The title image of this edition is from the 2024 TheatreFest ShowCase:
Wairarapa Theatre Group – Falling, photo courtesy of Mark Perry
Table of ContentsClick on any entry to jump |
President's Message |
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He Kōrero nā te Perehitini ki te Whānau ToiPresident’s MessageTēnā koutou katoa, e te whānau whānui o te ao whakaari, I write today with both purpose and conviction, mā te ngākau pono me te ū ki te Kaupapa, to reaffirm our shared vision, and to speak about the direction Theatre New Zealand is taking as we navigate a pivotal moment in our history. As a national organisation rooted in mahi ngātahi (collaborative work), whanaungatanga (relationship-building), and artistic excellence, we are not simply responding to change, we are leading it. We are reshaping the landscape of theatre education, training, and festival practice, one voice, one artist, one kaupapa at a time. This transformation is deliberate. It is strategic. And it is grounded in our collective desire to see community theatre in Aotearoa thrive, kia tipu, kia puāwai te ao toi ā-iwi i ngā hapori katoa o te motu. Te Whakapapa – Our Living Legacy This new chapter does not emerge from nowhere. Ehara tēnei i te tīmatanga, engari he wāhanga o te haerenga roa. We walk a path laid by many, the tireless advocates, educators, adjudicators, directors, actors, technicians, and visionaries whose passion for performance carved out space for community theatre to flourish in Aotearoa. From our early days as the British Drama League through our evolution as the New Zealand Theatre Federation, to our current form as Theatre New Zealand, this organisation has stood as a whare for the arts, a place where amateur theatre could grow, connect, and inspire. Our members, our life members, patrons, and those who have served on national and regional committees are not just names in minutes or photographs in archives. They are the very foundations of our Whare. Their work echoes in every stage lit, every costume sewn, every child who finds their voice, and every audience moved by a story told well. Mā rātou i para te huarahi – they paved the way. Te Tūāpapa Hou – A New Foundation Our newly proposed festival framework reflects this desire. It is centred around pono (integrity), māramatanga (clarity), and educational value, while upholding the mana of performers, directors, and creatives across all levels of experience. This creates national consistency while allowing room for artistic diversity, from devised ensemble works to kapa haka-influenced theatre, youth performance, musical theatre, children’s theatre and beyond. He Taunakitanga Katoa – A Full Commitment to the Craft Our investment in growth spans the whare tapere in all its forms, from the kākahu (costume) to the whakaaturanga (performance), from whakarite (production planning) to rama me te oro (lighting and sound). That is why we are proud to announce the development of a refreshed national programme of workshops and training intensives, including:
These are not one-off events. They are part of a long-term strategy to support lifelong learning and professional development within our community theatre sector. Whether you are just starting out or have decades of experience, these offerings are for mā tātou katoa. Every aspect of our craft matters. Because a strong theatre community is one where every role, whether on stage or off, is respected, resourced, and celebrated. Ngā Rautaki o Mua – Looking Ahead Together As we prepare to gain hosting rights for the AITA/IATA World Festival in Wellington in 2027, Theatre New Zealand is focused not only on the international stage, but also on strengthening the foundations here at home, te tūāpapa o te whare tapere ā-iwi o Aotearoa. This work is not mine alone, ehara tēnei i te mahi takitahi. It is ours, nā tātou katoa. And it cannot be done in isolation or opposition. It must be grounded in true collaboration, whilst reflecting our whakapapa and where we have come from, i te mahi ngātahi, i te kotahitanga. Mahi ngātahi is the cornerstone of Theatre New Zealand’s kaupapa. We are committed to working with others, not being spoken to, but being listened with. To all of our members: your stories, your service, and your courage to create are the heartbeat of this organisation, ko koutou te manawa o tēnei rōpū. I invite you to be part of this new chapter. To help build from the past into something enduring and meaningful, hei painga mō ngā reanga kei te heke mai. Let us lead with pono, learn with ngākau māhaki, and lift each other with aroha. Let us continue to change the landscape of theatre in Aotearoa, not by tearing down, but by building up. “Together” – Ngā ringa raupā o te ao toi. Ngā manaakitanga nunui, |
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TheatreFest Dates |
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Awards and Festival StructureClick on any image to view |
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What is TheatreFest all about?Maybe the videos below will answer your questions. |
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TheatreFest Entry FormsClick on image to go to the entry forms |
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TheatreFest Youth NCEAClick on any image to view |
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IATA/AITA World Festival of Amateur TheatreClick to view a larger version. |
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Dargaville to MonacoClick on image to view Support our team today. |
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Age on StageClick on image below to view document |
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Regional Round Up |
Region 1 |
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I've been busy making videos promoting TheatreFest. Hopefully you saw them earlier, if not you can view them below.
Lara Brownie |
Region 2 |
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Region 2 is heading towards a busy time of year! School productions are getting ready to groove onto the stage and our amateur theatre groups are helping their towns fill winter nights with some lively theatre! Tauranga Musical Theatre have Prom on currently until the 10th of May, Finding Nemo Jr is in rehearsals and will hit the stage on the 28th of May, and to top it off they have the banger of a musical “Jersey Boys” later in the year! Otumoetai College is bringing you Mamma Mia, while combined Tauranga Girls and Tauranga Boys High Schools have Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. A personal favourite for me is “The Importance of Being Earnest” for Detour Theatre, this has been brought back to life at the National Theatre in the UK and a new generation are seeing it’s erm… importance! This is in rehearsals and will be on stage in June. Rotorua Little Theatre are in rehearsal for “Tomb with a View” going on in June so keep your eyes out for those tickets coming on sale. Rotorua Musical Theatre and bringing “Ladies in Black: The Musical” to the stage, this is an adaptation of the book “Women in Black” - this will be on stage in July and an exciting new production. Rotorua girls this year are performing “Freaky Friday” a production that will be enjoyed by all ages, tickets on sale now and on stage from 6th of June.
Taupo has a production of Mamma Mia by Taupo nui a Tia College in late May, they have been working hard on this production and it will be absolutely stunning. With some new Improv Teams starting up at Centre Stage in Taupo - you can guarantee that you will see some hilarious improv experiences this year, along with hosting a Local Theatrefest and a wonderful collaboration of a “Speak Easy” with the Taupo Concert Band in August. New Plymouth Operatic Society have the classic “Chicago” coming to TSB Showplace from 3-9th of July. 4th Wall Theatre are bringing “Stones in his Pockets” to you from the 10th -15th of June, an incredible play where two actors take you on a journey while taking on 15 different personas throughout the production. To top it off Hawera Repertory Theatre have “Checkout Girls” a musical comedy coming your way in July. So many volunteer hours go into all of these productions from on stage to front of house, the technical crews that make it all happen, so you can experience the joy, connection and emotion of live theatre, there is nothing quite like it so get out and support your local theatres and schools by getting your tickets to the shows and telling all your friends to do the same. They don’t have a show if they don’t have an audience. You won’t regret it. Toni Sullivan |
Region 3 |
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Adrienne Hurley
Region 3 Representative
https://www.facebook.com/TNZRegion03/
Region 4 |
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A fantastic line up of shows for the region. A call out for Directors. Greytown little theatre.We are on the lookout for Directors for our 2026 programme and our first show back in our refurbished Studio 73 in November this year. If you are interested, please contact us by emailing, Audition calls Coasters musical Theatre. Linda Voice |
Region 5 |
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Paul Percy |
Region 6 |
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April was as always, a busy month for Christchurch community theatre groups as the lack of venues forces some societies to work in the school holidays. Having 3 or 4 groups all performing over the same two weeks, generally affects audience numbers – people can’t afford to see all of them or are in fact tied up with their own productions. Having said that, full houses were enjoyed by both Riccarton Players with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and Elmwood Players with Hold the Arsenic, proving that the audience is out there! The solution would be to have a purpose built community performance venue and we were hoping there may be a way of getting ‘The Shed’ when the Court Theatre vacated it and moved into their permanent home, but sadly not. So unless we find a philanthropic donor…. On a happier note – there has been a good sharing of props and sets around the groups. If you don’t already know about it, check out the Theatre set, props and costume share Christchurch Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/568048001868417/ What’s on May/June July Christchurch Mid Canterbury South Canterbury North Canterbury Please get in touch if I’ve missed any group out or if you just want to chew the fat. Maz Ollett |
Region 7 |
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![]() We’re pleased to share that Erica will continue to be actively involved in TheatreFest 2025, helping to coordinate the regional festival alongside a strong and experienced team. Leadership of Region 7 now transitions to Brent, our newly appointed representative, who brings fresh momentum and a deep commitment to community theatre.
Brent is supported by former Executive member Jake Hansen, and Theatre New Zealand Vice President Blaise Barham, both of whom offer valuable continuity and leadership. Together, this team is well-positioned to deliver an exciting and inclusive festival season for the Otago–Southland region.
We thank Erica once again for her service and look forward to her continued involvement in Theatre New Zealand’s wider kaupapa.
![]() A primary school drama teacher and former tumuaki (principal), Brent recently completed a BA Honours in Theatre at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, the University of Otago. His recent highlights include writing and directing Red Mist Descending at Allen Hall Theatre and receiving an Outstanding Actor nomination at the 2023 Dunedin Fringe Festival. Brent’s diverse stage credits include Chicago, The Bear, Out at Sea, Legally Blonde, and The Cherry Orchard. In 2024, he has appeared in Artist Descending a Staircase and The 39 Steps at The Globe, played Trinculo in SBZ’s The Tempest, and directed Wind in the Willows at The Playhouse. Last December, he directed Twelfth Night at the Globe Theatre, Dunedin.
Deeply rooted in community theatre, Brent strives to create inclusive, meaningful productions that celebrate the unique voices and stories of Aotearoa’s south. He is also a member of the Improsaurus improv troupe and hosts Get in Ōtepoti, a video podcast showcasing Dunedin’s creative talent and innovation.
Brent’s work and regional leadership reflect Theatre New Zealand’s vision of empowering local theatre and fostering artistic excellence across the motu.
Brent Caldwell |
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Extreme Circumstances: Three Feet Under by Helen Vivienne Fletcher (2f, 2m)
The Plague by Dean Parker, Adapted from the novel La Peste by Albert Camus (2f, 3m) Intimacies by Stephen Sinclair (3f, 4m) Full Length Quick-witted comedies: Crazy for You by Neil Troost (2f, 2m) Full Length
An Unlikely Season by Carl Nixon (2f, 3m) Full Length Domestic Drama-dies:
Boys at the Beach by Alison Quigan and Ross Gumbley (2-4f, 4-6m) Full Length Trees Beneath the Lake by Arthur Meek (3f, 3m) Published – Full Length With a subscription to Playmarket, most manuscripts of plays are available for free download from our website. A subscription costs only $45 annually for full access to download unlimited different scripts: Subscribe here. |
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Playwrights Association of New Zealand |
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Playwrights Association of New Zealand (PANZ) holds regular readings of members’ plays via Zoom. The next PANZ Zoom play readings will take place on Monday 26 May at 7pm, featuring the following plays: A Playwright Writes a Play The Interview Don’t Open The- The readings are open to everyone. Email |
The Play Bureau |
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Phone: 021-258-3998 Email: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbureau Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm |
Associates |
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Association of New Zealand Drama Adjudicators |
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The Drama Development Trust |
Our Supporters |
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Time to renew your membership |
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Membership forms for the 2025 year are now here!By joining Theatre New New Zealand you are supporting the growth of Community Theatre. TNZ is an umbrella organisation so you will have access to a wide range of theatre expertise from advice on funding avenues and copyright to advice on technical issues associated with theatre. A nation-wide TheatreFest is held annually, giving you the opportunity to receive informed adjudications that will help directors and actors alike. Quarterly, you will receive Backchat a newsletter that will keep you up to date as to what members are doing around the country. |
Hāpai/Backchat, May June July 2025, Volume 48 Issue 2
Copyright © Theatre New Zealand 2025 Compiled by Mark Perry Deadline for Winter/Spring edition of Hāpai/Backchat Communications to |