Performing arts theatres across New Zealand are opening their doors to the public and Howick’s Harlequin Musical Theatre is excited to be part of the action.
The Big Theatre Open Weekend is run by Music Theatre NZ from March 4-5.
Harlequin committee member Sonya Mills says the theatre on Pakuranga Road is the “hub of musical theatre excellence in our community”.
It’s proud to be part of the event and along with theatres nationwide is opening its doors to share what it’s all about.
“Theatre is an outlet for many people in the local community,” Mills says.
“It allows actors, singers, dancers, builders, set designers, directors and people from all walks of life to come together for a common goal and provide a service to the community.
“Behind every person on stage there is usually another two or three backstage working in the areas of wardrobe, properties, set building, stage crew, hospitality, marketing, make-up, hair design, lighting and sound.
“The weekend will provide an opportunity to see what these areas are all about.”
Mills says the theatre’s doors will be open to the public for tours from 11am-12pm on March 4.
Local residents are also invited to watch a rehearsal of its next production, School of Rock, from 2-3pm on March 5.
“If you’ve ever thought — ‘I enjoy theatre but could never do that’, or ‘I could be good at publicity and marketing’, or you’d like to find out more about making costumes or love singing or wonder how they made that scenery, this is your chance to have a look at what makes your local community theatre company tick and meet an awesome team of volunteers.”
Harlequin Musical Theatre is behind the Howick Leisure Centre at 563 Pakuranga Rd, Howick.
