Queenstown performing arts groups Remarkable Theatre and Showbiz Queenstown are looking for a new home.
The lease has expired on their shared base for the past two decades, the former ambo station in Isle St, with the lessee of the neighbouring Queenstown Lakeview campground, Hampshire Group, working on plans to repurpose the building.
Showbiz Queenstown committee member Marty Newell says the groups had to move out last month, and an alternative space has yet to materialise.
Currently deep in rehearsals for its upcoming production of Into the Woods, Showbiz has been using temporary venues, with Queenstown’s council providing storage space for their gear.
"We’re calling ourselves the revolving circus — we’re going around whatever venues are free at the time," Newell says.
Ideally, they’d like a long-term home where they can rehearse, store wardrobes and props, and build sets.
"If anybody has somewhere they think would work for us, we’d love to have a look.
"We’re open to anything — even land where we could put a prefab unit or something — nothing’s out of the realms of possibility."
The council gave them plenty of warning about the Isle St lease expiring, and have been highly supportive, he says.
Remarkable Theatre president Chris MacKenzie says the resort town’s rapid growth means there aren’t a plethora of old buildings available with cheap leases like in other centres.
"It would be great if we could put a building up somewhere, or if someone had an old building and could take us under their wing.
"If we get something on a long lease, then we can fundraise and do a fit-out to make it suit our purposes."
Rehearsing in temporary spaces is problematic, MacKenzie says.
"If we’ve got to pack it all up while it’s being used by someone else during the day, that’s a trouble."
Above all, both groups want to continue their 20-year collaboration.
"We’re stronger together."
