Performing Arts Education
Welcome to LAF - the Lyttelton Arts Factory - performing arts education programme.
Why the Lyttelton Arts Factory?
A factory creates stuff. We want to create performance. We do not want to separate the arts but integrate them into all elements of performance. LAF is a space where theatre, dance, music and circus can all happen.
Our performance education programme strives to develop skills in the areas of acting, voice, music & movement and apply these skills in projects and productions throughout the year.
Study at LAF
LAF offers you the opportunity to study in a professional theatre environment with the critically acclaimed practitioners Director Mike Friend and Musician Carmel Courtney.
At its core, Lyttelton Arts Factory is a practical expression of Mike Friend's belief that the arts should not be separated, and that theatre and the arts are for the many not the few.
Click here to find out more about our current programmes and course tutors:
LAF Drama classes
Lyttelton Arts Factory (LAF) is offering theatre/performance classes for all ages every Monday and Wednesday.
The purpose of these vocational workshops is to teach the students to perform in a fully equipped professional theatre, culminating in an end of year show at Lyttelton Arts Factory.
The Junior to Advance classes have their shows ticketed, promoted and open to the public. All students will perform with lights, sound and set design.
This is a unique opportunity to be taught under the professional direction of Mike Friend in the art of performance in a fully equipped professional theatre with exposure to some of New Zealand’s top performers and teachers.
Mike Friend
LAF's Artistic Director, Mike Friend, has worked in theatre performance and education all his life. After completing a BA Hons in Performing Arts in the UK, Mike continuerd his training at London University with a postgraduate teaching qualification specialising in dance and drama.
Mike founded and was Director of Performing Arts at Hurtwood Theatre in the UK in 1987, and continued throughout this period to work on shows in London's West End and for the Edinburgh Festival as a professional director. He has further directed shows in Ireland, Australia, Thailand, Croatia and the Philippines. He settled in Lyttelton in 2004 and founded The Loons as a performance venue and The Loons Circus Theatre Company.
Following the loss of The Loons, Mike set up the Lyttelton Arts Factory.
Level 1 & 2 Drama
- for Years 1-4.
- Introduction to the idea of 'play' both individually and as an ensemble. A focus on confidence, creativity and group cohesion.
Level 3 & 4 Drama
- for Years 5-8
- Designed to stretch physically, emotionally, intellectually & creatively, preparing them to meet the highest demands of the profession. Adapted to each age range and ability level. All students will perform a production at the end of the year with lights, sound & design.
Drama Level 1
- Wednesdays 3:10pm - 3:50pm
- for Year 1 & 2 students
- Term 1 2020: 5 Feb - 8 Apr
- 10 weeks
Drama Level 2
- Wednesdays 4:00pm - 4:45pm
- for Year 3 & 4 students
- Term 1 2020: 15 Feb - 8 Apr
- 10 weeks
Drama Level 3
- Wednesdays 5:00pm - 5:50pm
- for Year 5 & 6 students
- Term 1 2020: 5 Feb - 8 Apr
- 10 weeks
Drama Level 4
- Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
- for Year 7 & 8 students
- Term 1 2020: 5 Feb - 8 Apr
- 10 weeks
Senior, Advanced & Adult Drama
- Designed to stretch physically, emotionally, intellectually & creatively, preparing them to meet the highest demands of the profession. Adapted to each age range and ability level. All students will perform a production at the end of the year with lights, sound & design.
Drama Level 5
- Wednesdays 7:15pm - 8:15pm
- for Year 9 - 11 students
- Term 1 2020: 5 Feb - 8 Apr
- 10 weeks
Drama Level 6
- Mondays 6:30pm - 7:30pm
- for Year 12 & 13 and Tertiary students
- Term 1 2020: 10 Feb - 6 Apr
- 9 weeks
Drama Level 7
- Mondays 7:45pm - 9:00pm
- for Adults
- Term 1 2020: 10 Feb - 6 Apr
- 9 weeks
LAF Music classes
Band/Ensemble #1
- Beginner/Intermediate musicians. Explore instruments and the basics of working together in a group dynamic.
Band/Ensemble #2
- Intermediate/Experienced musicians. Improve instrument and performance skills while working in a group dynamic with an emphasis on building repertoire and composition.
Band/Ensemble #1
- Tuesdays 4:00pm - 5:15pm
- for Beginner/Intermediate students
- Term 1 2020: 11 Feb - 97 Apr
- 9 weeks
Band/Ensemble #2
- Tuesdays 5:30pm - 7:15pm
- for Intermediate/Experienced students
- Term 1 2020: 11 Feb - 7 Apr
- 9 weeks
LAF Dance classes
We are excited to offer you hip hop classes with our exciting new tutor Halle. The purpose of these classes is to provide dance skills while at the same time developing social, teamwork and leadership skills.
Students have the opportunity to form dance crews and perform with full lighting and sound at LAF events during the year.
Level 1 Dance
- Mondays 4:30pm - 5:20pm
- for Years 5 & 6
- Term 1 2020: 10 Feb - 6 Apr
- 9 weeks
- Tutor: Halle Toto
Level 2 Dance
- Mondays 5:30pm - 6:20pm
- for Years 7 & 8
- Term 1 2020: 10 Feb -6 Apr
- 9 weeks
- Tutor: Halle Toto