TA'IALA – Pasefika Theatre & Dance Producers Programme

TA'IALA: The Producers Programme is a free 18-week online training initiative from LIMA Productions Trust, designed to build real producing skills for Pasifika artists in Aotearoa working in theatre and dance.

Running 15 June – 26 October 2026, the programme is structured in two phases: 10 weeks of live online learning (Monday evenings, 6:00pm–7:45pm), followed by a 2-week Matariki break, then 8 weeks of one-on-one mentoring where you'll work directly with an experienced producer on your own theatre or dance project.

Topics covered include navigating funding and budgets, production planning, health and safety, contracts, tech riders, APRA, and managing creative relationships — all the practical stuff that can feel overwhelming when you're trying to get your work off the ground.

The programme is co-led by senior producers Li'amānaia Tupe Lualua and Olivia Taouma, and administered by Elena Lome. Every participant also receives free one-year access to Canva and Grammarly to support their arts practice.

Spaces are strictly limited to 10 people.

To be eligible you must:

• Be aged 22 or over
• Be of Pacific descent
• Be living in Aotearoa as a New Zealand resident or citizen
• Hold a recognised performing arts qualification and/or have relevant industry experience (including heritage arts)
• Have at least 2 years' experience in the performing arts outside of study
• Have access to a laptop, iPad, or PC with reliable internet
• Have a theatre or dance project ready to go, or be working towards producing one in 2026/2027

Applications close 11pm Sunday 31 May 2026.

Supported by Creative New Zealand.