BEST’s Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (P.I.P.A.) offers prospective students a new and exciting approach to performing arts education. Their innovative programmes combine contemporary teaching practice with a genuine Pasifika flavour. For the past four years the 36 week Certificate in Screen and Performing Arts (level 3) has been offered, with the aim to give students a strong foundation in drama, dance, film and TV studies.
From 2008 P.I.P.A. is very excited to be offering New Zealand’s first Diploma in Pacific Performing Arts (level 5). This programme includes courses in traditional and contemporary Pasifika performance, Pasifika culture and customs and the performing arts. Students learn drama, movement and theatre studies alongside their Pasifika coursework and through various public performances they gain a solid foundation in professional performing arts practice.
This programme aims to equip students with an interest in Pasifika with the necessary skills to excel in the performing arts industry, which in recent years has seen an explosion of Pacific content on New Zealand stage and screen.
Some recent successes include the feature films No 2, Sione’s Wedding, The Market and bro’ Town. Within the theatre industry in New Zealand the voices of new Pacific writers, directors and performers are making a significant impact on all aspects of the performing arts.
Upon graduation, students will be at an advanced standard to enter the performing arts industry, equipped with relevant techniques and processes to work as professional actors on stage and screen.
As well as being competent actors, graduates will have particular strength and knowledge in contemporary and traditional cultural Pacific Island performance. This may lead to work in Pasifika performance troupes and dance companies locally and internationally.
Students will have an understanding of performing arts management and infrastructure which will give them an excellent grounding to generate their own work within the industry.
