
Kia ora and talofa. Welcome to PAYPA. PAYPA is a community of artists and organisations dedicated to performing arts by, with and for children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
PAYPA embodies ASSITEJ New Zealand. ASSITEJ is an international network whose mission is to unite theatres, organisations and individuals throughout the world dedicated to theatre, performing arts, children and young people.

Thank you to everyone who signed the Reinstate Creatives In Schools Petition and all those who joined us to deliver it to Parliament on Tuesday 13th May. Read more
Watch this space for exciting updates from the PAYPA Team about a range of activities in 2025


Applications now closed
Applications now closed


Now underway
Save the date for the 2025 Hui
View our showreel of New Zealand productions available for touring

Tom Knowles and Jeff Parsnips premiere a ‘brand new kiwi kids comedy singalong’ show at Circa Theatre in Wellington, 1-12 July.
Ladder and Thread invites you to join them on a magical quest at Onehunga Community House, 1-6 July.
Java Dance Theatre is bringing The Tantrum, An Honest Conversation and dance workshops to South Island schools in Term 3.
Free in-school workshop for Wellington schools booked for Atamira Dance Company’s Ka Mua Ka Muri during the Kia Mau Festival.
Calico Theatre provides production resources to support North Island primary and intermediate schools to mount large-cast productions - choose from 7 different shows. Now booking for 2025-26.
Ōtepoti Boosted X Moana Crowdfunding Workshop — a relaxed and inspiring session made for Pasifika creatives, Dunedin, 22 April.
Refine your craft skills with award-winning actor Joel Tobeck . Free workshop for Manawatu students aged 14-18 - Palmerston North, 3 May.
Massive’s April Foundations Workshops for rangatahi aged 14-25 years - Ōtara, Auckland, 14-16 April.
Join us for a 3-day professional development residency in Tāmaki Makaurau, 22–24 August. Applications close 2 May.
Taki Rua is looking for actors to tour Rere Atu Taku Poi, and Te Kuia me te Pūngāwerewere in 2025 - apply by 12 April.
Apply now for PAYPA’s 2025 mentorship programme - closing date for applications is 15 April.
For this year’s PAYPA Hui, we’re heading to Te Waipounamu! Save the dates: 7-9 November.
Drop in for morning tea with Massive Theatre Company 9-10.30am Friday 13 June, or check out Massive’s future morning tea dates for 2025.
Free online delegate passes: Join fellow performing arts practitioners virtually at at the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering 2025 in France, 23-29 March.
PAYPA facilitator Kerryn Palmer presented the Petition to Reinstate Creatives in Schools to Parliament on May 13.
PAYPA and Whakaari Aotearoa Drama New Zealand have teamed up to reestablish the Student Performing Arts Ambassadors programme in Wellington.
Victoria University steps up to support SGCNZ’s annual Shakespeare Festivals.
Cubbin Theatre presents a gentle show for babies and toddlers, exploring the magic of the laundry basket - Christchurch Arts Centre, 5-8 June.