The Hawke's Bay Opera House Arts and Events Precinct in Hastings will open in February, almost six years after the century-old opera house and adjacent Municipal Theatre were shut-down because of a failed earthquake risk assessment.
The reopening target following restrengthening, refurbishment and redevelopment costing over $15 million has been confirmed with the announcement by the Hastings District Council of three appointments to the facilities management.
Glen Pickering, whose role as Opera House theatre manager was cut short by the closure in March 2014, enabling him to be available to director of Napier's Art Deco Festival, has been appointed presenter services commercial manager. Former opera house commercial manager Coltan Wright returns as corporate services manager and the presenter services community manager will be Daniel Betty, who is already in action on an "Our House" community engagement project.
An actor and director, Pickering has also held leadership roles with New Zealand Opera, been director of World Buskers Festival in Christchurch, and assistant creative director of the 2015 Cricket World Cup opening ceremony.
"What lies at the heart of all of my work is creating magical and memorable experiences that invigorate and add vibrancy to our community," he says.
Wright has wide experience across the hospitality industry, including leading sales growth at food wholesaler Service Foods Hawke's Bay, and as key account manager for VJ Distributors.
He says when the Hawke's Bay Opera House reopens it will be a "next-generation facility".
"It will be the place Hawke's Bay residents know and love, but a better and more engaging one than that I left in 2014," he says. "I'm excited to be a part of the team that brings the Opera House back to life, to make it the best facility it can be for our region and all its residents."
Betty, who holds a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts from Unitec in Auckland and a post graduate diploma in secondary teaching, has worked throughout Australasia as an actor, director, writer, educational specialist and creative leader. His work in the region includes the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival and development of youth performing arts initiatives.