This is one of the most challenging times in The Court Theatre’s forty-year history. The February earthquake has abruptly halted the theatre’s activities within The Arts Centre, which has been the company’s home for the past 35 years. The lease has been terminated and we understand it will be a very long time before the building is usable again. Without a home, a place to put on some of the country’s best theatre, The Court cannot survive.

But now, after months of concerted effort by a multitude of people, there is opportunity. A space has been found that can house The Court, a place where the company can resume performances and provide entertainment to the people of Christchurch as the central city heals.

A house has been found – it is our intention to convert it into a home before the end of the year. This is no small undertaking and The Court cannot fund this project alone. Recognising the scale of the work to be done, The Court Theatre Trust has created a Fundraising Executive to lead the donation efforts.

The earthquake on 4 September 2010, The Court Theatre resumed performances as quickly as possible and remained committed to its home in the Arts Centre.

However, the more destructive quake of 22 February 2011 caused significant damage to the Arts Centre buildings.

A thriving arts sector will be of crucial importance to restoring the health of the economy as well as the spiritual well-being of Christchurch.

The Court has had to leave its home of the last thirty-five years.

The Court Theatre Trust has built up modest reserves over the years by regularly saving small sums. This rainy day fund is now being called upon and the Trust will commit everything it can to now save the company. Sufficient funds will be reserved to maintain working capital.

It is a time of great challenges but also one of tremendous opportunity for The Court to consolidate and reinforce its position as New Zealand’s leading theatre company whilst the city rebuilds and revitalises itself.

The Court Theatre’s new facility in Addington has been affectionately dubbed “The Shed” due to its original purpose as a grain storage silo.

The Shed’s impressive dimensions are 40m x 80m (3200 square metres), and is 11m at its highest point.

The new auditorium is designed to replicate and improve on all the things we’ve come to love about The Court, including:

• The intimacy between the stage and the audience.
• 300 larger and more comfortable seats.
• Better sight lines due to an increased rake of the seating bank.
• Built from Kingspan panels, it will be thermally and acoustically insulated.
• All departments of The Court Theatre will be housed in The Shed.
• Offices for administration, marketing, wardrobe and management will be inside portacoms.
• The box office and bar will be inside modified shipping containers.
• There will be a large stage in the foyer for speeches, presentations and performances by local musicians and artists.
• There are over 100 on-site car parks.