A fantastic opportunity for young local theatre makers wanting to develop their story telling skills is coming to Baycourt Community & Arts Centre.
The award-winning Tauranga venue is partnering with acclaimed professional Auckland ensemble Massive Theatre Company to deliver a free taster workshop on Wednesday 7 October, from 9am to 3pm.
Run by Massive Company’s founder and artistic director Sam Scott MNZM, and actor and tutor Villa Lemanu, the workshop is open to anyone aged 15-18 living in Tauranga Moana. Previous theatre experience is not required.
It will take place on the big Addison Theatre stage and spaces will be limited to 30 people. All young creatives who are interested in participating will need to register their interest with Baycourt before Thursday 1 October.
“Tauranga is truly spoiled with an abundance of gifted and insightful young storytellers, so when Massive offered to deliver their free taster workshop at Baycourt we leaped at the opportunity,” said manager James Wilson.
“This workshop is the first phase of a larger body of work we’re working on in collaboration with Massive as part of our Made in Tauranga initiative which is focussed on sharing Tauranga stories with our Tauranga community.”
Massive is a contemporary physical ensemble theatre company which creates new theatre works, inspired by real stories, alongside emerging and professional Kiwi actors, directors and writers.
At its heart, Massive is driven by a coal to reflect the true diversity of Aotearoa on stage using the vehicle of performing art.
“Massive love to play when we make theatre. We love to laugh, have fun, work hard, be physical, be verbal and create theatre that comes from your own experiences, stories, and ideas. You are always at the centre of the work.
“We encourage you to be the best you can be – to discover how you can be a dynamic performer who people will love to watch on stage.”
Under the watchful eye of Scott and Lemanu, participants will be asked to bring their story ideas to the October workshop which they will work on with other young creatives to create theatre pieces from.
At the conclusion of the workshop participants will also learn more about a new Made in Tauranga project which Massive have been commissioned to develop in 2021.
As part of Made in Tauranga, Baycourt commissions professional artists to work with members of the community to create works which explore the challenges, opportunities and stories of Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.
Wilson said Massive will return to Tauranga in the summer for a residency that will explore the stories of our local community. Wilson hopes that this residency may lead to a new theatre work at Baycourt that is uniquely of and about Tauranga.
“Who knows? If you come to the free workshop in October then your stories and ideas may become the foundations of a future world premiere. Wouldn’t that be absolutely amazing!”
To register for the free Massive Theatre Company Taster Workshop, visit the Baycourt Community & Arts Centre website. Registrations close midnight – Thursday 1 October.
ABOUT BAYCOURT COMMUNITY & ARTS CENTRE
Baycourt is an award-winning, Four Star Qualmark rated venue and the premier performing arts facility in Tauranga. It extensively hosts local, regional, national and international performances, conferences and exhibitions.
Located in the heart of Downtown Tauranga, the then pioneering and architecturally designed venue opened in 1983 to serve the cultural, social and commercial needs of the rapidly expanding city. It features three prominent spaces; the Addison Theatre, X Space and Terrace Rooms.
In 2019, Baycourt won Best Small Venue (under 1000 seats) and Supreme Venue of the Year at the annual EVANZ Awards which recognises the achievements and accomplishments of Aotearoa venues.
Press release from Baycourt Community & Arts Centre
