What we do
Here you will find out what we do, why we do it, who we have on the team and where we perform.
What
Playhouse delivers educational, inspirational, extremely entertaining theatre to over 450 schools across New Zealand and Australia. Each year we write the plays, prepare the actors, make the costumes and set and tour our troupe around the country so that you can have fantastic theatre in your own environment. As well as the performances, we also provide a teaching resource so that schools can easily incorporate the play into their lessons.
Why
Our ‘raison dêtre’
Our formula is to bring the best actors and creative forces in Australia and New Zealand together to create a play that is funny, educational and inspiring – and many schools have told us our shows are the best theatre experience their students have had. To do this we rely on your support. So if you haven’t had us visit yet – why not drop us a line?
Who
Meet the Playhouse team
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Michael Bell
Owner, Director and head honcho of all things
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Greg Cooper
Writer, Director, Artistic Overseer
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Catherine Bryant
Tour Bookings Manager, Schedule Set-er-Up-er
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Kris Finnerty
Operations Manager
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Richard van den Berg
Set, Props and Stock Master
The Touring Troupe of Actors
Where
Location, location, location!
You can find us all across NZ (we do two loops of the country) and also in the Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania. We have historically toured annually from Perth to Brisbane, but it's a lot of driving so we're going to stick around just Victoria and Tasmania for a while!
Founded in Christchurch New Zealand, NZ Playhouse began touring New Zealand in 2009, then expanded into Australia in 2012.
We thoroughly enjoy your shows. As a full primary (5-12 yr olds) it is important that all the students are connected with, and you can do this so well. The shows are relevant and pertinent to the kids. We love your mix of music and dance, and the way you involve the kids with this – getting them up and participating. I looked at the faces of those 12 year olds and they were all grinning! Clever use of props too! Such a positive theatrical experience for the kids!
- Weston School, Oamaru
We love NZ Playhouse performing at our school! This is the 2nd time we have had a performance and have LOVED both times! Staff and students really enjoyed the performance, the actors/actresses were so friendly and answered a myriad of question after question with delight. Thank you so much for the enjoyable performance! We will definitely book in for next year!
- Melbourne, Australia