Auditions for our New Zealand 2026 touring in-school productions

Echelon Productions is a multi-award-winning theatrical producer and one of the largest touring theatre companies operating across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the USA. With our NZ office in Christchurch, the company has been established since 2000 and operates as Perform! Education and The National Theatre for Children.

Each year the company employs around 50 actors to undertake our touring educational productions both here and abroad. We are currently seeking 2 x actors to play a range of female identifying characters or male identifying characters for our 2026 New Zealand touring cast.

The performances, which take place within schools, are highly interactive and feature action packed narratives, appealing, identifiable characters with loads of comedy and fun that captivate and engage all audiences, including teachers!

The cast of two actors perform up to three shows a day in schools. One actor is nominated as the team leader and a vehicle will be provided during the performance dates, along with travel, accommodation and allowances when away from your home base. Both cast members are required to bump in and out the basic set which takes around 20 minutes either side of performance.

All productions are a maximum of one hour long and include a portable PA and individual headset microphones for each performer. 

CAST REQUIREMENTS

Echelon Productions is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities and abilities to audition.

Actors are the ambassadors of the company and significant role models for thousands of students which means we have very high standards for hiring performers. 

Playing Age: between 20 and early 30s

Skills: creative and comedic acting, clear communication, a good singing voice and the ability to move well.

Personal qualities: Warm, friendly, energetic, excellent communicators, fun loving, reliable & committed, and most importantly… enjoy working with children!

The cast will tour and perform two separate productions simultaneously. 

CONTRACT DETAILS

All successful performers will be required to undertake a NZ Clearance and Police Check.

Rehearsal dates/times:

• Monday 27th April – Saturday 9th May, 2026

All rehearsals daily between 9am – 6pm (will not exceed 8 hours per day)

Location: Christchurch

Season dates: ** NB - Exact dates to be confirmed with contract **

• Monday 11th May – Friday 19th June, 2026
• Monday 27th July – Friday 28th August, 2026

Location: touring across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and surrounding locations

Full commitment to both seasons is required.

Fee:

We pride ourselves on paying our Actors excellent rates, above other NZ professional theatre touring companies. Rehearsal and Performance weekly fee (or pro rata) at competitive market rates.

Travel:

Any dates away from home base city will include travel, accommodation, allowances and hire car.

SUBMISSIONS

If you'd like to audition for our 2026 tour, please complete the following application form:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NZAUDITIONS2026

First round audition is a self-tape. Audition material will be supplied after you submit the above application.

If required, callbacks will be done on ZOOM with members of our Creative Team.

Please email Clayton at Casting@echelon.net.au if you have any questions.