Technical Stream

NYDS is thrilled to be back at Toitoi, Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre for a second year, and invites all those students interested in working behind the curtain to apply for this exciting and practical course.

NYDS is all about pushing your performance envelope and every performer needs to know their instrument whether it be your body, your voice, a pen, or an entire building! Students will explore the other side of the curtain with two Technical Theatre classes working out of the NYDS base, Havelock North High School, and off-campus at the beautiful Hawke’s Bay Opera House. Both classes will include light and sound rigging, plotting, show operation, stage management, design elements, and more.

Beginners Tech is open to students who are completely new to the backstage world and those students who might have done one or two shows before. Students who have done a previous tech course at NYDS or who have worked extensively in their school or local theatre are invited to take the Advanced Tech class. There will be times when classes work to support each other and both classes aim to instil safe, professional, and industry accepted tech practices in an environment where you are encouraged to experiment. Taking either tech class means you like to sweat, walk a little on the geek side, are keen to work as a team, and generally want to make the magic happen.

Please indicate your preference for either the Beginners or Advanced class when you apply, but be aware that the teaching team may make final placement decisions after assessing student skill level during the first day of class.

Please note: A Technical T-Shirt is required and is available to techies for $35.

TUTOR: ShANE CROSS

Shane entered tech for the same reason as many techies, to get out of class and “help” with the PA for assembly. Turns out he was quite good at making things work. He earned an EIT Video & Electronic Media Diploma, learning how the film and theatre industry differ, and which skills work between both. He worked at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Opera House, then moved to Wellington for work in pyrotechnics and film special effects. After traveling abroad, he became Lead Technician back at Toitoi in Hastings, where you’ll find him today.

TUTOR: NICK BATEY

Nick is a Performing Arts Manager and Technician based in Pōneke, Wellington. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Nick moved to Wellington in 2020 to pursue a Bachelor of Performing Arts Management at Toi Whakaari, graduating three years later. Since then, he has had the opportunity to production manage notable events like the Performance Arcade (2023, 2024) and Wellington Opera’s Season of Tosca (2024), along with various other projects.

While Nick primarily works across Wellington’s vibrant venues, he also enjoys touring the country to crew festivals and theatre shows when not production managing. He is passionate about applying the training and skills he has gained over the years in a professional setting and is excited to continue growing in the industry while sharing his knowledge with others.

TUTOR: Alylai Flynn

Alylai (they/them) is a queer Pasifika artist specialising in lighting design and operation since 2021. They primarily work as a venue tech and stage manager, and have a deep passion for artist care and advocating for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and underrepresented communities. Alylai focuses on creating safe, supportive spaces for artists, ensuring that a show’s cultural and artistic needs are prioritised.

They have worked as a venue technician at Q Theatre (Auckland) for over three years and contributed to various productions at Basement Theatre (Auckland). Alylai has also held roles as technical manager, lighting designer, and operator for ATC Youth. In 2024/2025 they served as the touring technician, operator, lighting designer, and artist care liaison for How to Art, which has completed two successful seasons, including one at Te Auaha for the New Zealand Fringe Festival. Alylai is known for embracing the weird, the gay, and the silly aspects of art while ensuring everyone feels seen and represented.