In 2025, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 15 to 18.

The audition process from beginning to end: Learn how casting is approached to how actors are selected for auditions. Industry expectations: Explore what auditioning and acting for screen is all about and what professionals expect. How stage acting differs to screen acting – how to adapt. Performance tips: How to maximise your chances in the room Character development, improvisation and script analysis: Work on scripted scenes from past projects cast by Rachel and Liz. Learn by doing. You will also have the chance to ask questions about the industry and how to get started.

Like many Casting directors Liz started her career as an actor, training at the NZ National Drama school in 1984. She fell into casting after working as an actor in Peter Jacksons zombie horror film “Brain Dead” when he asked her to cast his film “Heavenly Creatures” which launched Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey’s careers. Since then she has worked with Peter on all his projects from “The Frighteners” starring Michael J Fox, to The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and onto King Kong, The Lovely Bones, The Hobbit and Mortal Engines. Liz has worked on many films and television productions both small and big budgets including “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”, ‘Bridge to Terabithia”, “Pete’s Dragon”, “The Waterhorse” “Avatar”, “30 Days of Night”, “The Meg”, “Yogi Bear” and many more. Liz is a member of the Casting directors division of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - The Oscars.

Rachel started casting 35 years ago after an internship at TVNZ. Since starting her Casting journey she has been involved in casting for high end TV commercials , TV Dramas and Feature films this journey has involved working with established actors and starting the careers of new actors who have gone on to international recognition. She has worked on many projects Television and film productions including “Out of the Blue“ , “Under The Vines“ , “The Meg“ ,“Mortal Engines“ , “The Justice Of Bunny King“, “Wanted“ ,“ My Life Is Murder". She has a passion for recognising existing actors and discovering new actors and supporting a forever growing film industry in Aotearoa.

Register your interest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLgQss70ximb9dMOvVn4YREHt7xtZDFZ7VseEXyGt-g5Bw_g/viewform