From our President.

As President for the 2018/2019 year, I am excited with the programme we plan to bring to our patrons this year. The huge success of ‘Les Miserable’ last year went beyond all of our expectations and we decided on a complete change with the production of two smaller shows for 2019. We are fortunate to have gained the services of George Arthur who directed Vicar of Dibley in 2017 and Ngaire Taylor who has also directed for us. The shows will be performed in June/July and November. With new committee members and a full year coming up, I am excited and looking forward to another spectacular year showcasing the arts in West Otago.  

Barbara Hanna
"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.
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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.