About Us - Canterbury Repertory Theatre

“Theatre for All in the Heart of Christchurch!”

“We are a theatre company that provides quality theatre at affordable prices for everyone. We offer open auditions for new and experienced actors, opportunities for training in all aspects of theatre, and employ professional directors whom we pay. Membership and social events are provided.”
– Dianne Jones, Repertory Chairperson 2015Repertory’s first production was on 15 November 1928, and the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society (Inc.) was incorporated on 1st April 1930.The Society’s founding objectives are to:

produce plays of literacy and artistic merit
conduct drama classes and readings

foster public interest in dramatic art, and to carry out these objectives only within New Zealand.

The Society has been serving its members and the community for over 85 years.

Repertory Theatre, 146 Kilmore St

In 1950 Repertory purchased the theatre at 146 Kimore Street in central Christchurch that had been its home from the very beginning. The Society remained in residence there until the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 caused irreparable damage to the theatre and it was later demolished.

As a non-profit incorporated society Repertory is run predominantly by volunteers who love entertaining and being involved in a friendly environment. If you would like to become involved either actively or as a supporter please fill in the form at the Becoming a Member page. Repertory is a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity that has operated with limited finances relying on membership fees, ticket sales, sponsorship, charitable grants and donations, and fund raising events. Membership is open to anyone and training and skills development is encouraged and given freely by other members.

Canterbury Repertory Theatre remains committed to presenting quality theatre in our region and supporting other local and national charitable organisations for many generations to come.

Want to get more involved?

You don’t become one of New Zealand’s most beloved community theatre companies without a little help from some friends. Everybody can get involved in the production of our stage shows in their own unique way!

We are constantly on the lookout for people to assist the running of the Canterbury Repertory Theatre. You can help in a number of ways – be that financially, practically, or in an acting or audience capacity.

Here are just some of the things that you can do to help us out. Thanks in advance!

Here are just some of the ways you can be more involved and help us out. Thanks in advance!