Masquerade ball will help fund renovation of beloved community theatre venue

The second annual Masquerade Fundraising Ball is at Riverlea Theatre is on August 21. Photo / Supplied

After a postponement thanks to Covid-19, the second annual Masquerade Fundraising Ball hosted by Riverlea Theatre will be on August 21 in their Hillcrest venue in Riverlea Rd.

"The Malcolm Barr Big Band will be there, the bar will be open, SBI Productions are supplying us with a beautiful dance floor and lighting set up ... this one is for the dancers," says event organiser Jeane Sale.

The first ball in 2019 was a huge success with more than 100 guests from Footwork Dancesport Studio, Christine Simmons Dance Studio, Dancewell Studios, Dance Connection, Directions, Limelight, and Valerie Lisette all dancing up a storm.

The Riverlea Theatre and Arts Centre governance board is fundraising to renovate and upgrade its almost-100-year-old building, which is home to Hamilton Musical Theatre (HMT), Hamilton Playbox, and Stagecraft.

Artist impression of a rebuilt Riverlea Theatre. Image / Supplied

"Riverlea Theatre isn't just a beloved community venue; it's a learning ground and space for young people to explore their creative skill sets. Kimbra [singer] performed for the very first time on our stage, Jordan Mooney [actor], Te Radar [comedian], and Carly Flynn [journalist] have all performed on our stage," says Sale.

With Stagecraft drama classes for young people, and Broadway Jr musicals produced by HMT, Riverlea Theatre is well known for its commitment to the upskilling of young thespians and supporting them through to their career aspirations.

Helmed by David Waine, the Riverlea Theatre governance board hope to achieve their goal of raising enough funds to renovate the venue and upgrade the facilities for future generations of the Waikato arts community.

Riverlea Theatre and Arts Centre is one of Hamilton's oldest community theatre venues, located in Riverlea Rd in Hillcrest.

Go to www.riverleatheatre.nz or email ball@riverleatheatre.nz