Theatre-in-Education Facilitators/Performers

Life Education Trust is seeking three 21-26 year olds to perform and facilitate three Theatre-in-Education shows in secondary schools, as part of a nationwide tour in 2026. 

SMASHED is a highly acclaimed international production, designed to help young people make safe decisions around alcohol. Originally from the UK, it’s now performed in more than 20 countries, including Australia. In 2025 18,000 New Zealand students saw SMASHED.  https://www.lifeeducation.org.nz/smashed 

SMART$ was produced by Life Education to focus on financial literacy as a core life skill. Presented through a theatre-in-education performance and workshop, SMART$ is supported by an online interactive web site in school classrooms. https://www.lifeeducation.org.nz/smarts 

BEHIND THE SCENES concentrates on the impacts of youth vaping and supports students to develop strategies to respond to the influences of peer and social media pressure. https://www.lifeeducation.org.nz/behind_the_scenes 

SMASHED, SMART$ and BEHIND THE SCENES will be performed by a team of three individuals. If selected, you will train in Wellington for seven weeks, then tour schools across the country for five months, as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Invercargill. 

On average, you’ll perform three times a day, five days a week. Sometimes you’ll be at one location for the day and other days you’ll perform at one school in the morning before moving to another school for the afternoon. Audience sizes will range from 40 to 750 students. 

Each show is about 50 minutes, with audience workshops woven into the performances, exploring the behaviour and decisions of the characters you play. Facilitating the workshops will be an important part of your role and you will be provided appropriate training.   

Our team are paid a regular weekly wage with the addition of per diems. Accommodation is provided for the duration of the tour. We’ll provide a touring vehicle and fuel and any other tour- related travel costs (e.g., ferries, flights) are also covered. This is a fantastic way to see the country with full time work and accommodation provided while building your skills and getting paid! 

What are we looking for? 

• Individuals who are looking for full time employment. 
• Individuals aged between 21-26, who can play multiple roles, from a high school student to a 28 year old. 
• Individuals who have some basic acting skills and experiences and the ability to be versatile when on stage. 
• Individuals who can engage and have the confidence to facilitate workshop discussions with rangatahi. 
• Individuals with a full driver’s licence (not essential but will help your chances). 
• Individuals that have the stamina to work five days a week for six months. 
• Individuals who work well in a small team.  

Hear more about the job from former actors in this video: 

https://youtu.be/hK1G49RuLXo 

Successful applicants will need to complete a police check to comply with the Vulnerable Children’s Act.  
 
Key dates 
Saturday 31 January Wellington: Audition x 1 hour, time slots to be confirmed. 

Monday March 2 - Friday 17 April: Training Block in Wellington.  Easter excluded. 

Monday 20 April - Friday 25 September: Tour 

Applying  
To register for an audition, please send your CV and a recent headshot to Lizzie at [email protected]. We’ll respond with audition location and details. 

Education Strategy Manager

Location: Wellington CBD
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

Shape the Future of Health Education in Aotearoa

Life Education Trust has been inspiring tamariki and rangatahi for 37 years through innovative health education programmes. Our flagship Healthy Harold programme reaches hundreds of thousands of primary and intermediate students nationwide, and our secondary school programmes engage over 50,000 students annually.

We’re looking for an experienced education leader to set strategy and guide delivery of our programmes, ensuring we remain responsive to curriculum changes and continue to lead in health education.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic oversight of Life Education’s education programmes.
• Lead curriculum innovation and advise on new programme development.
• Drive teacher professional development initiatives.
• Build strong networks with the Ministry of Education and other organisations.
• Champion cultural capability through our Whanake strategy.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in education (school leadership or similar).
• Strong knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum trends, and the NZ school environment.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organised, innovative, and culturally responsive.
• Ability to thrive in a not-for-profit, community-focused environment.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a trusted, independent charity making a real difference for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Lead innovation in health education across Aotearoa.
• Work in a collaborative, passionate team environment.

You can view the position description here. 

Apply Now

Applications close 5.00pm on Friday 23^rd January 2025. Please email [email protected] with your CV and covering letter.

If you have questions please contact Mark Weatherall – Life Education New Zealand Chief Executive on [email protected]

Check out this video where Kapa shares why she loves her job as a Life Education Educator.