Welcome to Stage Door

At Stage Door we wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of performing arts education and experiences for preschoolers, children, rangatahi and adults!

Performing Arts Academy

Stage Door classes are a fun, social, and safe environment for our students to make friends, grow in confidence, develop life skills, hone their talent, and let their creative selves loose! Stage Door runs weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Drama, and Singing for school-aged students.  Weekly Twinklers classes cater to preschoolers, while our Voices Community Choir meets monthly for teens and adults.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, accepting and supportive environment for preschoolers, children, young people and adults to explore the performing arts, challenge themselves and get creative. Whether brimming with confidence or super shy, oozing with talent or otherwise - everyone has a place at Stage Door! There is no audition process to get in and all students are welcome, regardless of skill, prior experience, or otherwise. The enjoyment of our students is always a priority and everyone is encouraged to develop at their own pace.

Principal Trace Tidd is joined by a diverse crew of tutors and team members - all passionate about encouraging students in the wonderful world of theatre, music, drama, and performance.  Stage Door runs weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Drama, and Singing. 

Charitable Trust

The Stage Door Productions Charitable Trust (CC60480) was established in 2022 and aims to advance education and increase understanding and appreciation of the arts, while also promoting wellbeing through performing arts. The Trust plans to produce regular all-youth productions, providing tamariki and rangatahi with fun and positive opportunities to experience the performing arts in both on and off-stage roles.

In 2023 the Trust staged a youth production of Aladdin Jr featuring local young performers aged 7-14 years old, as well as running 'High Adventure' - an Aladdin themed school holiday programme. 

In 2024 we are excited to be producing a youth show for teenagers - watch this space for an announcement soon as to what the show will be! 

Come and explore the world of Performing Arts in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.


WHAT OUR WHANAU HAS TO SAY:

 

"As a parent it is beautiful to see your children

enjoying themselves and working hard towards

their passions. Thanks Stage Door!"

~ Kathryn

 

"It was an amazing experience and I learnt

so much from being part of the creative team

that put the show together!"

~ Pam

 

"Stage Door is really fun – I love going to drama

classes. You really feel welcome there."

~ Conrad

 

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benefits of performing arts

The Performing Arts are a form of creative expression which include drama, music and dance.  

From 3 year-olds right through to adults, our mission is to not just share our passion for the Performing Arts, but to help students develop their talent, build self confidence and most of all - have fun!

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drama bw
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singing b&w
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Twinklers bw
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voices bw
Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand

I had the pleasure of teaching for Stage Door in 2020 and am so impressed with the work they are doing in bringing performing arts classes to Whakatāne. Nurturing the creative spirit is a gift and to be trained as an actor or singer generates such rich rewards. Trace and her team at Stage Door understand this intrinsically and put their hearts and souls into their work. May they go from strength to strength.

~ Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM
2020 New Zealander of the Year

Stage Door's 2018 production of The Little Mermaid was my first time as Vocal Director for a musical theatre production. The support I had from all of the team, as well as a personal mentor assigned to me by Trace (the director) means I was eased into the role with the skill set needed

~ Sophia
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Chloe Moore Musical Theatre

Stage Door was founded in 2014. We offer Performing Arts classes. Check out our current offering - there's something for everyone!

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ground breaking

We are so excited about our new venue coming soon! 
Watch this space....

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aladdin jr

We had a FANTASTIC turn out at our Aladdin Jr Auditions!

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aladdin auds

ALADDIN JR TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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annie jnr

Stage Door are excited to announce ‘Annie Junior’ as our 2021 all-youth production! Auditions will take place on 20 & 21 March 2021 with rehearsals starting in April.
Our 10-show performance season will run from 23 July to 8 August.