Next Gen Bootcamp

‘What time is it?’ Bootcamp (Rego) Time! Registrations are now open for the MTNZ NextGen Bootcamp! 12-14 June at Epworth Retreat. Register now for one of our three workshop streams - Performance, Directing, or Technical - to secure your spot.

Meet the tutors:

Introducing the tutor for the Directing Stream of Bootcamp 2026

Lisa-Jane Easter trained as an actor in New Zealand before venturing overseas to further her studies in teaching vocal work.

She was Director of Performing Arts - Drama at the Eastern Institute of Technology in Hawke’s Bay from 1998-2001, where she worked with Diploma students aged from 16 to 25 years.

She was also the Director of Performing Arts for Iona College in Havelock North for seven years. During that time she project managed the building of the beautiful Blyth Performing Arts Centre.

Lisa-Jane was also a tutor at the National Youth Drama School for 17 years and the Education Manager for the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival for 7 years.

With over 50 directorial productions to her credit—including 20 musicals – LJ is now splitting her time in Hawke’s Bay and travelling with her husband.

Join LJ for the day at @musical_theatre_new_zealand NextGen Bootcamp and explore the world of the Music Theatre Director.

Now introducing the tutors for the the performance stream for Bootcamp 2026

Sam Cleaver- Connecting Craft and Artistry (Story through song)

Composer, musician, and award-winning Musical Director Sam has been drawn to Musical Theatre since playing the title role in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at age 10. He has been involved in more than 50 musical productions in New Zealand, and has toured internationally as a performer. Equally at home in the orchestra pit or on stage, some of Sam’s highlights as Musical Director include Chicago, Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, Urinetown, Jesus Christ Superstar, Firebringer and Avenue Q.

Sam is also a skilled pianist, and his piano compositions have been featured in the Trinity College exam syllabus since 2015.

A fully certified Estill Master Trainer, Sam was Head of Voice at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, from 2020 to 2025. He is a proud foundation member of Little Joke Productions, with whom he has toured Aotearoa accompanying Broadway legends Natalie Weiss, Emily Kristen Morris, and JJ Niemann.

Sam has a passion for vocal health, combining craft with artistry, and helping individuals unlock their vocal potential.

Zoe Fraser- Dance

Zoe Fraser is an Auckland-based choreographer, director, and performer, recognised for her dynamic, story-driven approach to musical theatre and commercial dance. With a strong focus on character, musicality, and ensemble storytelling, she creates choreography that is both technically precise and theatrically compelling.

Zoe is a resident choreographer with Stage Antics, where she has led movement direction across multiple productions. Her recent choreography credits include 13 the Musical, Hadestown Jr.(premiering in June), and Heathers the Musical with MPA. She also choreographed the New Zealand premiere of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals with Stray Theatre Company. Her work is known for its energy, clarity, and ability to elevate both narrative and performance quality.

In addition to her choreographic work, Zoe directed and choreographed Legally Blonde Jr., demonstrating her strength in integrating movement seamlessly within a wider creative vision. She is passionate about developing emerging performers and has worked as a dance and acting tutor for Junior Theatre Festival New Zealand.

Join Sam and Zoe for NextGen Bootcamp and hone your performance skills

And now introducing our tutors for the Technical Stream for NextGen Bootcamp 2026.

Aaron Chesham | Lighting Designer & Technical Director

Aaron is Managing Director of ACLX with a career dedicated to the art and science of the stage. Specializing in theatrical lighting design, he blends technical precision with creative storytelling to transform scripts into immersive visual experiences.

From programming complex moving light rigs to mastering color theory, Aaron focuses on using light as a narrative tool to evoke emotion and direct the audience’s eye. A passionate advocate for the technical arts, he is committed to mentoring the next generation of stage technicians by breaking down the complexities of modern theatre tech into practical, hands-on skills. Whether designing for local playhouses or large-scale productions, his goal is always to let the technology power the story.

Terry Molloy | Sound Design

Terry Molloy is a highly respected sound designer whose career in music theatre spans more than four decades. Beginning his professional journey in Christchurch with Redd Acoustics, Terry has contributed to countless productions across Aotearoa, earning a reputation for precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to high‑quality sound. His depth of experience covers the full spectrum of music theatre, from intimate productions to large‑scale shows, where his work enhances storytelling and supports performers with clarity and care.

Now based in Hamilton working with TMDesign, Terry continues to be an active and valued contributor to the performing arts community, bringing both technical expertise and institutional knowledge to every project. Known for his collaborative approach and calm problem‑solving, he is widely regarded as a trusted professional whose work has helped shape the sound of music theatre in New Zealand for generations.

Sponsor for Bootcamp:

TMDesign