New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 4 |
|---|
About the course
Applications for 2027 are now open. Apply now to audition in September.
Develop your abilities as a musical theatre performer through practical training in singing, dancing and acting. You’ll strengthen your skills in each discipline, then learn how to bring them together through movement, voice and storytelling.
Rehearsals, ensemble work and staged performances will help you grow in confidence, connect with an audience and contribute effectively to a group. You’ll also experience performing arts traditions from Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, while preparing for auditions and further study.
Key features
- Dedicated performance environment:
Train in specialist dance studios and performance spaces within a close-knit NASDA community.
- Live performance experience:
Build stage experience through public productions and opportunities with local industry partners.
- Industry-experienced tutors:
Learn from practising professionals with extensive musical theatre and performance experience.
- Flexible degree pathways:
Progress into degree-level musical theatre or music study based on your strengths and interests.
What you'll learn
- Vocal technique, warm-ups and voice care
- Basic music notation, ear training and harmony singing
- Classical ballet, tap and jazz foundations
- Dance alignment, musicality, choreography and partnering
- Physical and vocal acting techniques
- Rehearsal, memorisation and performance skills
- Movement and voice for storytelling
- Ensemble performance and collaboration
- Musical theatre performance integrating singing, dancing and acting
- Audition techniques and career preparation
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits
Additional Requirements
In addition you need to:
Attend an audition to assess:
- vocal skills and ability,
- acting skills,
- dance / movement skills,
- ability and potential to study performing arts.
Alternative Requirements
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
- If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
- Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English Requirements
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Selection Requirements
A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be based on application information and audition demonstrating the ability to sing, dance and/or act competently and perform in front of others
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.