Trust Horizon funding sets the scene for Theatre Whakatāne lighting upgrade
Emma Twigley and friend in the show Avenue Q
The spotlight is on Theatre Whakatāne, with a $59,199 grant from Trust Horizon to level-up the lighting at the non-profit’s Gateway Drive theatre and rehearsal space.
Theatre Whakatāne has been bringing high-quality productions and performances to the local community since 2005. Each year the group produces a musical, play, and Christmas Show – setting the stage for some of the region’s best talent.
In 2006, the organisation established its home base at 30 Gateway Drive. The multi-use facility provides space for performances, rehearsals, auditions, recitals, functions, and more. However, to keep it shining as brightly as the stars on-stage, the building’s lighting required an upgrade.
“It’s remarkable how much lighting sets the scene and creates atmosphere. The planning, sequencing, and programming that goes into a show’s lighting is mind-blowing,” explains Theatre Whakatāne Secretary and Vice President, Bronwen Foxx. “With the standard of shows we produce, our technical team needed a much more up-to-date solution than our current lighting could provide.”
Having secured funding from Trust Horizon in June, Theatre Whakatāne will soon be fitting its Gateway Drive premises with high-spec, energy-efficient LED lights. “These lights won’t just last longer, they are also capable of doing more with less operator input,” says Foxx. “Our directors will gain the ability to experiment with a significantly broader range of lighting effects, allowing them to explore various combinations and possibilities."
The 120-seat theatre at Gateway Drive draws in as many as 2,000 theatre-goers each year. The space is also regularly rented out as a venue, meaning the kitchen needs to function at a high level. The Trust’s grant will also go towards a kitchen upgrade – including replacing the current dishwashers with two new commercial-grade appliances.
“Theatre Whakatāne plays an important role in our local community,” says Trust Horizon Chairperson David Glover. “Their productions bring people together and showcase the amazing talent here in the Eastern Bay. With this grant, the Trust is thrilled to support their continued work in the performing arts.”
Rehearsals are underway for Theatre Whakatāne’s upcoming production, Stephen Sondheim’s hit 1987 musical, ‘Into the Woods’. “The show is unbelievable, I can’t wait for people to see it,” says Foxx. “The standard of the performances is just so high. We’re fortunate to have the support of organisations like Trust Horizon, to help ensure our facility is up to the same standard.”
Learn more about our Trust Horizon community funding here.