04 February 2012 - 3:34 pm NZ time
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Listen to this programmeSpectrum for 9 November 2008 (duration: 25′40″)
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Toi Whakaari - NZ Drama School, is a place where emotions and energy can run high: students cart-wheel through the foyer, or practise monologues aloud when their final audition is looming.
One weekend each year, 30 to 40 potential students are recalled for a final audition. They've already passed the first round, where a panel, consisting of industry professionals and tutors, scour the country looking for talented young actors for their next intake.
The recall weekend is an intensive 2 day workshop where these potential actors will be pushed to their limits physically, emotionally and mentally. For many it's an ongoing battle to maintain a profile in an industry where only 2 percent of pupils each year will make it as actors.
Toi Whakaari graduate Sonia Yee takes a journey back to the school on recall weekend. Photos Toi Whakaari.

Executive Producer: Jack Perkins
Produced and presented by Jack Perkins, Deborah Nation and David Steemson
email: spectrum@radionz.co.nz
mail: P O Box 123, Wellington
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