Zoe Hunter: Why we should support community theatre
21 Jan, 2021 09:04 PM
3 minutes to read
Teens love theatre too! Some of the cast of Tauranga Musical Theatre s latest youth show 13: The Musical. Photo / Supplied
Teens love theatre too! Some of the cast of Tauranga Musical Theatre s latest youth show 13: The Musical. Photo / Supplied
The Covid-19 lockdown was an economic gut-punch no one was expecting - theatre certainly didn t. The new rules meant no shows, and no shows meant no revenue.
Shows were cancelled, moved and postponed - some even four times over. Even the Prime Minister apologised for that one.
Now, seats in our community theatres are filling up as people regain the confidence to get out and about again.
Community theatre comeback: Sold out shows and full 2021 calendars
20 Jan, 2021 11:00 PM
5 minutes to read
Rotorua Musical Theatre s Aotearoa, a New Zealand Rock Musical was staged November last year. Photo / Willi Werner
Rotorua Musical Theatre s Aotearoa, a New Zealand Rock Musical was staged November last year. Photo / Willi Werner
Sold-out shows and surges in new memberships have seen community theatre make a huge comeback after Covid-19. The lockdown meant shows across the Bay of Plenty were cancelled, moved, postponed - some even four times over - and it left not-for-profit theatres financially vulnerable.
Now, theatres are seeing full houses and increasing interest from new members as they get back on their feet and plan for a new 2021 show calendar.