Inspiring Rangatahi Incubator FAQs!
We’re excited to chat with Tash, our Venue Hire Coordinator, about the Inspiring Rangatahi Incubator: a new initiative supporting emerging theatre-makers creating work for family audiences. In this interview, Tash answers some key questions about what the incubator is, who it’s for, and how it will help rangatahi artists bring their work to the stage at The PumpHouse, thanks to the generous legacy of Tim Bray Theatre Company.
For people hearing about the Inspiring Rangatahi Incubator for the first time, what exactly is it and why was it created?
Tash: The Inspiring Rangatahi Incubator is an opportunity for an emerging theatre company who make works for family audiences to present a season of a show for the low, low price of $0.00. The incubator is made possible through a gift from Tim Bray Theatre Company, who called The PumpHouse home for 20 years. We’ve created it with the intention of continuing their legacy in bringing the magic of live theatre to families in Tāmaki Makaurau, both for our audiences and the artists bringing said magic to them.
Who are you most hoping will apply, and what does an ideal applicant or company look like for this incubator?
Tash: I’m personally really interested in companies who work in formally inventive ways and see both their adult and children audiences at the same eye level – I’m a big fan of global leaders Catherine Wheels and local legends Trick of the Light Theatre. I’m also partial to devised works and puppetry!
We’re keen to see applications from companies that already have a couple of shows under their belt, but may not have found their ‘in’ with either schools or the general public. You should be confident in presenting the work, and just need that extra bit of help in finding the right audiences.
What kinds of stories or themes are you especially excited to see come through, and what does a ‘uniquely Aotearoa’ story mean to you in this context?
Tash: To me, ‘uniquely Aotearoa’ means stories that are close to home, and could very well take place in your own backyard. It’s about telling audiences that there’s excitement and adventure right here, and not just in some faraway land!
I’d love to see stories that tackle difficult subjects in a way that makes the audience feel safe and ‘held’. Some of my favourite family shows deal with topics such as grief, climate change, and terrorism – not themes you’d expect from family shows. The world can be a terribly confusing place for adults and children alike, and family theatre can be such a powerful tool for all of us to make sense of it all. This is just my personal preference, though, and I’m not the only person who has a say in the decision!
How does the incubator support artists beyond free venue hire?
Tash: We do all sorts! Including, but not limited to:
- Full FOH support (FOH Manager, Box Office Assistant, ticket scanning, 2x Ushers)
- Marketing and producing support & mentorship
- Features in our newsletters, website, etc.
- The opportunity to perform to both school groups and public, and to connect with those audiences
- Support to find further funding, including acting as an umbrella organisation in funding applications
- Support with putting on accessible performances
- Use of all available technical equipment at no additional cost
- Rehearsal space (subject to availability)
For artists who might feel they’re ‘not quite ready’ or unsure if they should apply, what would you say to encourage them to put their name forward?
Tash: Have a chat to us! There’s only so much you can put in the application form, and sometimes you just need to talk it out. You can get in touch by emailing me at tash@pumphouse.co.nz, although you might want to do it before Christmas Eve!