NYT in 2025

Don't Lose Your Heads - March
Performed at the Reyburn House Gardens

NYT's 2025 Summer Show!

“On the memorial of their friend’s mysterious disappearance, 5 fractured friends are tempted to enter a world of self reflection where they encounter archetypes that both divide and unite them. 
‘What are the challenges I face to be uniquely me and what would my ideal utopia look like?’
With this provocation along with the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ vibe, 36 rangatahi spent the summer brainstorming, writing, learning circus skills, slapping on sunscreen and creating ‘Don’t Lose Your Heads’. An Epic Journey.”
To say the least whānau…
​
A bold, reimagined take on Alice in Wonderland, bringing a classic tale into a modern, high-energy world that reflects the youth of Whangārei today. Featuring over 30 talented young performers (aged 10-18), circus arts, and immersive storytelling. This was a promenade show that toured the Reyburn House Gardens as well as utilising the Town Basin playground, using the already occurring structures and incorporating them into the story as set. This show was a free event for the Whangārei community and made possible by the Sky City Auckland Community Trust.

Directed by: Julie Edwards
Assisted by: Lexi Laybourn, Lutz Hamm, Lisa Lu, Alan Palmer
Choreographed by: Jasmine Fisher-Johnson
Written by: Indigo Tomlinson, Rose McKenzie, Sophie Jesen and Hayley Douglas
Costumes by: Chloe King and assisted by Kate Saunders
Stage managed by: Meg Sydenham
Photography by: Micah Worthington
 
Cast: 
Alex Spence, Angel Hayward, Beatrix Roelants, Becky Buckland, Ella Dorrington, Ethyn Rickard, Evelynn Nutbean, Freddy Peterson-Barnes, Freya Kent, Harper Corsbie, Heidi Shepherd, Holly Gourlay, Isabella Horsley, Izzy Bailey, Jivahn Herbert, JJ Wellington, Jorja Lawson, Jules Bennett,Kevin Cloete, Lara Gray, Lily-belle Kennedy, Louise Ferreira, Matilda Hughes, Oliver Vertongen, Phoenix Sigley, Quinn Duffy Jenkins , Rory Nielsen, Saoirse Hurley-Brown, Sophie Jesen, Susannah Hovell, Tahlia Penalver, Truth Morris.

Thank you's: Toni Morris, Robyn Styles, Vivien King, Mike and Kimberly Nielsen, Keats Rickard and Mandy Edwards, Kirsty Hughes, Kenza Bell-Booth, Oliver Nutbean, Llayla Gray, Circus Kumarani, Whangārei Youth Space, Reyburn House, Whangārei District Council, The Skycity Auckland Community Trust Grant and ONEONESIX  

HELD TOGETHER - July
​Oneonesix

The 2025 Emerging Directors Programme was a powerful creative development opportunity for rangatahi aged 14–25 to step into leadership roles as directors and creative decision-makers. Over several months, participants explored the craft of directing through a mix of practical workshops, mentorship, and hands-on rehearsal experience. The programme focused on building both artistic and interpersonal skills, from dramaturgy and text analysis to communication, collaboration, and ensemble leadership.
This year’s cohort worked with scenes from a range of plays, interpreting them through their own unique voices and staging concepts. The process encouraged each director to explore their creative identity while learning how to hold and inspire a team, manage rehearsal dynamics, and shape a coherent artistic vision. The mentorship model ensured participants received close guidance while being empowered to make independent creative choices.

​Mentors:
Jan Fisher
Julie Edwards
Laurel Devenie
Lutz Hamm
Stuart Devenie

Participants:
Adam Land
Annabelle Martin
Bella Irving
Ben attwood edlington
Ciara Elliot
Ella Dorrington
Evelynn Nutbean
Haydon Fraser
Heidi Shepherd
Holly Manley
Indigo Tomlinson
Isabella Horsley
Jas Fisher-Johnson
Jivahn Herbert








​​JJ Wellington
Katja Stupar
Kevin Cloete
Llayla Gray
Maddy Amosa
Pearl Cullen
Robby van Gruenen
Sophie Hall
Sophie Jesen
Stella Moreton
Tahlia Penalver
Taimania
Tk Mihaka
Tuiata Horncy

DARE TO DEVISE - August
​Forum North

Dare to Devise 2025 was another vibrant celebration of youth creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. Over an intense 48 hours, seven teams of young people from across Te Tai Tokerau, including Whangārei, Mahurangi, and Kerikeri, came together to create original short performances from scratch. Each group was challenged to develop a concept, write, rehearse, and stage a ten-minute piece responding to a shared theme, with only two days to bring their ideas to life.
The event provided an invaluable platform for rangatahi to explore their creativity under pressure, build teamwork skills, and gain experience in all aspects of theatre-making, from devising and directing to acting, design, and technical production.
Judges, mentors, and audiences were blown away by the originality and energy of the performances, which ranged from heartfelt dramas to absurd comedies and physical theatre pieces. Many participants volunteered to support backstage and help one another, reflecting the strong sense of whanaungatanga and community that the event fosters.

This years random elements to include were: Frame & Weather

Judges:
Jayden Lincoln
Summer Jade Millet
Vincent Nathan

MC: JJ Wellington

Competing Teams:
Crashout - Kerikeri Highschool (Overall winner)
Mistress of Evil - (Runner-up)
Sweaty Feet - Unaffiliated (Spotlight award - 18+)
Mahu Gems and Gents - Mahurangi College
Project J2.0 - Mahurangi College
Sizzling Bacon - Kerikeri High School
Overdramatic and Underpaid - Kerikeri High School

Thank you to:
Frankie Johns, Hān White, Donna Mcewan, Dianne Thomas, Indigo Tomlinson, Finn McKenzie, Oliver Nutbean, Liv Cameron-Green, Bea Roelants, Sadie Rivas-Watson

Photographer: Micah Worthington