CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: INSPIRING RANGATAHI INCUBATOR

The PumpHouse Theatre Te Whare Tapere I Te Taha o Pupuke are proud to announce the launch of the Inspiring Rangatahi Incubator, an opportunity for an emerging theatre company making works for family audiences to present a season of shows with venue rental provided in-kind. We are now accepting expressions of interest from companies and independent artists who are interested in taking part.

This initiative was made possible by a gift from the Tim Bray Theatre Company, who called The PumpHouse home for 20 years, so other companies may continue to bring the magic of live theatre to families in Tāmaki Makaurau.

As The PumpHouse is a theatre with an extensive audience base of family show theatregoers, the incubator will not only lighten the load of financial risk but also make the selected company known to our audiences of families and school groups, and cement themselves as a name in the sector.

What we are offering:

  • Free venue hire for one week, Sun 14th – Sat 20th June 2026
  • Use of all available technical equipment at no additional cost
  • 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
  • Rehearsal space (subject to availability)

What we are looking for:

  • A uniquely New Zealand story, aimed at audiences 5+, 45-60 min in duration
  • Preference will be given to:
    • Companies which can offer accessible performances and/or free workshops
    • Companies who have experience creating theatre for children and young people

Important Dates:

  • Applications close on 4 January 2026
  • Shortlisted applicants will be contacted w/c 5 January 2026
  • Decision to be made by 12 January 2026.

For any further questions, please contact Tash at tash@pumphouse.co.nz