The arts industry is full of opportunities. As part of our Creative Learning initiative we provide experiences for rangatahi beyond seeing a performance on the stage. In 2025 we launched our Young Critics Programme, aiming to create a new generation of thoughtful reviewers. Four young people were mentored by Tate Fountain, Damien Holder and Indian Inks’ Next Gen programme.

This year, our programme has doubled in size. Starting with a 90-minute workshop, again with support from Indian Ink’s Next Gen programme, we have expanded the supportive platform developed last year. In 2026, critical thinking and the purpose of reviewing are key dialogues within the programme. Reviewers are able to select from the full Festival programme and are expected to stick to the same timeline as a professional reviewer.

This year’s team come from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, from academic writing and post-graduate study in other industries, to movement, devising, directing, playwriting, crewing and event planning. Most have trained in acting and have extensive experience in the youth programmes at Indian Ink, Auckland Theatre Company, Pop-up Globe, and Massive Company.

Keep an eye out on our news stories for the reviews from this talented group of young reviewers.