President's Report May 2023

I start my report with some trepidation! The last few months have seen the executive driven by David Chambers (Christchurch), with heads down and posteriors up.  We have been working diligently on upgrading our website and endeavouring to change our approach.  Our work has been focused on improving and developing the delivery of TheatreFest information and registration procedures through new formats and forms.  Our thanks to Mark Perry (Hamilton) IT guru for the countless late nights. 

My trepidation then… it is in my hope that all this work will enhance your experience, you - the user. We await your feedback. 

Our working focus
Finance 
A big shout out to Steven Arnold (Auckland), our newly appointed treasurer; what a task it has been to introduce "Xero" and develop a better method of connecting with our members. I know the effort and hours of developing our new invoicing system. I'm sure you have seen the result! Thanks to Steven. You can contact him at, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Summer school 
With added excitement, we will see our Summer School reintroduced in January 2024 in Timaru; our thanks go to Bryan Aitken (Christchurch) for his sterling effort to get this underway. Watch this space for more developments.

Constitution
And, perhaps the most significant development will be our new constitution, which is to be presented at our AGM in Christchurch (ShowCase) September 2023. We hope to take this document from a more generic version specified by the government's model rules to one that will reflect our uniqueness. Bryan Aitken has been working on this often-thankless task for over two years. Finally, this work will come to fruition over the next months. Thank you to Bryan for getting this done. 

International connections
TNZ has renewed our association with IATA (International Amateur Theatre Association). We received a letter from Mr Aled Rhys-Jones, president of IATA; he is keen to develop a closer working relationship with TNZ members and New Zealand. To this end, I will travel to Debrecen (Hungry) in June to attend the international festival and assembly to further this connection and, more importantly, learn what the rest of the world is doing within their theatre communities.

TheatreFest
TheatreFest is again upon us, and it's looking to be a very "festive" occasion with "ShowCase" being held in Christchurch on September 9/10. Get your entries in and enjoy one of New Zealand's leading theatre events. All inquiries to the ever present Mr Ewen Coleman (Wellington) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

May I take this opportunity to thank the national executive and our co-opted members for their efforts on your behalf, without their dedicated focus on the task at hand, we would not be able to do what we do for you.  So, please don't hesitate to reach out! With your support and TNZ's commitment, we will advance the community ethos in all aspects of Theatre throughout New Zealand.

"Our community is essential to who we are and why we try"

PAUL PERCY - BA MFA (CP) 
President - Theatre New Zealand
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

International Amateur Theatre Association AITA/IATA

Welcoming ‘Theatre New Zealand’ back into membership of the International Amateur Theatre Association AITA/IATA asbl.

I have very warm, affectionate memories of a weekend with three of my favourite people in the Bay of Islands staying in a bach near Paihia: a weekend which is wrapped up in ribbons and treasured. I spent six weeks in New Zealand in 2010, based with friends in Auckland and wandering around North Island. I have promised myself that I will return to seek out the peace, calm and relative safety of life in NZ, before too long…

In my life experience I can remember specific years where unrest threatened the equilibrium of society, and perhaps 1968, 1982 and 2005 resonate loudest for me personally. As the world marks the first anniversary of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing war in the region, I am once more reminded of the collective anxiety experienced with friends and family on those former occasions.

Life Post-COVID has its differences, they are sometimes hard to quantify or pin down, but they are there nonetheless. As we search for understanding around us, scratch our heads in disbelief and view our adversaries who were once our friends with total bewilderment, we turn to our habitual activities and customs for consolation: the comfort of the familiar and the reassurances of ritual. For many, involvement in cultural activity, be it through sport or the arts, provides the safety of familiarity and the safest place for testing and challenging ideas, discussing choices and expressing opinion.

In creating an international network of amateur theatre, we share a message of international exchange and cooperation through theatre, seeking to reassure ourselves of a future for civilisation where harmony replaces aggression and mutual understanding replaces conflict. Since ancient times when plays were first recorded in script, theatre has provided a platform for conflict of ideas: a place for testing argument and the examination of viewpoints in open discourse, and a place for debate through illustrated scenes and role play.
At our recent Digital Conference on Children’s and Youth Theatre, contributors and participants discussed the lessons learnt from the pandemic and considered the way ahead. Much attention was placed on hearing the voices of the children within the plays they present and on ensuring a democracy in young people’s theatre. We will continue this work alongside our work with amateur theatre for adults, and will support it through an ongoing research project conducted in collaboration with the University of Antwerp in Flanders, Belgium. We encourage you to help us in this area by completing the questionnaire you will find on the AITA/IATA website aitaiata.net The results of the research will be shared and discussed at our FORUM to be held as part of the activities of our International Festival of Amateur Theatre to be held 19th – 25th June 2023 in Debrecen, Hungary.

Our mission of: ‘Understanding and Education through theatre’, is no less relevant today than it was when we began in 1952. We encourage amateur theatre companies in New Zealand to continue making theatre and to continue to search for answers through cultural exchange and international participation: sharing our viewpoints and discussing both our similarities and our differences through theatre - celebrating the power of theatre to influence change and to bring about greater understanding.

Aled Rhys-Jones FRSA
AITA/IATA World President

New Members

Welcome to two new group members: On Time Community Productions in Reefton on the West Coast and Play! in Rolleston, Canterbury.

Kay Williams writes about her new group: “On Time Community Productions: began last year with no resources, none.  My first script, The Lamentable Tale of the Still Swindlers, led on to my first directing and producing roles. I do have a background in theatre but it was a long jump from that, to taking on all those roles. So what turned this giant lack into a success? Two things: the commitment and contributions from those involved and the philosophy of inclusion (as I was the writer/director I could adjust the script to fit the abilities and interests of my cast and crew).  The effect of this approach is what I am most proud. The play had 3 scenes set in an 1898 public house. The venue, Oddfellows Hall (1872) was perfect for the pub. I learnt that, for my adopted town of Reefton, if we can provide a locally based story, audience participation and bit of comedy, then I’m 75% the way there.

I have just finished script two. It is a 1964 farce. We have a comfy chair, the status of who gets tea and the danger of having rat poison when there is conflict in the air.

Keep an eye out for it later in the year.”

Pictured to the right is Bert (Nick Hancox) and Jacob (Keith Tonkin) in The Lamentable Tale of the Still Swindlers

On Time Community Productions has received two grants from Creative New Zealand towards the cost of the two productions.

Nickie Hughes runs Play! Drama Workshops in Rolleston in a purpose built studio. Classes for all ages encourage confidence and development through playing, performance & fun. 

Pictured are a host of happy heroes. Their teenage counterparts are devising a piece for presentation at the local TheatreFest in Christchurch this year.

 On The Boards

May, June, July 2023

 To be included in this list send information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 Around The Regions

South Canterbury Drama League’s 90th Anniversary Production

Captain Cain written and directed by Carol Angland is on stage at the Playhouse from 19th - 27th May.  Carol has spent many years gathering information about the murder of local man Captain Henry Cain, ‘a jovial man with a great sense of humour’, by his son in law, Thomas Hall, ‘the vilest criminal ever tired’ who poisoned him in 1886. Cain was a founding pioneer of the district and has a statue dedicated to him outside the landing services building in down town Timaru.  

On the right Playwright and Director Carol Angland

Boathouse Theatre 75th Birthday

The Marlborough Repertory Society was established in 1948. Initially, productions were staged in His Majesty’s Theatre, the Town Hall and the Little Theatre. In 1971, Repertory moved into its current home, the Boathouse Theatre. Located on the banks of the Taylor and Ōpaoa Rivers, the 120 seat intimate theatre was originally a boat-shed, owned by the Blenheim Rowing Club. Raymond Boyce advised Repertory on the conversion plans and the theatre was officially opened 16 June 1971. The first production staged in the Boathouse was How’s the World Treating You? directed by Dale Hendry. Since 1971 over 200 plays have been produced at the Boathouse Theatre. To celebrate their 75 years Pam Logan and Tamara Henry directed a sell out season of The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie. September 2nd members and friends will gather share stores and memories, watch excerpts from productions over the decades and unveil a Life Members Board, among other things.

KAT Theatre

An annual chore for unsung heroes: two Portable Appliance Testers were borrowed and every light and cable was taken out of storage/brought down off the grid, tested and put back in place.  Jeremy and Ian and 4 others worked all Easter Monday. (KAT Theatre shares this school hall and has a lighting box and props room up behind)

Centre Stage Taupo

This member reports that they recently purchased 140 new chairs for their theatre, to replace plus 30 year old chairs. They got a combination of grants and sponsorship to do this from Taupo Office Products Depot, Creative Taupo, Pub Charities Ltd and the Community Organizations Grant Scheme. The local council will write a little story about the chairs as some funding came from community grants.

Napier Repertory Players

Recently held a Cyclone Relief Fundraiser Event. They performed a different Radio Play over two nights. Publicity encouraged the audience to ‘boo the villain, cheer the hero, laugh and cry all at the same time”. It also said ‘This could be your chance to shine, as volunteers will be asked to perform some of the parts!’ Only $10 per person Bar and EFTPOS available. All proceeds to the Mayoral Relief Fund.

Gisborne Unity Theatre

There’s been great publicity for The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe who writes “I wanted to see a portrait of teenage girls as human beings – as complicated, nuanced very idiosyncratic people….who are trying to figure out who they are in this changing world”.

Hamilton Playbox turns 90

Their celebration on 21 st April for members and friends was a free drink (for the hydration), a short quiz night (for the fun), informative speeches (for the formal), and a celebratory cake (for the sweet).

 Playmarket Scripts

Plays for Theatrefest

I’ll Tell You This For Nothing by Kate JasonSmith (5-12f, 2-9m) 
A QA nurse at the D-Day battles, Phyllis found love among the turmoil of war and held her ground against a tyrannical Protestant mother, aghast she would choose to marry ‘the enemy’, a Catholic. Told through the eyes of Phyllis aged 93 and her daughter Kate, the playwright, this acclaimed solo play has been adapted for a large cast.
“Here there is humour, horror, pathos and poignancy that only the very best drama can convey.”—The Adelaide Advertiser

Not Exactly Martha Stewart by Rick Stemm (1f, 2-6m) 
Kali, an unsuccessful interior decorator, one day finds her muse through the use of non-traditional materials (that’s a polite way of saying blood, guts, and corpses.)

The Die by Joe Bennett (1f, 1m)
When the owner of a fish and chip shop in Lyttleton dies, his son-in-law and partner must decide whether to dispose of the body and inherit the shop or go to the police.

Orpheus Floats by Rex McGregor (2f, 2m)
The inventor of a safe life jacket has struggled for years to get the British Board of Trade to accept her design. Today is do or die.

Playwrights by Region – May: ŌTĀKOU

Michael James Manaia by John Broughton (1m) 
This raw and powerful one-man play tells the story of Michael James Manaia - his upbringing, his service in Vietnam, and the horrific trauma caused by the two. Published

In Our Shoes by Emily Duncan (11f)
A diverse group of feisty young New Zealand women grapple with the legacy left to them by women who have walked in their shoes before, settle scores with the demands and threats thrown at them in the present, and celebrate and declare their hopes for the future.

Attila the Hun by Abby Howells (4f, 3m, 1 any)
Set during the late night shift at a fast food joint. Jo has just been made the new duty manager while Ian is simultaneously lovesick and working the drive-through. There’s mysterious Maryanne the grill cook and a cashier whose name happens to be Tom Cruise. There is also Attila the Hun, a person who dresses up and presents themself as the famous barbarian. Over the course of the night, Jo and Attila fight over the role of duty manager, Ian is confronted by his beloved, Maryanne’s secrets are revealed and Tom Cruise throws a Hollywood style tantrum.  The play culminates in an epic fight to the death, a fight that will determine the future of the ‘late night crew’ as well as the fate of Attila the Hun.

Covert Comedies

Murder by Committee by Marion Low (6f, 5m, 2 any)
A group of dedicated women (and Douglas) serving on the various committees of Shadowtown. They are visionary, driven, and ambitious, but they are all being held back by one thing: old-school, stick-in-the-mud, my-way-or-the-highway Terrence. They decide to get rid of them in the best way they know: by forming a committee.

A Lovely Day to Get Rid of a Body by Lindsey Brown (2f, 2m)
An afternoon boating trip is a wonderful way for Sierra to bond with her boyfriend's disapproving grandmother. That is, until dead bodies start turning up. She wants to prove that she could be a worthy addition to the family, but just how far is she willing to go? Add in a corrupt retirement village with a power hungry manager, and this boating trip is a recipe for disaster.

Knickers on or Off? by Lindsey Brown (1f)
Life modelling for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially when you're approaching fifty and used to leaving your knickers on. But for Mary, whose presence in the world seems to be disappearing, laying everything bare, may be just the challenge she needs. 

Historical Dramas

Midnight in Moscow by Dean Parker (4f, 3m)
Midnight in Moscow is a play about betrayal: betraying one’s country, betraying one’s wife, betraying one’s friends.
Set in Moscow, 1947, spring, a world war has ended, a cold war beginning.
Midnight in Moscow is inspired by James McNeish’s The Sixth Man, the absorbing biography of Paddy Costello, which briefly features New Zealand’s first woman ambassador and perpetual inebriate Jean McKenzie. Costello was said to have been a Soviet agent. But, really, who cares? It’s only ever men who carry on about it. Women have a much more honest and personal view of what constitutes treachery. Published      

The Woman from the Ocean by Craig Thaine (3f, 4m) 
When Elena married Dr. James Wagner, she moved from D’Urville Island to Picton. She became stepmother to Barbara and Hilary. However, the marriage has become increasingly problematic. Elena has a difficult relationship with her stepdaughters, and she and James are haunted by the death of their infant son. In December 1968, old friends and newcomers arrive in Picton and secrets from Elena’s past are revealed, in particular, her engagement to a mysterious American sailor seven years previously. James’ fears for Elena’s mental health reach a crisis point. Can she escape the hold her past has over her? Can James and Elena’s marriage be a truly free relationship? Based on Henrik Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea, the play explores notions of freedom and responsibility between men and women on the cusp of the counterculture revolution of the 60s and 70s.      

Martha Mee by Craig Thaine (1f, 2-8m)
In 1890, aged 26 years, Martha is struck by a tragedy that forces her to find her own way in colonial New Zealand. In order to survive, she is reliant on men in her life whose need to help or control inhibits her at every turn. With perseverance and determination, she eventually manages to assert her will and obtain a measure of peace. Martha Mee is based on a true story.

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. 

To request any plays and/or musicals, contact Isaac Martyn Script Coordinator / Kaiwhakahaere Whakaari: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

East Coast Scribes

A Playwriting Competition for NZ Playwrights

Evolution Theatre Company is accepting submissions of original plays by New Zealand playwrights telling East Coast stories. Successful authors will be supported with a staged reading of their work by seasoned actors. From the readings, we may choose to select plays to be workshopped and fully produced at Evolution Theatre Company. Based on the plays submitted, we may choose to produce one full-length play, or a series of shorter plays.

For more details and entry form click here.

Drama NZ

 Playwrights Association of New Zealand (Inc)

ONE ACT PLAY COMPETITION 2023

Enquiries and submissions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: newzealandplaywrights.wordpress.com

RULES:

1. Only members of PANZ may enter the competition. Membership is open to any person who lives in New Zealand or is a New Zealander.
      The annual membership fee is:
            Aged 23 and over: $25
            Aged 22 and under: $15
      To join, see: https://newzealandplaywrights.wordpress.com/join-us/

2. There is no additional entry fee for the competitions.

3. A member may submit two scripts (10 to 30 minutes running time).

4. The name of the author(s) and/or their contact details must not appear anywhere on the script.

5. The play must not have been performed in front of a paying audience before the play was submitted.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Entries open 1 August 2023 and close 31 August 2023.

Send entries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the script as an attachment.

PRIZES:

1^st prize: $200
2^nd prize: $100

Winning and commended plays will receive a reading on Zoom.

All entries will receive brief feedback from Adjudicator Dave Armstrong

 TheatreFest 2023 News Flash

April 2023

Just a reminder for all theatre groups, youth groups and schools to starting thinking of this year’s TheatreFest and preparing a presentation for entry into TheatreFest 2023.

This could be a scripted short play, an excerpt from a full length play, a devised piece of theatre, a mime, a piece of Shakespeare from the UOSWSF or a play written specifically for TheatreFest, or any other form of theatrical presentation, the possibilities are endless.

 And remember that there are three levels to TheatreFest: - Local, Regional and TheatreFest ShowCase with adjudications at all levels. But there is also the option to only perform at the local level and still receive a full adjudication.

And there are only two basic Conditions of Entry

• Performances must include a minimum of two actors on stage.
• Running time of a performance is to be 50 minutes or less. (Please note there is no minimum time.)

Full Conditions can be found at: https://theatrenewzealand.co.nz/index.php/theatrefest/information/conditions-of-entry

• The cost of entry this year is $120 per theatrical production. 
• Each group/school entering TheatreFest must be a member of Theatre New Zealand (TNZ) and pay the $100 Membership Fee.
• (A group or school can enter multiple theatrical productions for one membership fee, but each entry costs $120)
• If a Local TheatreFest is not being held, then a group may enter a TheatreFest in another area but only with the consent of TheatreFest National Coordinator, or they may have their theatrical production adjudicated as a single entity in their own venue and be considered for selection to a Regional TheatreFest.
• Where a group or school finds the costs of membership or entry prohibitive TNZ will consider subsidies on application.
• TheatreFest Entry form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjsXrJ5QSjaPYTpD_DduRy3soDuA2EtYNCT6giHbNtOuotkw/viewform
• Playmarket Award: New work from Aoteoroa Entry form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjsXrJ5QSjaPYTpD_DduRy3soDuA2EtYNCT6giHbNtOuotkw/viewform

For further clarification please contact the TheatrFest National Cordinator at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 027 4288491

Ewen Coleman
Your: TheatreFest National Co-ordinator

 Membership Renewal

Membership forms for the 2023 year are now online!

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.

By clicking here you can find the membership forms for Individuals and Groups.