Court Theatre (New Zealand)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Court Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was founded in 1971 and has been at its current premises in the Christchurch Arts Centre since 1976. Its artistic director is currently Ross Gumbley.

Contents

[edit] History

The company was founded by Yvette Bromley QSM and Mervyn Thompson in 1971.

The company's premises have been housed in Christchurch’s Arts Centre complex since 1976, in the buildings which were formerly the Engineering School of Canterbury College.

[edit] Current premises

The Court operates two auditoria. Court One seats 291 in a broad “semi-thrust” stage and is in operation throughout the year, staging at least eight productions each season totalling approximately 270 performances throughout the year. Each season provides a mix of New Zealand works, modern international theatre and classics.

The Forge (formerly known as “Court 2”) seats 123 in a “box” setting with the audience seated on two sides. Until recently it was used as a “hosting venue” by touring or independent productions, but from 2007 The Forge is the Court’s staging ground for challenging international, local and devised works, with an aim of attracting a different audience demographic from its Court 1 patronage.

[edit] Current role and activities

The Court Theatre employs professionals from around the country and internationally. It sustains a full-time professional staff and an ensemble acting company and is administered by The Court Theatre Trust. At any one time there can be up to 100 people working full-time at The Court Theatre.

In addition to being a full-time professional theatre company, The Court Theatre operates numerous other activities in the community. The company annually tours a show around regionally in the South Island. Its education programme provides training for school-age students and adults, regularly liasing with high school and tertiary institutions as well as other community groups. The company also produces school holiday kids' shows and an annual touring primary school show.

In addition to the above, the company employs a troupe of professional improvisors and corporate entertainers, The Court Jesters. The most public face of their work is the improv comedy show "Scared Scriptless" which is staged every Friday night at The Court Theatre.

[edit] Current and upcoming plays

[edit] Court One

Current-17 May: Letter to Blanchy directed by Ross Gumbley

24 May-21 June: The History Boys directed by Elric Hooper

28 June-26 July: Arsenic and Old Lace directed by Ross Gumbley

2 August-30 August: Heroes directed by Ross Gumbley

6 September-11 October: The Birthday Boy directed by Steven Ray

18 October-15 November: Kiss of the Spiderwoman directed by Geraldine Brophy

22 November-14 February: La Cage Aux Folles directed and choreographed by Sandra Rasmussen, musical direction by Richard Marrett

21 February-21 March: Honour directed by Yvonne Martin

28 March-2 May: Gods of Warm Beer directed by Ross Gumbley

9 May-6 June: Heartbreak House directed by Elric Hooper

[edit] The Forge

Current-3 May: Skin Tight directed by Ross Gumbley

16 May-14 June: Scriptless Uncut presented by the Court Jesters

4 July-2 August: The Cape directed by Elizabeth O'Connor

15 August-13 September: Baghdad Baby directed by Jon Pheloung

26 September-25 October: Blackbird directed by Stephanie McKellar-Smith

28 November-20 December: 'A Very Merry Scriptless presented by the Court Jesters