Northland Youth Theatre alumni include Suzy Cato (left), Craig Parker and Rachel House, who all used to perform at Forum North.
Northland Youth Theatre alumni include Suzy Cato (left), Craig Parker and Rachel House, who all used to perform at Forum North.
New Zealand’s longest-running youth theatre is celebrating 40 years of success championing the talent of rangatahi from Te Tai Tokerau and beyond.
Northland Youth Theatre is marking the milestone the way it knows best: a showcase of creativity on November 28 and 29.
The youth theatre was founded in Whangāreiin the summer of 1984 and 1985 by Alan Palmer, thanks to his experience with Britain’s National Youth Theatre.
Chairwoman Julie Edwards first got involved with Northland Youth Theatre in the 1980s as a 16-year-old.
“Alan Palmer, the founder and first director, how he started the youth theatre was just beautiful, it was second-to-none.
“We were all billeted at [Whangārei Girls’ High School’s] Lupton House and spent the entire eight to 10 weeks of summer just living and breathing three to four different productions.”
Northland Youth Theatre alumni include children’s TV host Suzy Cato, TV and film star Craig Parker – best known for his role on Shortland Street, plus actor and director Rachel House – best known for her roles in Taika Waititi films.
Northland Youth Theatre now works with up to 70 young performers, including Freddy Barnes (left), Evelynn Nutbean and Isabella Horsley.
It also employed New Zealand acting professionals to help lead the young talent and, at one stage, toured shows around Northland schools, she said.
Since its inception in 1985, Northland Youth Theatre has produced more than 120 shows, fostering confidence, creativity and lifelong friendships.
Edwards believed the secret to success has been whanaungatanga [kinship] offered to young people from all walks of life – not just for young actors, but also those interested in writing, set design and technology.
“It’s a space where kids can express their differences and create stories that reflect themselves.”
Across the decades, funding has been a key challenge, and Edwards was grateful to the likes of Foundation North, Creative New Zealand, SkyCity and Creative Northland for ongoing support.
Northland Youth Theatre chairwoman and alumni Julie Edwards still takes to the stage herself. Photo / Peter Jennings
Northland Youth Theatre has now morphed from summer sessions to year-round drama classes for youth aged 6 to 25.
Edwards said there is a growing demand, with more than 70 young people involved, plus a waiting list.
The organisation desperately needs a purpose-built home which can cater for all these young people throughout the year, she said.
Northland Youth Theatre was originally part of the Forum North Trust, but when the newly formed Whangārei District Council disestablished this trust in 1992 it became an independent entity.
Edwards said that since then, the theatre has had a wide range of homes which have never quite been right.
The council has given it a peppercorn lease on a former toy store in Reyburn House Lane, but the uninsulated building gets so hot in summer that rehearsals have to be run outside, she said.
Despite the difficulties, both the senior and junior performers will take to the stage on Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29, to help mark the 40th anniversary.
The performances at OneOneSix on Whangārei’s Bank St include two theatresports shows, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner by the senior team, at 5.30pm on the two nights.
The junior show, The Maps We Make, includes five original stories and will be performed at 11am and 2pm on November 29.
The celebrations also include shared kai for family and friends, and a dance party on November 29 where people will be dressing up as the characters they have played, Edwards said.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
