Performing Arts Groups

All classes are taught by Adriana Harper ARAD & Solo Seal BBO Rts, with occasional guest teachers. “We aim to develop the natural talent for dance in girls & boys aged four upwards in keeping with my philosophy of training students for a high degree of ability in all dance styles.”

Created after COVID-19 led to a constant stream of cancellations in the performing arts industry, the Barden Party performs theatre, comedy and live music in gardens, parks, private homes, boats, and occasionally theatres.

Celtic Pipe Band inc. is an organisation that displays high quality music, professionalism, inclusiveness and mentorship. They strive to include all, regardless of skill level. Everyone has a place so long as they contribute positively to the culture of the team.

Couch Stories are personal, real-life experiences recounted on stage without notes or props - good old-fashioned storytelling by great local storytellers. The shows lie between improvisational theatre, stand-up comedy, drama and documentary.

Martine Baanvinger creates experimental theatre and teaches physical theatre workshops in the Nelson/Tasman region.

Fargher Academy of Dance is dedicated to the development of young talent, and offers professional, quality tuition in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Hip Hop.

Histrionics is well known for their reenactments of local stories, with decades of theatre experience in areas as varied as writing, production, directing and set building.  

Jess Hannah School of Dance, a place where every dancer is supported, encouraged, and celebrated. Whether dancing for fun, fitness, or working towards exams and performances, our classes are designed to nurture every dancer’s confidence and skill, supporting their journey every step of the way.

Legacy Dance offers quality and specialist training for all dancers in all genres. Contact them to find out more and live out your dance LEGACY.

A brass band of the British Tradition lead by British-born musical director Nigel Weeks. Established in 1857 as part of the military and with roots going back to 1841, Nelson City Brass is one of the oldest Brass Bands in New Zealand.

The Nelson Academy of Dance provides recreational dance classes for pupils aged 3½ years and up, specialising in Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. All students sit yearly examinations and participate in productions at the Theatre Royal. Students are most welcome to come and try a lesson for free.

Welcoming spring to Nelson, the annual Nelson Arts Festival presents a wide variety of events including theatre, music, dance, comedy, community events, visual arts, and a literary programme - Pukapuka Talks. 

Nelson Civic Choir sing a variety of choral music ranging from the Classics to more contemporary favourites. A non-auditioned choir of all ages, new members with a passion for choral singing are welcomed.

Held annually in autumn, the Fringe brings local, national and international alternative theatre, comedy, improv, music and other performing arts to the Nelson community. It is intimate and community-centric, helping performers develop and show their work.

Nelson Musical Theatre has been a part of the Nelson Theatre Scene since the late 1800s. One of the oldest Musical Theatre Societies in New Zealand, they have been creating amazing shows for over 120 years. NMT has their own performance space, the Red Door Theatre, located near Founders Heritage Park, as well as an extensive selection of costumes for hire.

Nelson Repertory Theatre is a not-for-profit community theatre group based at the Theatre Royal. Repertory stages a variety of shows each year, all done voluntarily by a band of dedicated members who are passionate about live theatre.

A Scouts Gangshow is a revue or variety show for all ages. Done every two years, the Gangshow is a fun-filled family show, with well-known songs and sketches for the whole family.

Nelson Summer Shakespeare brings accessible, professional Shakespeare to Te Tau Ihu. Playing open air venues in January, with full productions suitable for the whole family.

Nelson Youth Theatre stages multiple musicals and plays each year. It is run totally by volunteers, and caters for children as young as four up to the age of 25 (and occasionally beyond!). NYTC also runs holiday programmes and courses from time to time to further enhance student learning and growth.

Award-winning writer and producer Justin Eade runs Northpark Productions, which produces professional theatre and film, often based on local historical stories, for example Maungatapu and The Wairau Affray.

PechaKucha nights showcase a wide range of presenters drawn from all corners of our diverse community. Using a fixed format, each person shows and speaks about 20 images for 20 seconds each, making a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. While it originated in the architecture community, PechaKucha now draws on much wider topics and can be creative, enlightening, profound and deeply personal. Every night is interesting, often moving, and always entertaining.

The Peta Spooner Academy of Dance is a secure and stimulating environment to develop and perfect your dance skills. The Academy offers dance classes from beginners to advanced and for all ages. The experienced teachers seek to inspire dancers to achieve their potential. 

Award-winning Piece of Work Productions creates theatre and gives opportunities to emerging performing artists and theatre practitioners.

Since 2000, Rebecca Bignall Boutique Dance Company has been a respected leader in the dance community in Nelson and beyond. The Company prides itself on respectful teaching practices which encourage dancers to be the very best version of themselves.

New Zealand’s only nationwide, live, original music, youth music competitions. Founded in 1989 by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey, Smokefree Rockquest, Showquest and Rockshop Bandquests have become New Zealand institutions, reaching audience numbers in excess of 10,000 every year.

Te Oro Hā tell Māori stories through a Māori lens. Their work often weaves waiata, poi, storytelling, te reo Māori, sound-taonga pūoro, awhi, ancient Māori sounds and aroha. To see their work is to experience Māori Theatre at its finest.

Theatresports classes for youths and adults. Learn improv skills of listening, accepting offers, being spontaneous and theatresports game rules, plus meet like-minded people. Youth classes can lead into Nelson Tasman Theatresports competition. For more info email Nikkie Karki: [email protected]

Vast Dance Festival celebrates the combined talents of high school students in the Top of the South. The Festival’s aims are to provide opportunities for students to perform in a professional environment, celebrate the wide range of styles taught, provide a platform for student choreographers, and to give practical experience with lighting, front of house, design and stage management.