The Hawke's Bay Opera House is one of four central North Island venues offering people a chance to see a show free.
However, to become a "test driver" of the arts under the Creative New Zealand initiative, you must be over 18 and not have seen a live performance atthe participating venues in the past three years.
The initiative, which has run since last year, is aimed at boosting audience numbers by way of attracting people who would not usually attend live shows. In return, the test drivers are asked to fill in a feedback form, and may receive offers or discounts on show tickets.
It grew out of a UK audience development initiative and was backed by a survey asking people what shows or performances they would like to see.
The opera house is part of a Central North Island arts consortium, including venues in Hamilton and New Plymouth, which brings shows to those regions and is also involved in the test drive initiative.
