July 30, 2012

A new Court Theatre

John Smythe      posted 28 May 2011, 08:17 PM

Check out this clip of the new Court Theatre concept

Editor    posted 1 Jul 2011, 05:03 PM

ANOTHER BLOW FOR ONE OF NZ’S LEADING THEATRE COMPANIES 

“We are even more determined to re-open.”

That today from Court Theatre Chief Executive Philip Aldridge after news from the Arts Centre informing him that precious assets may never be retrieved from the earthquake damaged site.

“Our fundraising is underway and we are sticking to our goal of re-opening the new Court Theatre in Addington before the end of the year,” he says.

The letter received late morning today makes clear that the “continued seismic activity has caused considerable new damage” to the Arts Centre buildings, increasing the risk of collapse. This means that no-one can enter the buildings to retrieve items and if the deterioration continues, “goods and chattels may be lost and unable to be retrieved.” Philip Aldridge is saddened by the development but remains pragmatic.

“As well as the technical equipment that we planned to retrieve and install in the new theatre, there is business equipment and documentation we could certainly do with but that can be replaced,” he says. “We are all very sad at the prospect of losing so many items which are irreplaceable including thousands of wonderful costumes, props and memorabilia from 40 years of The Court’s history.”

Aldridge adds that The Court is totally focused on fundraising the $4.6 million needed to ensure The Court can re-open before the end of the year on its new site in Addington.

www.courttheatre.org.nz  

Editor    posted 8 Jul 2011, 08:33 AM

$500,000 DONATION, A SOLD OUT NIGHT AT THE AURORA AND A NEW FUNDRAISING EVENT ANNOUNCED

A sold out black tie event at the Aurora Centre last night and a significant donation from Pub Charity has added further momentum to The Court Theatre’s fundraising efforts to re-open in Christchurch before the end of this year.  

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At last night’s event which raised $65,000, The Court’s Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge announced that half a million dollars has been donated by Pub Charity. This will go towards the $4.6 million urgently needed to construct the new Court Theatre in Addington, known as ‘The Shed’.

“We are hugely grateful to Pub Charity for their support which has also given the fundraising appeal a massive boost. We are focused on keeping this momentum going to ensure The Court can re-open before the end of the year,” says Philip Aldridge.

“After hearing last Friday that we may never be able to access the thousands of props and costumes and of course the very valuable technical equipment at The Arts Centre, the determination to re-open is even greater,” he adds.

Aldridge has also just announced that the ‘Host!’ dinners campaign will get underway in a few weeks.

“We are encouraging people to hold a dinner, invite friends and get them to put a price on the event – donating the money to The Court. It will be a fun event across Canterbury and we know there will dinners being held elsewhere in New Zealand, as well as overseas. It’s a chance for everyone to get involved whether it’s fish and chips and a couple of beers or a five course gourmet evening. Just like at The Court, everyone is welcome,” he says.  

Details about ‘Host!’ can be found on the Court Theatre website www.courttheatre.org.nz  

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Editor    posted 12 Sep 2011, 07:29 PM

Kaikoura Artist supports Christchurch Arts 

Twenty original artworks inspired by and celebrating Christchurch before the earthquakes are to be exhibited in Kaikoura at Hislops Cafe, Beach Rd this Sunday.

Entitled “For Christchurch”, artist Karen James is supporting Christchurch’s Court Theatre by making every piece in the exhibition available for purchase, with all proceeds being donated to The Court Theatre’s fundraising appeal for the new theatre in Addington.

James started the Christchurch-themed works within days of the quake to capture how she remembers Christchurch. “It didn’t feel right to paint any other subject amidst all the tragedy going on after February 22nd,” she says. ”Each work is mixed media, which symbolises much

about Christchurch, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, the land and its people.

Most of the pictures have been framed using moulding generously supplied by Larson Juhl, from stock which survived the Christchurch earthquakes. James feels any minor “imperfections” left on the frames by the quake “fit the spirit of the artwork perfectly”.

Court Theatre Chief Executive Philip Aldridge says he is hugely appreciative of the donation by James. “For Karen to donate a great deal of her time and energy to the theatre is very generous,” Aldridge says.

Each artwork can be purchased from the minimum price of $550 and will be displayed at Hislops Cafe until 25 September. Any unsold pieces will be displayed for sale in the foyer of the new Court Theatre in Addington when it opens at the end of 2011.

The Court Theatre is currently running an exclusive auction on Trademe; the successful bidder can choose one artwork to purchase before the exhibition opens to the general public.

The on-line auction closes on Saturday 17 September at 1pm.

Representatives from The Court Theatre will be appearing at the opening of the exhibition in Kaikoura at 2pm Sunday 18 September.

FOR CHRISTCHURCH – a fundraising exhibition

by Karen James for The Court Theatre.

2pm 18 September 2011 until 5pm 25 September 2011.

Hislops Café Conference Room, Beach Road, Kaikoura  

Editor    posted 23 Jul 2012, 04:23 PM

PICTURESQUE DONATION HELPS COURT THEATRE 

Christchurch print and design company The Caxton Press has donated a percentage from the proceeds of Peter Morath’s book CHRISTCHURCH: A NOSTALGIC TRIBUTE, raising $10,000 for The Court Theatre’s fundraising appeal. 

Caxton’s Managing Director Bruce Bascand says “the response to Peter’s photographic essay on pre and post quake Christchurch has been wonderful; as long-term supporters of The Court we are delighted to be able to donate to the theatre.” 

Artistic Director of The Court Theatre, Ross Gumbley, says “we are thrilled by this generous donation. The Caxton Press has found a way to both celebrate our city’s past and contribute towards its future at the same time.” The donation will be used to replace assets lost in the Arts Centre.  

Editor    posted 30 Jul 2012, 07:22 PM

Court Theatre and Wider Arts Sector Key Component of New CBD 

Today’s announcement by the Central City Development Unit (CCDU) is clear recognition of the importance of the role the arts sector will play in the future of the city.

That from The Court Theatre Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge who says,

“The CCDU blueprint endorses the key role The Court and other arts organisations will play in reinvigorating the city. Cities need life, cities need people, cities need energy and creativity and the arts can offer this”.

Mr Aldridge says the blueprint is an exciting plan for audiences and for the people of Christchurch who need the central city back, full of energy and operating again – sooner rather than later.

“The plan to have these key institutions operational by mid 2014 is ambitious and exciting. It’s a tight timeframe but one that can be achieved, which will be fantastic for the people of Christchurch and visitors alike,” he says.

“The re-establishment of performance venues will also see the re-instatement of restaurants and bars which is greatly to be welcomed”, he says.

Philip Aldridge acknowledges the huge support from donors, sponsors, supporters, subscribers and The Court staff themselves that allowed the company to survive 2012 and to be reborn in Addington.

“The Court Theatre would not be in the position to play its part in the rebuild without the huge effort and support of so many,” he says. “This not only saved the theatre but has ensured it will play a key role in the future of Christchurch.”