this Form Link.
As part of the Expression of Interest, we ask that you confirm your eligibility, share two referees, and submit a short video (max 4-minutes) that introduces you and shows alignment with the 2026 residencies.
Referees will only be contacted if you are shortlisted. Please ensure you have their consent.
Video requirements:
Record and upload a short (max 4-minutes) recording as an unlisted YouTube or Vimeo link.
In your video:
We want to understand who you are and what you’re about, and your ability to meet the criteria for the 2026 Engine Room. Please include:
1. Who you are.
2. Your training route in your field (tertiary or other).
3. Two recent, relevant professional credits and your contribution.
4. What you’re doing now to develop your practice.
5. Availability for the 2026 residency you’re applying for (choose one):
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o Engine Room Resident: Direction: Mon 2 Mar–Fri 10 Apr 2026, then Mon 25 May–Sun 23 Aug 2026 (full-time, Auckland).
o Engine Room Resident: Musical Theatre Assistant Director (Cabaret): Mon 10 Aug–Fri 25 Sept 2026 (full-time, to Gala Opening, Auckland).
o Engine Room Resident: Design: ~18 weeks across Mon 2 Mar–Sun 27 Sept 2026 (intermittent blocks).
Please don’t worry about the video quality. We just want to hear and see you; it’s the content of what you say that we’re interested in understanding.
- Mobile phone quality will be accepted - Horizontal or vertical format
Please submit your video application via this form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/2311fdea00e40df58568706d85df71a8?r=apse2
If you’d like to express your interest in another way, contact sam@atc.co.nz.
Expressions of Interest close: 12pm, Friday 28 November 2025
Late applications will not be accepted
Shortlisted candidates notified by: Friday 5 December 2025
ROUND TWO AND THREE:
ROUND TWO: INVITATION TO APPLY & INTERVIEWS
If you are invited to apply, you will submit an application form, full CV and participate in a 1-hour in-person or Zoom interview.
ROUND THREE: FINAL INTERVIEWS
The final stage of the application is a series of interviews with the creatives you’ll be working with, and a final interview with Jonathan Bielski, ATC Artistic Director and CEO.
ABOUT AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY
Auckland Theatre Company (ATC) introduced itself to the world in 1993 under the leadership of Simon Prast with the world premiere of David Geary’s Lovelock’s DreamRun , directed by Raymond Hawthorne ONZM at the Watershed Theatre. The company was led by Artistic Director Colin McColl ONZM from mid-2003 to 2021 who created an unprecedented 18 seasons during a highly productive period in which ATC established a permanent rehearsal base at Balmoral and set the scene for a theatre to call home.
In 2016, after a decade of dreaming, planning and fundraising, the company opened the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Wynyard Quarter, creating a new platform where theatre-makers could work at scale.
Now with an annual subscription season of 6-8 works, a thriving Youth Company, digital classroom and education programmes, new work in development, a suite of arts industry partnerships, rehearsal studios on Dominion Road and a 675-seat theatre to call home, ATC looks ahead to the next 30 years ready to embrace the new challenges of creating and presenting theatre for an ever changing audience in the context of Aotearoa’s largest multicultural city.
Our purpose of ’powerful storytelling that connects communities and enriches lives’ is manifested in five programme strands. We:
• Produce theatre of scale and ambition, presenting outstanding New Zealand and international work that thrills audiences and builds community.
• Develop new work by New Zealand theatre artists, reflecting the community of which we are a part and nurturing the next generation of New Zealand storytellers.
• Inspire and engage young people, through initiatives in which young people can participate through school and independently.
• Provide leadership for the performing arts sector, offering professional development and resources that nurture theatre workers.
• Programme ASB Waterfront Theatre to fulfil its potential as a cultural asset for the benefit of Aucklanders.
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ABOUT AUCKLAND LIVE
Auckland Live is the leading organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment, and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. As Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest performing arts entity, we present a diverse programme of live performance across our iconic venues: Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, The Cloud, Shed 10, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre and Aotea Square.
We are committed to a city alive with arts and culture, informed by te ao Māori and reflective of all communities. We enable artists, promoters and producers to create unforgettable experiences in our venues and public spaces and we champion diversity and create welcoming spaces where everyone feels represented – on and off stage.
We create memories that will last a lifetime.
Auckland Live is one of the creative and dynamic organisations connected under the management of Auckland Council controlled-organisation: Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
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