The New Athenaeum Theatre provides support to established and emerging
practitioners, creating new theatre and performance opportunities.

GOVERNANCE: The New Athenaeum Theatre is leased and operated by the Dunedin Collaborative Theatre Trust. The Trust was established in 2016 by a group of theatre practitioners who saw the need for a flexible, open-access, independent performance venue in Ōtepoti Dunedin.This registered charity is governed by a board of volunteers with the following objectives and purposes:
a) To establish a new Theatre in Dunedin.
b) To form and establish a new space envisioned as a central hub for performance practitioners.
c) Create a flexible rehearsal, collaborative and performance space, open to all practitioners.
d) Create a venue that can cater for a wider variety of performers and groups, through offering flexibility in staging and production support.
e) To encourage more engagement in theatre in Dunedin, through the open nature of the Theatre and rehearsal spaces.

2027 will mark the tenth anniversay of the Dunedin Collaborative Theatre Trust finding a venue at the Athenaeum Building. In addition to operating the venue we are also available to provide advice, equipment, networking opportunities, and suggestions for collaboration opportunities within Otago.

The theatre is now ‘home’ to four associate companies that
reflect some of the diverse array of performance in Otepoti Dunedin – dance, theatre, poetry, and improv. Additionally, the NAT hosts independent shows
from musicians, poets, comedians and more, all on an as-needed basis. By ensuring a venue is available when artists need it, at affordable rates, the NAT’s offerings continue to expand along with its community.

The NAT is grateful to receive support from funders, donors, and volunteers. We are particularly grateful to Creative NZ, and the Dunedin City Council for their contribution of a City Service grant.

For more information on ways you can support the NAT, please email ellie@newathenaeumtheatre.com