The Masterclass Project
The Masterclass Project is the first in a series of three annual events. The aim of the series is to champion New Zealand playwrights, directors and actors, and help 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, leading the inaugural event. Stephens, who 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) will lead a programme of workshops and events exclusively for Aotearoa theatre practitioners.
The Masterclass Project is made possible through the support of generous backing of private donors Peter Macky and Cynthia Braithwaite, and funding from the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific.
- Playwrights’ masterclass (17 to 19 Feb 2026, ATC Balmoral Rehearsal Studios)
Co-designed with New Zealand playwright Jason Te Kare, this is a three-day intensive for mid-career Aotearoa playwrights. - Writers Reception (19 Feb, Villa Maria Gallery, ASB Waterfront Theatre)
Industry professionals will be invited to an evening event at ASB Waterfront Theatre, featuring a discussion with Simon Stephens. For funders and supporters, leaders in the theatre sector, and members of the Aotearoa writing community. - Kaiako workshop (20 Feb 2026, ATC Balmoral Rehearsal Studios) Professional development for teachers in storytelling and literacy. [Details on how to get involved: Via Whakaari Aotearoa]
- Youth Workshop (20 Feb 2026, ATC Balmoral Rehearsal Studios)
Writing workshop for ATC’s Emerging Writers Table & Youth Arts participants and practitioners. - Public talk & performance (2pm, 21 Feb 2026, ASB Waterfront Theatre)
Simon Stephens performs Sea Wall at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, followed by Q&A.
Tickets will be on sale from xx.
Playwrights' Masterclass
Co-designed with New Zealand playwright Jason Te Kare, this is a three-day intensive for mid-career Aotearoa playwrights.
Youth Masterclass Workshop
Writing workshop for ATC's Emerging Writers Table and Youth Arts participants and practitioners.
Sea Wall by Simon Stephens
Simon Stephens performs Sea Wall at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, followed by Q&A.
“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.”