The Masterclass Project
The Masterclass Project is a series of three annual events. The aim is to champion New Zealand playwrights, directors and actors. We have designed this series to reinforce a sustainable and highly-skilled future for New Zealand theatre artists.
The Masterclass Project kicks off in February 2026 with one of the UK’s most influential contemporary playwrights, Simon Stephens. He will lead a programme of workshops and events exclusively for Aotearoa theatre practitioners. Simon Stephens is celebrated for works including the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (staged by ATC in 2016) and Blindness (presented at the 2021 Auckland Writers Festival).
With sincere thanks to Cynthia Braithwaite and Peter Macky for their generous donation, and the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific for support through their Connections Through Culture Programme.
- Playwrights’ masterclass (17 to 19 Feb 2026, Balmoral Rehearsal Studios) – Applications now open
Co-designed with Aotearoa script supervisor Jason Te Kare, this is a three-day intensive workshop for mid-career to established Aotearoa playwrights. - Kaiako workshop (20 Feb 2026, Balmoral Rehearsal Studios)
Professional development for teachers in storytelling and literacy. Further details available soon. - Youth workshop (20 Feb 2026, Balmoral Rehearsal Studios) – Only for members of our Youth Arts programmes
Youth workshop for ATC’s Emerging Writers Table & Youth Arts participants. - Public performance and Q&A (21 Feb 2026, ASB Waterfront Theatre)
Simon Stephens will read Sea Wall at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, followed by Q&A. Tickets will go on sale to the public on 19 January.
Playwrights’ Masterclass
Co-designed with Aotearoa theatre artist Jason Te Kare, this is a three-day intensive workshop for mid-career to established Aotearoa playwrights.
Youth Workshop
Youth workshop for our Emerging Writers Table and Youth Arts participants. Applications are open until 23 Jan to join these programmes.
Sea Wall by Simon Stephens
Simon Stephens will read his play Sea Wall at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, followed by Q&A.
About Simon Stephens
Simon Stephens is one of the UK’s most influential contemporary playwrights. His work includes The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (staged by ATC in 2016), Sea Wall, Blindness (presented at the 2021 Auckland Writers Festival), Pornography and Birdland, and has been produced internationally across Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas.
He is an Associate Artist of the Royal Court Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith in London, and is widely recognised for his clarity of craft, dramaturgical rigour and contribution to contemporary playwriting pedagogy.
Simon’s visit to Aotearoa marks his first return in nearly two decades.
“We are living and working in a cultural moment when travel will act as a life source for the arts and creativity. In coming decades creativity and collaboration will be more urgent than ever before. I think the arts can be at the heart of such a collaboration and to be a part of that excites and moves me. I can’t wait to return to work with New Zealand theatre makers next year.”