Aracnation

Technical skill might capture an audience's attention—but character is often what they remember.

Join us this Saturday for Character Development – Stepping into Character with Jacque Drew, a practical workshop exploring how character can bring depth, meaning, and connection to your performance.

Whether you practice aerial, circus, dance, theatre, music, or anything else, this workshop will give you practical tools to create more engaging and memorable performances.

Saturday 11 July
11:30am–1:30pm
Empire Studios, Grey Lynn
https://www.aracnation.co.nz/workshops

Open to movers of all disciplines and experience levels, 18+yo.

Stop counting it. Stop chasing it. Start feeling it.

This Musicality Workshop is an invitation to explore rhythm, timing, energy, and expression in a new way.

Through simple, playful exercises, you'll learn to listen with your whole body, respond in the moment, and deepen your connection to music and movement.

Perfect for aerialists, dancers, performers, and curious movers of all kinds.

This weekend • Limited spaces available

Details and bookings: https://www.aracnation.co.nz/workshops

We're just a few days away from the first Performance Lab workshop, and we couldn't be more excited.

On Saturday we'll be kicking things off with Creative Play 1: Improvisation.

Is this workshop for you?

We've had a few conversations recently with students who are curious about the Performance Lab but aren't quite sure whether the first workshop, is for them.

If you've ever thought:
• "I'm not an actor."
• "I'm not very creative."
• "Improvisation sounds terrifying."

Then this workshop was designed with you in mind.

Improvisation isn't about being funny, performing on the spot, or pretending to be someone else. It's about learning to trust your instincts, respond to what's happening around you, and discover new possibilities in your movement and performance.

For circus artists, aerialists, dancers, and movement practitioners, these skills can open up new ways of creating, connecting with audiences, and bringing more life and authenticity to your work.

Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience teaching people from all ages and backgrounds. He will guide participants through a series of accessible, playful exercises designed to build confidence, creativity, and presence.

No acting experience required.
No performance experience required.
Just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

If you've been considering it, now is the time.

Bookings: https://www.aracnation.co.nz/workshops

Kia ora koutou,
We're excited to share a new initiative we've launched at Aracnation: the Performance Lab.

This workshop series was created for aerialists, circus artists, and movement practitioners who want to expand their performance toolkit beyond technical skills.

These workshops are about exploring the skills that sit alongside technique: creativity, musicality, stage presence, improvisation, audience connection, character, and storytelling.

Many of us spend years developing physical skills, but have fewer opportunities to explore the creative tools that help bring those skills to life in performance.

We've invited guest artists from theatre and performance backgrounds to share practical, accessible approaches that can support circus artists at any stage of their journey.

Our first workshop, Creative Play: Improvisation with Jeff Szusterman, is designed specifically as an entry point. No acting experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

Book one workshop, or join us for the full series.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DzM6ZDMca/

info and bookings: https://www.aracnation.co.nz/workshops

Kia ora koutou,

Aracnation is looking to connect with more aerial and circus performers as we head into the busy holiday event season.

We’re an aerial studio based in central Auckland, providing aerial and specialty entertainment for a wide range of events, and we’re currently expanding our performer network for upcoming contract opportunities.

We’d love to hear from aerialists, circus artists, flow artists, acrobats, pole artists, dancers, and other specialty performers of all experience levels who are interested in event work.

If this sounds like you, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

If you’ve worked with us before, please still complete the form so we can update your details, experience, availability, and rate expectations.

https://forms.gle/QNxC3yAb4VQQc5JW8

Looking for a fun & safe space to learn aerial arts? Join Aracnation this May for our latest intake!

👉Introduction to Aerial hoop (Lyra) | Starts June 3 7-8pm

New to aerials? Start here. Learn the fundamentals: hanging, inverting, and building strength in a safe, supportive environment. 5-week course. Ages 15+. No experience or fitness level required.

🔗Book now https://www.aracnation.co.nz/book

After months of planning, conversations, and excitement behind the scenes, we are thrilled to officially launch the Aracnation Performance Lab.

The Performance Lab is our new specialist workshop series designed to help students grow beyond aerial technique and develop as confident, creative performers. Book one, two, or all!

Limited spots available, be quick, this workshops are going to book fast: https://www.aracnation.co.nz/book

Are you a rangatahi (12-18yrs) who regularly participates in circus in Aotearoa? ANZCA wants to hear from you!

Your voice and experience matter and will help shape the future of circus. The survey will take 10-15 minutes and is anonymous so you can share both the good and challenging things about circus: https://anzca.co.nz/rangatahi-survey/

This survey is part of a project called Elevating Circus Arts for Rangatahi in Aotearoa, funded by SportNZ. In this project, organisations from across the motu who lead circus activities for young people are working to understand how we can better support rangatahi pathways and participation in circus across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Find out more about this (and all the other resources available) on the ANZCA website.