An Exciting Next Step Announced Towards A New Home For The Court Theatre

The Court Theatre is excited by the Christchurch City Council's resolution to work together to establish a permanent home for the company in the city centre.

Over the last six and a half years, The Court has maintained a temporary home at The Shed in Addington; however, this was never intended to be a lasting solution and a move for the company is necessary.

The Court Theatre Chair, Steven van der Pol says, "We are incredibly excited by the prospect of moving back into the city centre. The Court brings with it significant footfall which will help to revitalise the central city.

We thank Council for a continued commitment to work with The Court to develop a vibrant performing arts precinct that serves the people of Christchurch, visitors to the region and emerging and established theatre practitioners."

"As a T?tara organisation, designated by Creative New Zealand in recognition of our leadership in the theatre sector, we will support a vast number of theatre practitioners and collaborators," says The Court Theatre Artistic Director Ross Gumbley.

"The Court creates a wide range of work, be it mainstage plays or touring work, late-night comedy or more challenging work in The Forge - our Studio Theatre. Whether attending a play or a drama class The Court attracts around 150,000 people every year."

Unique in New Zealand, The Court is a producing theatre, employing a company of over 250 practitioners annually. All sets, costumes and technical elements are designed and created in house.

"We're deeply grateful to the Council in wanting to move forward with us," says Acting Chief Executive Susan Rendall. "The Court is a theatre for the people of Canterbury and New Zealand, and it's an asset we can all be incredibly proud to have in this region. We're eager to get on with it."

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