Guides, Templates and other Resources

PAYPA is committed to the growth of the sector through sharing knowledge and expertise. As part of this kaupapa, PAYPA has created and collated some key resources for practitioners working in the TYA sector in Aotearoa.

PAYPA Resources

These downloadable resources are intended to inform, provide a framework and support practitioners making work for tamariki. They were commissioned with funding and support from the PAYPA board, Performing Arts Foundation and Creative New Zealand.

This resource provides background information on the field of performing arts and young people in Aotearoa, explores the relevance and benefits of performing arts for/by/with children and young people, and takes an in-depth look at how we define ‘quality’ within this sector - with insights from TYA practitioners across Aotearoa.

This practical guide delves into all the things to consider when planning to tour productions for young people, with real-life examples and advice from well-established companies touring to schools, festivals and venues in Aotearoa.

Touring Resources

These practical templates and samples from practitioners within the sector complement the touring guide:

Touring templates (Budget, Tour Itinerary, etc)

Venue Hire Agreement Sample

School Booking Confirmation Sample

Green Rider from Julie’s Bicycle

This resource looks at why we should engage with young people when making work for them, explores best practice in collaborating with children and presents case studies of companies actively engaging with young people when creating new work.


PAYPA Webinars

These online discussions, led by experienced practitioners, explore key challenges for TYA practitioners.

Trick of the Light discuss international touring, June 2025.

Sacha Copland of Java Dance Theatre discusses applying for funding, July 2025.


Other Resources

Below you can find links to more guides and resources relevant to TYA practitioners.

This comprehensive guide to Sensory relaxed performances details how Tim Bray Theatre Company made their shows accessible for neurodivergent children. It is free to download (click on the image).

This guide, for artists and companies touring theatre in and from Aotearoa, was written by Trick of the Light Theatre Company. Explore it for free online or buy it in book form from Playmarket.

The Playmarket Guideline Series is a growing collection of guidebooks for theatre makers, covering a wide range of topics, from collaborative writing to caring for your audience. $6 each via Playmarket (click on the image).