Theatre Upgrade

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.  However due to changing Health & Safety and Certification standards we are now looking at extensive structural strengthening in the theatre staging area.

The West Otago Theatrical Society have engaged the services of a specialist Theatre Systems engineer to assess the rigging structure within the theatre and been informed that all of the existing systems will now have to be brought up to standard.  We are hoping for this to happen during the summer 2021 / 2022 when the Community Centre roof is lifted and renewed.  All lighting and stage systems will have to be removed for this to take place.

This upgrade will bring the facilities technical specifications up to date making it safer for schools and all community groups who use the theatre.

We wish to thank PGG Wrightson Tapanui for giving us the opportunity to run the auction at the West Otago A&P show this year.  We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the businesses of West Otago and surrounding districts for supporting our auction.  This funding will go towards upgrading the community theatre.