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OPINION:
It's been a tough series of months for community theatre.
The Covid-19 lockdown was an economic gut-punch no one was expecting - theatre certainly didn't.
The new rules meant no shows, and no shows meant no revenue.
Shows were cancelled, moved and postponed - some even four times over. Even the Prime Minister apologised for that one.
Now, seats in our community theatres are filling up as people regain the confidence to get out and about again.
Community theatre is making a comeback after Covid and it's great to see.
A comeback means more shows, and more shows mean more money - cash that goes straight back into the community.
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Advertise with NZME.Like Tauranga Musical Theatre president Jeremy Sparrow said, ticket sales are important for not-for-profit theatres as all profits go directly back into staging future shows.
Putting on shows is where community theatres make the bulk of their profit, as well as through the generosity of sponsors and funding.
Shows are needed to be able to continue to run our community theatres. Bums on seats count, now more than ever and it has been great to see the phenomenal support from our communities.
We're lucky in New Zealand to be able to stage live theatre when productions around the world are shutting down due to Coronavirus.
Since we've come out of lockdown, it's been good to see new names and faces on our community stages and directing or choreographing shows.
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The team at Rotorua Musical Theatre spent lockdown reviewing, planning and strategising for a new 2021. That included trying to recruit new faces to the theatre.
President Bobby Mihi Howard said that's led to well-attended show seasons and increased ticket sales.
It takes months to plan and put on a show. From recruiting a creative team of a director, musical director, choreographer and production manager to auditioning cast members - it's a big process.
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Advertise with NZME.Then there's the backstage team, including costumes, props, lighting, sound, marketing and front of house.
And let's not forget, these are usually all volunteers - everyday people who give up their time after work, study, or school to entertain us.
If you've ever seen live theatre in the Bay, you'll know we have some extremely talented people keen to share their undeniable love for music, dance and drama.
So because Covid-free New Zealand allows us, go and see live theatre. Let your locals entertain you.
Our community theatres need us, so let's show them some support.