About Us
The Bay Of Plenty Actors Studio is Tauranga’s premier Film and TV Acting School.
The classes are specifically tailored to help our new actors entering or, those actors who are already in the Film and TV Industry.
Our classes, structured for all age groups, are led by experienced tutors who have been trained in the nuances of acting for Film and TV. With extensive years of personal experience as actors in the entertainment industry, our tutors bring a wealth of practical knowledge, and many are actively engaged in the field.
Our mission is to provide an inspiring center for actors to learn the performing arts, our goal is to help encourage our actors to reach their full potential.
We are partnered with agencies who assist local actors with TVC work and gaining television experience. We have classes for all age groups and all our work is done to camera – this is uploaded at the end of each class to a private url for those taking the classes ONLY to view.
The entertainment industry is an exciting one, but one built on high professionalism and those that join our classes will receive the same amount of professionalism as you should expect in this industry – you will also learn about on set etiquette, audition technique and how to market oneself as an actor.
To enrich the learning experience, we occasionally bring in distinguished tutors and organize holiday workshops, enhancing the breadth of knowledge and skills offered at the Bop Actors Studio.
We look forward to working with you/ or your child and we welcome any questions you may have.
Our Team
Tanya Horo / Founder
Tanya Horo is a celebrated artist with over 25 years of experience performing as an actor, singer and writer.
From her years of involvement in the creative industries of New Zealand, Australia and the United States, Tanya has an intimate understanding of how the entertainment business works.
Tanya is very excited about developing and representing the wealth of talent in New Zealand. She and her team are committed to sharing their knowledge, skills, experience and nurturing local talent to achieve success in New Zealand and Internationally.
She is also the founder of the agency, T.M. Horo Management LTD.
Our Tutors
Adam Slocombe/ Tutor
Adam Slocombe is a talented actor from New Zealand, recently honoured with the Best Acting award at the New Zealand Youth Film Festival (NZYFF) for his outstanding performance in the film Crazy Love.
An incredibly dynamic and exciting performer, Adam has an uncanny ability to throw his whole body into a role, making him "someone you can't take your eyes off! "—to quote a casting agent.
In addition to his talent as an performer, Adam is a gifted and published writer, a sought-after acting coach, and an all-around fun and inspiring individual and has trained actors here in NZ and in America.
We are thrilled to now call Adam one of our very own tutors here at Bay of Plenty Actors Studio, he offers our students a unique and exciting look into creating characters, building confidence and making fresh and bold choices as actors within the Film and TV Industry.
Adam takes all our classes at BOPAS and we are so proud to call him our Main Tutor at BOPAS.
Adam is represented by TMH Management ( Auckland)
Ngahiriwia Rauhina / Rotorua Tutor
Ngahiriwa is a talented and accomplished actor, known for his powerful performances and deep connection to his Māori heritage.
We are lucky to have Ngahiriwa as a Tutor for our Rotorua classes and workshops.
Ngahiriwia Rauhina is represented by The Pro Actors.
Maria Momint / Tutor
Maria serves as a tutor for our 'Silver Screen' actors aged 60 and above, and our differently-abled students in our Supernova Classes.
Renowned for her compassion and exceptional tutoring skills, Maria has a profound understanding of how to bring out the best in our students. Beyond her role, she generously volunteers for Daffodil Day, contributing to her well-established presence in the local community. Maria is widely recognized for her unwavering determination to create positive changes in people's lives. We consider ourselves fortunate to have Maria dedicated to our over-60s and differently-abled students.
Extended Team
Kay Matthews | Admin Extraordinaire
Kay Matthews is the administrative force behind the Bay of Plenty Actors Studio (BOPAS), keeping everything running smoothly amidst the creative buzz. Her attention to detail ensures that schedules, communication, and operations remain on point, no matter how chaotic things get.
Kay’s dedication extends beyond BOPAS through Paragons, where she creates spaces for individuals with neurodiversity or disabilities to connect and find support. She also organizes homeschooling events, fostering learning and community among families. With her incredible organization and compassion, Kay is truly the linchpin in both the creative and community spaces she serves.
Jimi Colzato / BOPAS Editor
A man of few words but an incredible eye for film.
Our wonderful trained editor is Jimi Colzato.
Originally from France, and still with a thick French accent, Jimi settled himself in Tauranga many years ago. Jimi is a trained actor studying at Université sciences humaines et Lettres de Besançon.
He is also an accomplished film maker, having made many short films and an incredible artist, animator and holds a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu.
Jimi is new to us here at BOPAS and we are excited to have our very own editor for all the amazing work our students get up to.
Jimi loves his cat.