The Court Theatre
Hidden in Christchurch’s suburb of Addington is New Zealand’s largest theatre company. In its post-earthquake refuge – an old grain shed – is a magical world of happiness, laughter, drama and intrigue.
The Court has matched the ever-diversifying Christchurch population and creates and supports work for everyone in our community including children and families, for the Tangata Whenua and for Christchurch’s growing Pasifika communities.
The Court has something for everyone. It has something for those who want their entertainment king-sized and world class, for those who want to sit back and enjoy a good laugh, and for those who want theatre to challenge, to spark debate and to stay in their mind long after the show has finished. The Court creates, and helps create, work for all the people of Ōtautahi.
When’s the last time you visited The Court Theatre?
Who We Are
The Court Education
The Court Education fosters and nurtures the future of theatre in New Zealand through drama and improv classes, holiday programmes, workshops, theatre intensives, master classes and the Ambassadors, Youth Company and Youth Crew programmes. Those involved in the education programmes find a safe space to play and explore in a place free of judgement, where everyone’s individuality is celebrated.
The Court Education
The Court Theatre Education Programme. It’s packed full of exciting opportunities to engage, participate, and have fun.
THE COURT EDUCATIONThe Court Youth Company
Be exposed to different skills and theatre making processes, work towards the practical application of these skills and mounting two annual public performances.
THE COURT YOUTH COMPANYTheatresports
Theatresports™ in Schools is an annual competition for improvised theatre held by The Court Theatre.
THEATRESPORTSLiterary Programme
At the heart of The Court’s literary program are bespoke processes to help playwrights connect with the entire Court community. That can mean connecting to what can be achieved theatricality or thematically on our main stage for up to 400 audience members each night. That can mean more intimate and edgier works for our adventurous Forge audience. That can mean, quite simply, creating magic for our kids’ audiences.
The Literary Manager, Roanna Dalziel, works closely with the Artistic Director, Ross Gumbley, and the Associate Director, Dan Bain, to identify and develop plays for programming.
We work with playwrights to identify the best processes for developing their works for The Court. Whether that’s commissions, public readings or in-house workshops – it all depends on what will benefit the playwright and the work.
Current commissions include:
- Gregory Cooper: We Died for Science
- Gary Henderson: The Breath of Silence
- Hone Kouka: The Rehua Boys
- Alison Quigan: Siana
The Court’s writer in residence is Christina Stachurski. Her new play EQ F@#%ING C is premiering as part of the Meridian Energy Season 18/19.
Fresh Ink is back in 2018 – a series of public readings of plays that are in development. A chance for audiences to help develop new works with laughter or gasps. This years plays are Siana by Alison Quigan, The Falling by Karen Zelas and The Sexiest Man in the World by Joe Musaphia.