From our President.

I am privileged to be the President for the West Otago Theatrical Society.
This year we will be bringing you ‘Act Your Age.’ This is our first major production to be performed in our refurbished and updated theatre. Having been involved directly last year with the progress from a reroof to total theatre fit out, it was exciting to see the completion of lighting, legs and rigging come together. This year we get to experience the best facility West Otago’s Community Theatre has to offer.
I extend a warm invitation to come and enjoy our shows or become involved with our society.
Russell Johnston
"Enthusiastic and committed, with a huge community spirit, best describes West Otago Theatrical. I had the privilege to direct two major productions and the support I received was tremendous. Go There! And what’s more, they have a delightful Modern Theatre."
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Bruce Martin, ​Director

Our Theatre.

The Tapanui Community Centre was built in 1992 and through the vision of some locals, incorporated a 204 seat theatre. The theatre has largely been furnished by the West Otago Theatrical Society (WOTS).  Funds were raised and the initial lighting and sound equipment was purchased in 1998.  After years of serving WOTS and the local community well, WOTS has recently upgraded the theatre’s sound and lights.

The new sound system boasts an Allen & Heath 32-channel digital console giving new flexibility to the many and varied shows that come through the theatre. Alongside this, we have upgraded the loudspeakers to Martin Audio with two 12” and horn cabinets, two 8” and horn cabinets and a pair of 12” subwoofers. This audio is processed with a Martin DXO5 speaker controller and powered by Martin Audio power amps.
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The theatre now has 25 wireless mic units along with other hardwired units.  Also in house is a 8,500 lumen Panasonic data projector which is large enough to be used alongside theatre lighting.  The new lighting package includes ShowPro LED Fresnels, Martin Professional RUSH Par 2, RUSH MH 6, RUSH MH 7 and E1 Profile fixtures plus a ShowPro Low Lying Fogger.

The first show to benefit from the new equipment was ‘Les Miserables’ in 2018 and our lighting and sound operators were thrilled with the versatility and range of the equipment and high quality of lighting and sound the devices projected.  This upgrade has brought the facilities technical specifications up to date which makes it easier to achieve the high standards of production that our audiences have come to expect.

In 2022 the West Otago Community Centre, which houses WOTS theatre, underwent a major roof replacement.   Raindrops falling from the ceiling onto the stage from time to time would be no more with this significant investment to install a new roof.  This presented an opportunity for WOTS to overhaul our rigging, borders and flats and upgrade our winch system for the lighting set up.  These technical improvements future proof the theatre infrastructure and provide a platform to continue bringing quality shows to our patrons for years to come. ​
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Using our Venue.

Through fundraising, the West Otago Community Centre has been transformed into a venue suitable for any event.  As well as the theatre it contains a green room, kitchen and bathroom facilities, auditorium and gymnasium.  Local schools also use the venue for productions and other community events are also held at the venue.

For more information about our space, please get in touch.