November 30, 2010

NZ Amateur Theatre Scene

Dan Chasemore                posted 12 Jul 2010, 09:47 AM

Hi everyone – this is a bit of a call for advice really – I hope you can help me.

Having recently moved to New Zealand (Auckland), I am keen to get back involved in the Theatre scene. Now with a ‘real life’ going on in the background, I realise that I am going to have to go down the Amateur/Community theatre route – and thats fine – some of the best things I have been involved in have been non-professional. I have tonnes of experience, and am more than willing to work for free. Does anyone have any tips on getting involved in any of the numerous thriving Amateur theatre companies that seem to be around in Auckland?

I should mention one thing though. I am a director.

So while I am aware of the various web pages, facebook groups, advertisements and audition listings available for the cast – the ‘creative team’ side of things seems (to the outside eye) to be a closed shop. Most of my enquiries seem to have been met with stony silence.

I recognise that trusting an entire show to an unknown is risky, and I guess that is why the usual route seems to be Chorus member, to lead, to AD to director – but that doesn’t leave me with many options….

So any tips from people who work in that world would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Editor    posted 12 Jul 2010, 12:38 PM

Hi Dan

Join the PAD to be one click away from someone who wants what you have to offer

That way people will know how to get hold of you directly.

David Murray     posted 30 Nov 2010, 01:27 AM

Hi Dan,

The website of the NZ Theatre Federation will probably be a good place to start looking for a theatre company to get involved with. 🙂

http://www.theatrenewzealand.co.nz/

http://www.theatrenewzealand.co.nz/feedback.php

I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to help; and that there’ll be several theatre companies that would welcome you if you haven’t already settled into one or two already.

Cheers

David