The Regent Theatre is expanding its offering of small-scale performances this year, opening up its intimate Clarkson Studio space for a series of monthly Studio Sessions.
The programme will start this Friday evening with a performance by the Nikau Harp Trio, featuring Helen Webby (harp), Cathy Irons (violin), and Paul Lee (cello), from 7.30pm.
Regent Theatre development and engagement manager Alice Currie said the line-up for the Studio Sessions would be "very diverse", with the first five shows offered in partnership with Arts On Tour NZ (AOTNZ).
"This is a fantastic opportunity for us to programme performances in our flexible Clarkson Studio, and to provide a space for these touring AOTNZ shows," Ms Currie said.
"We think it will make a nice contrast to our larger-scale shows in the main theatre, and give our audiences to experience more intimate performances."
The Clarkson Studio space was able to support a range of performances, had its own electronics and lighting, and could be used by touring groups and community groups. It could seat up to about 100 people comfortably, and was accessible by lift, she said.
"We are very keen to encourage people to use the space, and we have a community rate to hire it, so as to make it available to everyone."
The Studio Sessions will continue with monthly showcases until September.
The next show will be one-woman play Hannah by Sam Potter, on March 18; followed by Birdlife Productions’ children’s show Boy With Wings, on April 25. The NZ String Quartet will perform on May 14; Jackie Clarke will give a cabaret-style performance on June 17; folk-pop duo Looking for Alaska will perform on August 17; and improvised "Austenian" comedy musical Austen Found will be staged on September 12.
