The Regent Theatre management has recently come under fire for its approach to staff and promoters.
Producer and promoter Ali Harper, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, said she knew the difference between "good" theatre management and "dud" management.
"And sadly, the Regent Theatre management needs some looking at.
"It’s got this reputation where people don't want to approach them because of poor past experiences.
"It’s such a shame because it’s such a beautiful building and a magnificent theatre, in a beautiful city."
Her production company, Ali-Cat Productions, produces and tours her shows, which include A Natural Woman, The Look of Love, Songs for Nobodies and A Doris Day Special.
Compared with the Theatre Royal Nelson, or the Toitoi Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, the Regent Theatre was not proactive or forthcoming with event organisers and promoters, she said.
Problems included lots of "hidden" costs, and general obstructiveness from the management, she said.
"Something needs to change.
"It would be really great for New Zealand theatres to get together and share information.
"There needs to be a template or portfolio that every theatre abides by; a shared knowledge and understanding."
Although she understood theatres were "scrambling to balance their books" since Covid-19, there needed to be better communication from the Regent Theatre management.
"As far as theatres go in New Zealand, we have one of the jewels in the crown right here in Dunedin.
"But change must happen for it to flourish again and that comes in the form of removing the toxic leadership that is choking its success."
Taieri Musical Society former president Chris Hinch said he supported an independent inquiry.
He said the Regent staff were helpful and professional, but he was personally aware of situations where "disruptive and unilateral decisions made by theatre management" made the difference between a show being profitable or not.
He noted that for Mary Poppins in 2017, "as a producer, we went above and beyond every single requirement to be respectful of the heritage nature of the venue", but were still blindsided by management decisions.
The council owns the Regent Theatre building, but it is managed by the Regent Theatre Trust of Otago.
Trust chairwoman Alison Cunningham said she was aware of Mr Kamo’s petition.
"As far as we are concerned the only specific issue Mr Kamo has raised relates to health and safety concerns associated with one aspect of a show in 2017 which were resolved at the time and in a follow up meeting with Mr Kamo.
"Mr Kamo has subsequently worked on several projects staged at the Regent as well as a couple of direct collaborations with our team for volunteers and the wider community ... We would be happy to address any concerns Mr Kamo raises with us."
Regent Theatre director Sarah Anderson declined to comment.
