Covert Theatre Description: The Resilience Playground for kids aged 8 to 12 years combines the art of improvisation with positive psychology to teach vital life skills. It builds resilience, develops communication skills and creative thinking. Covert Teens is for kids aged 13 to 17 years who want to learn and perform improvisation, with regular shows for the 15-17 year olds and a potential pathway for those wanting a career in performing arts. Website: www.coverttheatre.com/life-skills-for-kids Location: 51 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby, Central Auckland

Tim Bray Youth Theatre Description: Weekly drama classes for 5 to 16 year olds that encourage children's self-confidence and focus. Children learn a range of drama techniques including voice, characterisation, movement and scene work. During the year students are invited to attend a rehearsal with Tim Bray Theatre Company's stage show productions. Website: timbray.org.nz/youth-theatre/#Weekly Location: Three Auckland locations: Western Springs, Takapuna and Browns Bay

Tim Bray Theatre Company - Extraordinarily Creative Description: Weekly Drama Classes run by Tim Bray Theatre Company for autistic and neurodivergent children and teenagers to find their own voice and place. Through drama exercises, students play out emotions and experiences, building emotional language and understanding their feelings better. Fun interactions with classmates and experienced tutors helps to build communication abilities, grows social skills and creates friendships. Website: timbray.org.nz/youth-theatre/#Creative Location: Two Auckland locations: Glen Innes Community Hall, East Auckland and Meadowood Community Centre, North Shore

Head Held High Description: Head Held High uses hundreds of fun games and imaginative scenarios as the basis of their bespoke speech and drama programmes. Weekly lessons weave elements of conversation skills, acting skills, public speaking skills, positive body language, good manners, respecting ourselves and others, and how to relate positively to peers and adults into a magical programme that all types of students love and benefit from. Website: www.headheldhigh.co.nz Location: Multiple Auckland locations including Epsom, Herne Bay, Howick, Mt Albert, Meadowbank, Northcote, Otahuhu, Otara, Parnell, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby, Remuera, Royal Oak, Takapuna, Titirangi and Westmere

Children's Musical Theatre Studio Description: Performance based musical theatre classes teach the skills of singing, dancing and acting for the stage. There are weekly classes for 5 to 18 year olds, for all abilities ranging from complete beginners to experienced performers. Other classes include a boy's singing group, a girl's singing group and piano lessons. All classes are taught by experienced musical theatre practitioners. Website: www.cmtsnz.com Location: Children's Musical Theatre Studio, 120 Vincent Street, Howick Auckland

Ten Feet Tall Description: Ten Feet Tall students Year 1-13 are learning to love an audience! Teachers use strength based coaching to develop your child's speaking and performing confidence. Students have opportunities to perform and achieve badges and certificates in assessments. Weekly classes are packed with fun exercises and skills that last a lifetime. Website: tenfeettall.co.nz Location: Auckland locations: Albany and Greenhithe

The Isabel Fish Academy Description: The Isabel Fish Academy trains students to become professional public presenters, performers and actors. The academy provides internationally recognised Trinity College, London qualifications. Students can choose from individual and group classes. The Isabel Fish Method has empowered thousands of students to learn about both the power of illusions and truthful realities. Normality is left aside, dreams acted out and new terrains explored. Website: www.isabelfish.co.nz Location: Wellesely Studios, 113 Wellesley St, Auckland City, and Fagan Place Hall, Mangawhai Heads

Initialize NZ Description: Initialize drama classes build emotional literacy and youth leadership skills through improv drama and devised theatre. Critical thinking, collaboration and confidence is fostered with student-led creative processes. The focus on improvised drama means that there is no such thing as a wrong answer – students are coached to unleash their creative expression, growing their speech and drama skills along the way. Website: www.initialize.co.nz Location: Classes in Central and North Auckland

Selwyn College Drama Description: June Renwick, former HOD Performing Arts at Selwyn College, introduces children to the elements of drama. Children use improvisation and role play, creating scripts and studying plays for children. Website: www.selwyncomed.school.nz Location: Selwyn College, 203 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama, Auckland

Melisa Rouse School of Speech, Drama & Communication Description: Speech and drama classes ranging from private lessons to groups. Develop speech, communication skills, public speaking skills, effective communication, dramatic abilities and confidence. Classes are either individual students or pair lessons. Website: www.speechdramaauckland.co.nz Location: Beach Road, Rothesay Bay, North Shore, Auckland

VoiceWorks Description: Drama, speech and public communication tuition for children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 years. Fun group and individual tuition options, with a performance opportunity every term. Optional examinations in Trinity Guildhall and Speech New Zealand from junior to diploma level. Website: Facebook page: Youth DramaTorbay Location: The Gate Theatre, Torbay Community Hall, 35 Watea Road, Torbay, North Shore, Auckland

TAPAC - Acting for Screen Description: Embracing all abilities and styles, this screen acting class for children aged 7 to 10 years old with popular TV presenter Erin Simpson helps participants focus their performance skills into a form that works for screen. Website: www.tapac.org.nz Location: TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre), 100 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland