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For every actor who takes a bow on stage, there are at least three more people backstage or behind the scenes. They built the set, found a very specific prop from a very specific era, ran the cues and handed out the programmes. They’ve been part of a fun, rewarding process, and can be proud as the audiences leave after a great night at the theatre.
We’ve just announced our 2027 season, so we’re putting our feelers out for anyone who fancies joining us to make some more theatre magic. Maybe you’ve got theatre experience. Maybe you don't but you’ve got skills you reckon could be put to good use. That’s the beauty of community theatre. There’s always someone who’ll show you the ropes, and someone who’ll work out where your skills are worth their weight in gold.
Most productions have a couple of weeknight rehearsals and a weekend rehearsal, with the odd working bee along the way. If you’re working on a project, you'll be able to work on things as often or as little as works for you at a time that works best.
Here are some of the areas we’re always looking for extra helpers in.
Set design and construction. If you’re handy with a pencil, a paintbrush or powertools and have an eye for detail, this one’s right up your alley.
Props. One of the funnest jobs going. You might be hunting down a very specific item in op shops, finding clever ways to make props look real on stage, or you might just have a knack for making things.
Lighting and sound. Design the lighting, or learn the ropes on the technical side by running all the cues for a show. These roles get the best seats in the house, so you’ll see every performance from there.
Graphic design, video and photography. What’s a theatre show without an audience? Flyers, posters, socials and photos all bring people through the door, and these roles are crucial. As they say, many hands make light work.
Wardrobe. This sets the tone for the whole show. You might be out op shopping, calling on our friendly network of theatre groups across Auckland to see who has what we need, or you might be a dab hand with a sewing machine. Some shows also have quick changes where a backstage dresser is a huge help to get the cast member back on stage in a very short amount of time.
Stage crew. Stage managers and assistant stage managers and crew get all the fun of the show from backstage and in the wings, making sure everything goes off without a hitch and everything or everyone is where they need to be.
Prompt. You get a front row seat to rehearsals, helping the cast learn their lines and keeping them on track as they get ready for the stage.
Front of house. Show people to their seats, or coordinate the ushers. Or enlist other theatre loving friends and family who could help make sure people have a great night.
Production manager. If you love being organised and keeping a project running smoothly, this role gives you oversight of the whole production and puts you right in the creative action with the director. It’s the backbone of a successful show.
Clever with catering or a social butterfly? We never underestimate the person who's great with a batch of scones, a trip to the supermarket, or organising the drinks after a working bee. These roles are not only important for the production, but for making sure we stick to our community culture.
You don’t need experience to join us. We love people who have been around theatre for years, people who have always wanted to give it a go, and people with skills from another job who are new to the stage. The only thing you actually need is to be keen! There's also no obligation, feel free to get in touch even if you'd just like to know more.
Our 2027 season at the PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna kicks off with Love Letters in March, followed by Michael Palin's Comedy, The Weekend in July and the world premiere of Shaving Ewe in November. Every one of those shows needs crew, and we have an absolute blast doing it, so get in touch.
We're a registered charity and incorporated society so this is all voluntary, you choose how much time you can give. What you’ll get back is a fun, welcoming community and the satisfaction of helping bring high quality productions to life. We rehearse and do a lot of our behind the scenes work in Forrest Hill, and perform at The PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna.
Fill in the form below, or email hello@phoenixtheatre.co.nz. Tell us what you’re good at and what you’d like to try. We’ll take it from there.
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