Dunedin Repertory Society president Jemma Adams said the theatre, which is best known for its school holiday children’s productions, needed a full upgrade to ensure its long-term future.
“We have a well-loved but very old building,” Ms Adams said.
The society had received lottery grants funding to explore the feasibility of refurbishing.
“Testing feasibility involves a range of building reports, but also proving the community’s need for the Playhouse.
“We want to show the Playhouse’s value to the city, both in terms of the children’s theatre and as an affordable hire venue for many other organisations,” Ms Adams said.
Alongside its children’s theatre programme, the repertory society would like to return to staging adult shows, and also share the building with the wider Dunedin arts community, she said.
"So, we would really like to know who else out there would like to use the space, and how they would like to use it."
The study would also take into account not only users of the building, but also the thoughts of potential audience members.
“The community can help us show that by sharing their stories and experiences of our children’s theatre, and by telling us how the theatre could serve the community in future.”
Last year the Dunedin Repertory Society was forced to move temporarily when a roof leak became much worse during Covid-19 lockdown.
The roof has since been replaced, and other critical repairs undertaken, at a cost of $60,000, with the support of a $40,000 grant from the Dunedin Heritage Fund
"It’s nice to know that the work has been done, everything is nice and dry in the theatre, and that new roof will last a long time," Ms Adams said.
The theatre needed more comprehensive refurbishment to endure long-term.
Playhouse stalwart Christine Colbert said the sense of community support for the children’s theatre programme was huge.
"We have so many children involved in the theatre, and it is a very supportive environment," Mrs Colbert said.
"The children get a huge amount from it."
To contribute to the study, please contact the Playhouse Theatre through the website www.playhousetheatre.co.nz, or by emailing playhousedunedin@gmail.com.
The study will conclude at the end of April, although ongoing community feedback will continue to be welcome.
