Wanted – Tomorrow’s Stars Of Stage And Screen
The next generation of Kiwi celebrities could fast-track their way to stardom by auditioning for the 2008 student intake
for the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA) at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology
(CPIT).
NASDA, which became part of CPIT this year, has been training performing stars for the past decade with many graduates
becoming household names.
Aivale Cole (nee Mabel Faletolu) graduated in 2001 and was a semi-finalist for the Mobil Song Quest 2000, and performed
a solo on the Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Rings soundtrack.
Charles Panapa graduated in 2002 and his face is familiar to mums and bubs who watch the hit children’s series What Now
on TVNZ.
Erin Simpson graduated in 2004, and she’s been busy giving makeovers, and answering letters on the ever popular after
school programme Sticky TV on TV3.
A famous face from the class of 2005 was 2006 NZ Idol fan favourite finalist, Kali Kopae, who is currently performing as
part of the famous Wellington-based troup ‘The Beat Girls’
From the class of 2007, 8 of the latest crop of graduates are busy at Christchurch’s Court Theatre working on Mel
Brooks’ hit Broadway musical, The Producers.
In early 2007 NASDA became a part of CPIT and joins the Jazz School and the Circo Arts in a comprehensive package of
performing arts programmes. NASDA’s Bachelor of Performing Arts degree is a three year programme that provides aspiring
performers with formal training in a challenging dynamic environment, focused on musical theatre.
Auditions for the next crop of Kiwi celebrities will be held on Monday 5 February 2008, at the CPIT campus in E-block.
Prospective students interested in applying for admission to the NASDA at CPIT programme and require further information
should visit the website www.nasda.co.nz
ENDS