Internationally acclaimed kiwi drama teacher Ken Rea will give a one-day masterclass for professional actors at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School on Saturday 11^th February.

He’ll show actors how to step up to the next level of success, based on his system, outlined in his bestselling book, The Outstanding Actor, Seven Keys to Success. (Bloomsbury)

As Professor of Theatre at London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Ken has taught some of Britain’s most exciting actors, including Ewan McGregor, Orlando Bloom, Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Paapa Essiedu, Dominic West, Damian Lewis and Daniel Craig.

“I’m delighted to come back and help New Zealand actors develop their skills,” he said. “Many of the actors who come to me in Britain and the USA feel stuck in their careers and want help to get better parts and do more exciting work. Part of the answer is about daring to think big and take risks. What’s the point of aspiring to mediocrity?”

Ken’s methods certainly worked for some of his past students: 

"Ken's classes were some of the most interesting and diverse that I was lucky enough to attend in drama school. He opened the mind to what acting could be. There seemed no end to the possibilities, to the depth, only how far you were prepared to go." Ewan McGregor

“Ken taught me that the qualities of warmth and generosity are the ultimate power.” Lily James (Cinderella, Pam and Tommy).

If we can all perform with half the warmth and generosity with which Ken has been teaching for the last 30 years, then we will have fulfilled our responsibility as story tellers, and audiences all over the world are in for a real treat." Damian Lewis  (Homeland, Billions)

Ken Rea worked as an actor and director in the 1970s at Auckland’s Mercury Theatre, Wellington’s Downstage and in the TV soap opera, Close to Home. He will also be celebrating the 50^th anniversary reunion of his company the Living Theatre Troupe, with special events on Waiheke Island on 28^th and 29^th January. And he will give a talk and workshop at his old school, Rotorua Boys’ High on Thursday 9^th February.

Early-bird registrations are now open online here, closing on January 20th. General registrations will be open until all spaces have been filled.

Any questions

Should you need to contact us regarding this masterclass, or for media enquiries please contact:

Taylor-Rose Terekia

taylor-rose.terekia@toiwhakaari.ac.nz / 021 0394 200

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