Remember his name: Arlo Lorien-King

Arlo as 5 year old Peter in "Niu Sila"

With a movie-star sounding name and a wealth of acting experience gained at Avondale College, Arlo Lorien-King is taking his next big step into the world of drama. The Year 13 student has just been accepted into the highly competitive Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting for Screen and Theatre) at Unitec, widely known as the most industry-connected acting degree in New Zealand.

The selection process was no small feat. After submitting a monologue tape and a personal letter, Arlo was chosen as one of 40 applicants to attend an audition weekend—where he performed poems and acted in scenes. From there, only 24 students were selected for the programme.

“I’ve always loved performing,” Arlo says. "Even as a kid I was always dressing up and being silly. When I came to Avondale, my mum—who did all the shows when she was here—told me to do all the shows. It’s just so much fun and I'm excited to continue the journey after graduating."

He credits the school’s Drama programme and Ms. Stone for providing year-round opportunities and encouraging students to grow.

“Ms. Stone went to Unitec and did the same course I’m doing. She really cares and has the passion for extending students. Over the years, you develop your skills and start to feel confident.”

Arlo’s performance résumé is packed. He joined Mr Foster's Theatresports group in Year 11, where he discovered the thrill of spontaneous, silly performance. He also travelled to Wellington with the SCGNZ National Shakespeare festival, learning to decode Shakespeare’s language and appreciate its relevance today.

“It’s like learning a new language. Once you understand it, it’s amazing how much it still connects.”

In addition, he's played a mischievous five-year-old in Niu Sila (with the added bonus of getting to eat biscuits on stage) and the slick TV agent Mr. Bernstein in Little Shop of Horrors, Arlo has embraced every role with enthusiasm.

He admits he prefers more playful characters: “Life’s quite serious, so it’s fun to be silly.”

Despite the challenges of COVID cancelling his Year 9 show, Arlo has performed in a production every year since. Now, with a three-year degree ahead, he’s excited to enjoy the journey and see where it leads.

“Drama can be a very competitive industry, but I’ll definitely do something in the field.”

His advice to younger students?

“Sign up for 'everything Drama'—you don’t know where it will take you.”

As Mr. Bernstein in the Little Shop of Horrors

Arlo with his TYP Theatresports finale team