Theatre in Schools Aotearoa Announces 2026 pilot Tour

Stela Dara and Lachlan Broughton in The Tantrum - Roct Photography

Every child deserves brilliant theatre -

Theatre in Schools Aotearoa Announces 2026 pilot Tour 

Tāmaki Makaurau, Whangārei — Term One 2026

Theatre in Schools Aotearoa (TiSA) has announced its Term One 2026 tour with a vision to bring brilliant theatre and dance directly into primary schools across Aotearoa. By removing the barriers of transport, cost and logistics, TiSA ensures tamariki can access powerful arts experiences within their own school environment.

In Term One 2026, TiSA will present The Tantrum by acclaimed company Java Dance Theatre, touring to schools in Tāmaki Makaurau and the Whangārei region from 10 – 27 March.

Designed for New Entrants to Year 6, The Tantrum (nominated for Production of the Year in this year’s PAYPA awards) is an energetic, dance-theatre show that explores the big, messy, hard-to-manage emotions children navigate every day. 

Tickets are priced at $5 per student, making it an affordable in-school arts experience. The performance fits into the school timetable, and kaiako can access a teacher’s workshop and an Education Pack to extend classroom learning.

TiSA producer Lynne Cardy says the 2026 tour is a pilot, supported by Creative New Zealand, to continue the fledgling organisation’s core focus: “Every child deserves brilliant theatre. By bringing professional artists into schools, we’re able to offer rich learning experiences that support wellbeing, creativity and connection without placing extra pressure on schools.” 

Thanks to support from the Auckland Council, the Tāmaki Makaurau leg of the tour is now booked out. Limited bookings are available for the rest of the 2026 tour.