He Pito Aronui Award

The Seeding of Creative Potential acknowledges new writing and performance, which must be created by and contain Māori or Pasifika content. Entries in this category, are also eligible for all other awards. This award may be awarded at Regional Festival or National ShowCase.  

NGĀ WHĀINGA: OBJECTIVES OF TheatreFest

Participants will:

• Increase knowledge and confidence through performance and education (Whakangungu)
• observe and support the work of other groups (Manaakitanga)
• develop relationships with other participants and groups (Whakawhanaungatanga)

Note: If a Local TheatreFest is not being held in your area, then with the consent of TheatreFest National Coordinator participants may have their performance, at a venue of their choice, be adjudicated as a single entity or a “Side Show” and be considered for selection to a Regional TheatreFest.

Participant Criteria – Full Festival Information

• Performances must include a minimum of two actors on stage.
• Running time of a performance is to be 50 minutes or less. (Please note there is no minimum time.)
• Entries close 1 August 2023 and need to be entered online with the script emailed to – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• The entry fee is $120.00 per performance: an invoice will be issued once the entry form has been completed.  Go to "THE ENTRY FORM" in the TheatreFest menu above.

Outcome

• Each work entered will receive written adjudications through Local & Regional Festivals.
• In 2023 a prize of $1000 is Donated by Education Perfect with.
• The Award recipient will be announced at the awards presentation at TheatreFest ShowCase, Christchurch.

TE MĀKOHAKOHA: What does it mean to be adjudicated?

• Adjudication is an educative process for both the teams and the audience. Comments are intended to be constructive and educative.
• Adjudication allows reflection on an outsiders professional opinion. 
• Adjudication is a two way conversation to better understand feedback.

We strongly recommend that when playwrights are including stories or characters in their plays that are not of the playwright's own culture (e.g. te ao Māori or Pasifika), that they consult with the relevant community at the earliest possible stage of writing.

Theatre New Zealand champions community and youth theatre throughout the motu and hopes that these taonga attract more stories about the diversity of our national heritage.