Putting the Unity in Community Theatre

What do you think of when someone says “Community Theatre”?

✨ A vibrant and inclusive space where talented individuals from all walks of life come together to express their passion for the arts?

✨ A place where people can feel a sense of community?

✨ A space that fosters creativity and personal growth to build strong social connections?

Community Theatre is all of the above and then some!

Community Theatre has proven throughout history to be an invaluable asset to society and traces its roots back to ancient times when performances were organised by local communities as part of religious, cultural, and social festivities. Over the centuries, theatre evolved into a professional art form, but the spirit of community involvement and participation never waned.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Community Theatre experienced a resurgence as people recognised the transformative benefits of the performing arts. Today, community theatre continues to thrive all around the world.

My roots are in theatre – I started out in the Community Theatre scene in the Manawatū as a teenager. Not only was this an EXCELLENT training ground for me as an actor, but I also gained lifelong friends, and mentors, and felt part of something really special. It allowed me to unleash the “real Meg” to the world – a slightly quirky, strange, and colourful person who never really felt like she fit into a “normal society”.

Even though I am now a professional actor, Community Theatre still holds a special place in my heart and is something I will never stop doing. Personally, I don’t think Community Theatre should be valued any less than Professional Theatre – while paid work is so important, some creatives WANT to do it for the love of it, and we should never discount that feeling of belonging to a community. In my case, theatre is both my profession AND my hobby.

The benefits of Community Theatre are ENDLESS:

  • The creativity to be YOURSELF! Participating in community theatre nurtures personal growth. It helps individuals build self-confidence, develop public speaking skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and enhance their emotional intelligence.
  • An incredible creative outlet. Drawing not your thing? Crafting not your vibe? Theatre may be the perfect way to fuel your creative needs.
  • Cultural enrichment. Theatre has the power to transcend cultural barriers and promote understanding and empathy. Through storytelling, audiences get the chance to witness other perspectives, offering a chance to explore different cultures, historical eras, and societal issues.
  • Bringing people together. Any thespian will tell you that the reason they get so addicted to being involved in theatre is the sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants. Theatre community members develop lasting friendships and in some cases, they become people’s chosen whānau.
  • Education! Many theatre groups offer workshops and classes to help nurture and provide education to their community. This is also a fabulous way to ensure theatre has a future and continues to thrive.

As I said, the benefits are endless… it’s something I could yarn about all day! But don’t just take it from me – here are a few local community theatre creatives who generously gave me a few sentences about what community theatre means to them. They are all professionals who either got their start in Community Theatre or balance their time between paid work and community work.

EMMA BISHOP: Arts Practitioner, Broadcaster, Producer, Teacher

“I think there is a key word in the name, community theatre that being community! As humans, we aren’t meant to be solo, isolated people, we are social beings so being part of a community, and sharing a common passion gives us a stronger sense of person. My theatre community are my whānau – there for me through the good and the bad… we laugh, we cry, we create and celebrate!!!”

ROSHEEN LESLIE: Actor, Artist

“Community theatre is a multi-beneficial practice for an actor. It keeps your tools sharp, it allows you to play roles you otherwise would not have the opportunity to play, and it connects you to people who are just as excited by the theatre as you are. More than anything, community theatre is about the people, creative, magical, love-filled, joyous people! All coming to create and enjoy art together! What is more magical than that?”

KEITH MARR: Singer, Producer

“It all begins with community theatre. It is the lifeline of the theatre world and has been since day one. If it weren’t for community theatre, the Broadways and West Ends wouldn’t exist. It gives us creatives the outlet that we crave in our day-to-day lives and allows us to express sides of us that the world may never see and perhaps sides of ourselves that we thought may never have existed without that blank canvas that community theatre provides.

Pro theatre is a difficult industry to break into. For a lot of us, we do not wish to pursue the professional side of theatre and are happy performing with our local theatre companies and giving back to the communities through performing arts. For us, that is enough. It always comes back to the community. This is why we love doing it. I am a proud community thespian and I wish to see more join us in creating boundless art.”

LAUREN WILSON: Actor, Director, Producer, Multi-Disciplinary Artist

“Community Theatre is a place that brings together all those who wish to be creative onstage and behind the scenes. It teaches new skills, builds relationships, and leads to the most magical output by those who are just gifting their time to the production they are working on. It brings together actors, designers, creators, builders, technicians, wordsmiths and so many more. All people from all walks of life come together to create a spectacular production and create relationships that can last for years to come.”

ZANE FLEMING: Actor, Director, Producer

“It sounds extreme but community theatre saved my life, in school I was always a bigger lad, I was loud and wanted nothing more than to be liked by everyone, but I was different and didn’t fit into the box that people wanted me to so, unfortunately, life had other plans and I was bullied through my entire schooling life, primary to high school, these were very dark times for me, but community theatre was the place I felt safe, for once I wasn’t made to feel like I was garbage, and people encouraged me and told me I had talent. I’m where I am today because I had such an outlet and though I’m not able to do as much community theatre anymore I am grateful I had a place to go that allowed me to put my focus and passion into something positive.

In summary, Community Theatre helps keep places like The PumpHouse alive, it ensures the community can thrive and life can feel a little more colourful, it is a great starting point and training ground for actors wanting to make it their profession, but it is equally a wonderful and valid space to belong as an artist who wants to do it as a hobby. Our stories are so important. Let us celebrate and support this incredible art form that nourishes our spirits and brings communities together.”

JAMES BELL: Director, Producer, Shoreside Theatre Committee Member

“For me, community theatre is all about being part of something bigger. It’s about coming together with a group of friends and tackling ambitious projects as a team. You get to learn from others, pick up new skills, and share your own know-how. As someone more comfortable behind the scenes, there’s nothing quite like hearing the audience’s reaction to some blocking you created with the cast or a sound cue you carefully chose. It’s a reminder that every little contribution counts in creating an awesome and unforgettable theatrical experience for everyone – audience, performers, and behind-the-scenes creatives alike.”

CHRIS SMITH: Actor

“Community Theatre represents to me the opportunity of playing out lives of people I don’t even know, from a world I’ve never been to. Community acting encourages me to create realistic characters via a broadened imagination drawing upon the lives and idiosyncrasies of people one might meet in a normal lifespan. Community theatre provides so many wonderful chances to venture through time warps and periods by allowing the actor to safely transpose into an alter ego concurrently presenting the challenge of quite often becoming the antithesis of oneself. In doing so acting provides enjoyment and escapism to others whilst they are equally transported to the portrayed time period and circumstance.”

Thinking of getting involved in Community Theatre?

Maybe you want to shine on stage or be part of an integral crew, or perhaps you want to join a theatre committee. Tāmaki Makaurau has an abundance of community groups to join. Our local Community Theatre Group is Shoreside Theatre. They use all three of The PumpHouse’s performance spaces each year – the Outdoor Amphitheatre for their Summer Shakespeare performances, the Coal Bunker Studio for their One Act Play season in Autumn, and the main theatre (Genevieve Becroft Auditorium) for the mid-Winter Agatha Christie murder mystery.

Other Community Theatre groups on the North Shore include Centrestage Theatre Company, Company Theatre, Theatreworks/Mairangi Players, Torbay Theatre, i-Start Chinese Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, and Foolish Wit

Happy Birthday Mr. Shakespeare!

Today we celebrate the birthday of the iconic playwright, William Shakespeare! Our very own resident Shakespeare-nut, Mags, has penned a captivating blog post that delves into the mystery of how we know the date of the Bard’s birth. Enjoy!

(All photo’s you see in this blog are from Mags’ last adventure to Stratford in 2019)

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

How do we know Shakespeare’s birthday?

The exact date of William Shakespeare’s birth in Stratford upon Avon to John and Mary Shakespeare was not recorded but it is most often celebrated around the world on April 23.

There is a record of Shakespeare’s baptism on Wednesday, April 26, 1564, in the Parish Register of Holy Trinity Church which was the Shakespeare’s local church.

Baptismal Font

Back then baptisms took place within three days of a baby being born. The Common Prayer Book that John and Mary followed also instructed those baptisms took place no later than the first Sunday after the birth.

So, with a bit of scholarly detective work, it seems unlikely William was born any earlier than the previous Sunday which was April 23. Taking into account the three-day reasonable interval between birth and baptism, 23 April has therefore become to be celebrated as his birthday.

Holy Trinity Church

Did Shakespeare die on his birthday?

It is thought Shakespeare also died on 23 April; in 1616, when he was 52 years of age.

Shakespeare’s burial is recorded in Stratford’s parish register on 25 April 1616.

We do not know the cause of Shakespeare’s death. 

The Shakespeare’s monument, inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, states that he died on 23 April. His gravestone, below the monument, does not bear his name, but was believed to be Shakespeare’s from at least 1656, and is the first in a row that commemorates other members of his family. 

His gravestone reads, ‘Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To digg the dust encloased heare, Blest by the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones’.

Shakespeare’s Grave

The Bard of England’s birth and death dates coincide with the celebration of the patron saint of England – St George which had been commemorated on April 23 since the beginning of the 15th Century.

Shakespeare’s Memorial

By Mags Delaney-Moffatt

Why Do We Wear Poppies?

Step into the world of remembrance and honor with our Community Engagement Coordinator, Mags! With ANZAC Day just around the corner, Mags has delved deep into the history of why we wear poppies during this time. Enjoy her fascinating findings as she uncovers the poignant story behind this time-honored tradition.

Why do we wear poppies?

The red poppies are symbolic of the poppies that grew on the battlefields of Belgium and France in World War I when many soldiers some of them very young died. The poppy now commemorates all members of the armed forces who have lost their lives in conflict.

The poppy sends a message about Remembrance and a hope for a peaceful future.

Who had the idea to wear poppies?

The poppy was one of the first plants to grow on the battlefields after World War I which inspired Lieutenant-Colonel John MaCrae, a Canadian medical officer to write his poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ in 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

This poem then inspired an American woman Moina Michael to have the poppy adopted as a symbol of remembrance in the USA in 1918 – which then led to a French lady Madame E. Guréin to have the idea of an ‘Inter-Allied Poppy Day’ selling handmade poppies the proceeds going to benefit the Allied veterans and their families in 1920.

So how did poppies get to New Zealand?

One of the people who worked with M. Guréin, Colonel Alfred Moffatt suggested the idea to the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association (as the RSA was then known) in September 1921.

It was originally planned to hold the first Poppy Day in NZ just before Armistice Day in 1921 as other countries were doing, however when the shipment of poppies arrived from France it was too late for the scheme to be properly publicised, so the decision was made to wait until ANZAC Day 1922.

ANZAC Day has been the day for New Zealanders to wear poppies ever since.

 

Where can I get a poppy?

You will see poppy sellers in the malls but we are supporting Devonport RSA here at The PumpHouse, so you can pick one up on your next visit!

By Mags Delaney-Moffatt

North Shore Brass Academy is hosting a beautiful ANZAC tribute at The PumpHouse on Tues 25 April at 4pm – find out more here

Meet The Team: Matt!

Incredible techies are sometimes hard to come by, but we have absolutely lucked out with the brilliant Matt who has brought his amazing talents to The PumpHouse whānau. Matt works all over Tāmaki Makaurau with many wonderful theatres and theatre companies.

We asked Matt 10 questions about himself so that you can get to know him better, enjoy!

1. Tell us five random facts about yourself

  • I have a twin sister who is studying in Wellington. I’m only two minutes older than her.
  • I heavily rely on my calendar. Everything is colour coded. Such a useful thing to have on my phone.
  • I won the ACTT best lighting design award for 2021. I also got nominated for the 2022 award.
  • I have 0 unread emails. I will never leave an email unread.
  • My last name has an apostrophe at the end because it was spelt Goldsbrough. Centuries ago a Dr Goldsbrough shortened it down because writing the full last name on medical documents was too long to fit in the box. So now it Goldsbro’.

2. How did you come to work at The PumpHouse Theatre?

The first time I remember going to The PumpHouse was for a Lighting & Sound workshop in 2017. In 2018 I started doing tech for my school’s drama department and later in the year, I was asked if I wanted to do follow spot for a show at The PumpHouse Theatre. I went along not knowing if I would like it but I loved it. I started doing more shows at school and then got asked if I wanted to do tech for Shoreside Theatre’s Shakespeare In The Park 2021. I then later did more shows with Shoreside Theatre and now working at The PumpHouse Theatre as a technician.


3. When did you start getting involved in the Performing Arts?

2018. My first year of college. I had been doing tech at my intermediate but had never done any theatre. It was just helping the music department. When I started college I was introduced to the drama technician Michael. I still remember that day and I’m sure Michael hasn’t forgotten. It hadn’t even been an hour of my first day at college. I then got involved with the school production that year designing the lights and following years I got opportunities to work on shows at many different theatres around Auckland. Some of my favourite shows I’ve done are show productions including Love and Information at Q Theatre, Showquest at Aotea Theatre and The Tempest at my college’s BLACKBOX Theatre.


4. What is your favourite thing about The PumpHouse Theatre?

I love seeing how the space is used by different people. I just love the ideas that they come up with. Set design, Costume, Tech. One day the stage is the front of a pirate ship and another it’s the inside of a small cottage. I love other people’s creativity and how they show that creativity on the stage.


5. Do you have a favourite memory/memories of The PumpHouse?

The Tech workshop I went to in 2017 at The PumpHouse I remember being so intrigued by the gear that was at the workshop. It was such a hands-on workshop that I wanted to keep playing with the gear. And now I get to do that every day.


6. What time do you wake up in the mornings?

Sometimes I will be up at 7am. Others I won’t wake up until noon. Sleep schedules aren’t much of a thing when you’re working late nights on shows.

7. What is your favourite food?

Can’t go wrong with top-deck chocolate.


8. What do you get up to when you’re not at The PumpHouse?

I also do tech for other theatres around Auckland. Always busy. I also do a bit of photography. Mainly landscapes but I have started doing some theatre photography.

9. Who inspires you?

Michael Goodwin. Skippy :). Michael was the first person to introduce me to theatre tech. He pushed me throughout college to try different things in theatre. Michael gave me opportunities to do shows outside of school and learn a lot more. I don’t think I’d be doing what I am without him.

10. What’s your all-time favourite theatre show?

My favourite theatre show that I’ve ever seen is ALONE. I saw ALONE at Q Theatre Loft and wow. It was such an amazing show. I was speechless after it. The set is small but very well done. All the little details caught my eye during the show. The sound design was insane. It felt like we were there in the show. Alarms going off around us, sounds shooting past, chairs rumbling. Lights in the set flashing. I see why it won Auckland Fringe in 2020. Definitely would go see it again.

Meet The Team: Nicky!

Our casual team are the heart of The PumpHouse – the Front of House team in particular! The vibrant Nicky has been part of The PumpHouse whānau for a few months now. If you have been to a show recently you’ll likely recognise her smiley face and bubbly, welcoming personality!

We asked Nicky 10 questions about herself so that you can get to know her better, enjoy!

 

1. Tell us five random facts about yourself

  • I was born in Liverpool
  • I became an NZ citizen last year
  • I attended the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace
  • My only sporting claim to fame was Javlin
  • I’m enrolled to become a barber this year!

2. How did you come to work at The PumpHouse Theatre?

I saw an advertisement for casual theatre staff on social media.

3. When did you start getting involved in the Performing Arts?

At a young age, I participated in school but that’s it! However, I have an extremely talented daughter who attends NASDA in Christchurch studying for a 3-year degree.

4. What is your favourite thing about The PumpHouse Theatre?

Being part of the theatre team is just amazing. I love the support and friendship from the staff but mostly I get to meet lots of amazing people. I feel extremely grateful.

5. Do you have a favourite memory/memories of The PumpHouse?

Meeting the guy from ‘Educators’ (lol), and sipping bubbles with the staff at Christmas.

6. What time do you wake up in the mornings?

Depends if I need to get up!

7. What is your favourite food?

Italian but partial to a homemade roast dinner 😊

8. What do you get up to when you’re not at The PumpHouse?

I love spending quiet time these days down at the beach with my two dogs. I volunteer once a week for Plunket.

9. Who inspires you?

John & Yoko, and Eckhart Tolle

10. What’s your all-time favourite theatre show?

School of Rock and Chicago

Theatre Community Rallies Together During Floods

In a somewhat eerie reflection of 50-something years ago, when a community of theatre lovers rallied together to save The PumpHouse from demolition and turn it into the thriving arts venue we all know and love today, we are now seeing a repeat of this hard work and community comradery as our theatre community comes together to clean up our beautiful brick lady in the aftermath of severe flooding.

Thespians are resilient folk – they deal with more rejection than many other professions. They are accustomed to hard work, long hours, and keeping spirits high within their cast, their crew, their community, which inevitably becomes whānau.

Our team has not only been cleaning, mopping, drying, and salvaging what they can at the theatre, but also dealing with cancelled Shakespeare shows which result in a hefty amount of behind the scenes work including transfers, refunds, and ensuring our audience feel safe, loved, and listened to during this time.

On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank you all for your patience and support. It means the world!

We all hope you and yours are safe and dry. See you soon to create more memories at the theatre!

To find out which Shakespeare in the Park performances have been cancelled due to the flooding, click here.

RECAP: Shakespeare in a Week!

Well, the season of The Bard is well and truly upon us!

During these school holidays, our Shakespearean mastermind Mags had the absolute pleasure of working with a fantastic group of young people who worked really hard to put on a performance of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ in just four and a half days.

This is the fourth Shakespeare in a Week workshop, and some of the young actors have come every year, whilst new people have joined in along the way. The students come from all around Tāmaki Makaurau to take part and make new friendships that carry on after the week.

It’s fair to say we have some extraordinary young local talent in our midst. “Some of the young actors I worked with in Shakespeare in a Week performed better than some of the adult actors I’ve worked with!” Tutor Mags Delaney-Moffatt says. “As a result of coming to the workshop some of the actors have gone on to be part of Auckland Shakespeare in the Park.”

The stormy weather meant that the performance was taken inside rather than the planned performance in the amphitheatre. But the entertainment was still exceptionally good, and being able to borrow actual ‘Shakespearean Costumes’ from Shoreside Theatre gave the performance a bit more polish than the ‘put together out of the dress up box’ we’ve had before.

Shakespeare in a Week is not just for those who have drama experience but is for anyone who wants a chance to have a go at Shakespeare. We are hoping to be able to do some more workshops later in the year to keep the legacy going.

 

 

 

 

Mā Te Wā, Lena!

It seems like just yesterday that our wonderful intern from Germany, Lena joined us at The PumpHouse Theatre! She has been an incredible, vibrant asset to the theatre.

We asked her if she could write a little something to reflect on her time here, and here it is in her own words!

Lena – we will miss you so very much. You will forever be a special part of The PumpHouse whānau!

Mā te wā ????

Time flies by… and so did my time here at the PumpHouse. After nine amazing weeks, my internship is over and I‘m going to leave Auckland to explore the rest of the beautiful country.

Looking back, it‘s all been really interesting and fun. Whether it was welcoming our guests – especially all those excited children – for the Santa Claus show, witnessing the madness and shenanigans during a production week and looking at everything that‘s going on backstage during a show like Di & Viv & Rose, helping with setting up the light rig and walking along the catwalk (the walkway above the auditorium to reach the lights), re-painting the stage with Mark and Christmas music or our little Christmas BBQ – there was always something exciting going on and new things for me to learn.

If I had to pick one Highlight, it would be the Christmas market. I was there while everything was being set up and helped where I could since our team was reduced down to James, Meg, and myself, but in the end, everything was ready in time for everyone to stroll along the stalls and have a good time. The weather was wonderful and even though having Christmas and summer at the same time is still veeery weird to me (I‘m a summer person, though Christmas is just a winter thing to me – but I‘m not complaining!) it was a cool experience to not freeze all day during a Christmas market. After our market, I (or should I say Lena the Elf?) got to be part of the annual (and sold-out) Christmas Carols in the amphitheater, which was absolutely amazing and a lot of fun. It was an exhausting and sometimes overwhelming day, but also really great.

And last but not least, something that I will probably remember most was meeting all those lovely people. The way I was welcomed into the PumpHouse family really means a lot to me and whenever I‘ll be near Auckland, I‘m definitely going to stop by again. I‘m really grateful for all the laughs and stories shared, coming here for work was something I always looked forward to.

I‘ve had a truly amazing time here and I‘m really glad I got to do my internship here – this place and its people will be missed!

A quick sketch Lena did of The PumpHouse Theatre

Meet Our New Intern: LENA!

???? Drumroll please… introducing our wonderful intern from Germany, Lena!

Lena’s interest in all things creative (plus her desire to travel Aotearoa) made The PumpHouse the perfect place for her to do her internship! She’s been helping with all aspects of theatre – production week, backstage, front of house, marketing, and more! She has been working closely with Mags and Meg and giving a helping hand to the amazing theatre companies that hire our space.

We are lucky enough to have Lena with us at The PumpHouse until Christmas. Find out more about her below ????

Tell us five random facts about yourself!

1. I‘m born in July, so in Germany, that’s in the summertime (which I love)

2. I love the ocean, even though I don’t live anywhere near a beach

3. My favourite kind of pasta is tagliatelle

4. I love music and going to concerts

5. I never watch the German version of movies and tv shows, always the original/English one

How did you get to intern at The PumpHouse Theatre?

I’m interested in art and the production of movies and theatre plays, and since I don’t know what to study yet I thought an internship would be a good option. I always wanted to go to another country after finishing school to do some work and travel, so I combined those and decided to do an internship before travelling around New Zealand. When I signed up at New Zealand Internships, The PumpHouse chose me as an intern which I’m really happy about!

 

Were you involved in the Performing Arts in Germany?

Sadly not really, since we don’t have a theatre near my village. I used to be part of the children’s Christmas plays in our church every year as a kid though, which was always fun.

What is your favourite thing about New Zealand so far?

I’m getting to know so many new and different people, which is a nice change after two years of covid. I also love how it’s spring here, I’m definitely not complaining about two summers in a row!

What do you like about interning here?

The way everyone welcomed me here, everyone is really nice. Since we’re such a small team it’s a really familiar feeling and I have much fun working here. I also really adore the building and where it’s located, it’s so beautiful.

 

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in your intern job?

I’ve done an Instagram takeover, which was pretty cool. I also was allowed to shadow one of the productions (Di and Viv and Rose) during production week, so I got to see what it’s like backstage and during the preparation of the play.

What do you get up to after hours?

I love meeting up with people, going for walks, and reading.

What is your favourite food?

Pasta, because there are so many options – as a salad, with a sauce, pesto, olive oil, etc. And garlic bread, I love garlic bread.

Who inspires you?

Anyone who’s passionate about something and follows their dreams and goals, no matter how hard it may be or what others might say. (Also Harry Styles, I really love his music)

What’s your all-time favourite theatre show?

I don’t know if this counts, but I saw the musical The Lion King in Hamburg once and it really stood out to me, absolutely stunning.

What village in Germany do you live in? Describe it for us!

It‘s a tiny village in northern Bavaria (Frankonia) near Bamberg. We have about 300 inhabitants (like I said – tiny) and the houses were built around a medieval castle ruin on a hill, which is why we actually have some tourists during the summertime and an amazing view over the landscape. We also have an open-air swimming pool and a football field for local clubs. We’re surrounded by forests and meadows, so it’s absolutely amazing for going on walks. I adored being able to spend my childhood there with most of my relatives next door since me and my cousins used to spend a lot of time outside.

 

Five Free Ways You Can Support Us

Small businesses are the backbone of our community – in particular arts and culture hubs like The PumpHouse Theatre. Without our wonderful, dedicated community, we would not exist. And without theatre, art, and culture – what would life be?! We hate to think.

There are many ways in which you can support us as a small business. Here are five FREE ways you can ensure we not only survive but thrive, plus one bonus way you can support us which will only cost you 66c a week!

  1. Sign Up For Our Fortnightly Newsletter! Not only will you be the first to know about new shows and events, but you’ll also get updated on the exciting day-to-day life of our theatre, be treated to nostalgic stories of the history of our building, and be in to win tickets to shows. You can sign up to our newsletter here
  2. TripAdvisor Review: Reviews help us out immensely – especially for people who don’t visit Takapuna often! Let people from far and wide know why they can’t visit Takapuna without a trip to The PumpHouse here
  3. Google Maps Review: You can also review us on Google Maps! People want to know they can trust they’ll have a good time before visiting a place, so share your thoughts and five-star reviews here
  4. Follow Us On Facebook! We have a pretty loyal following on good ol’ Facebook – and why wouldn’t we!? This is the first place we announce upcoming shows, plus we share lots of other fun theatre-related things too. Join the Facebook fun here
  5. Like Us On The ‘Gram! Yes, we are even cool enough to have an Instagram (not quite cool enough for TikTok yet – but watch this space ????). We sometimes have cast and crew takeovers which prove to be a lot of fun for viewers and a great sneak peek into the backstage shenanigans of our theatre. Like us here
  6. Be Our Friend! I mean, we are all already friends right?! But imagine being our friend AND benefiting from discounted tickets, regular competitions, and invitations to VIP events – now that sounds like the best kind of friendship! For just 66c a week you can support us (or even less if you’re a student/senior!) Find out more about our membership program here

Sign up today for regular updates, special offers and the chance to win free tickets.

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