Sumner - sleepy seaside suburb of Christchurch New Zealand - is home to Matuku Community Theatre (previously known as Sumner Theatre Group).
This energetic volunteer group of amateur thespians produces a variety cabaret show every year, performed over Friday and Saturday nights for a limited season.
Singers, dancers, prop-masters, lighting, stage crew and more; all give their time to produce a show that is always “wow - even better than last year's!”
Our home is Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre.
Community Theatre with heart
We sell six shows at a large discount to organisations such as community groups, sports clubs and schools. This enables them to fundraise while having a great social night.
Two shows we retain for our member friends, families and supporters, to enable the group to fundraise for their own expenses.
Charitable status
Incorporated Society Name: Matuku Community Theatre INCORPORATED
Previously known as Sumner Community Centre Inc. trading as Sumner Community Theatre
NZBN: 9429042837121
Incorporation Number: 219926
Incorporated Society Status:
Date of Incorporation: 05-Jul-1962
Charities Services Registration Number: CC28910
This incorporated society is registered as a charity on the Charities Register.
Creating the show
Early each year, an 'ideas night' is held. Everyone is invited to contribute ideas for scenes or skits for the next cabaret. After a second 'ideas night', the format and scripts are set and a production committee is formed. An overall director works with the individual directors of each scene.
In May, those who have registered their interest during the year are given the opportunity to join the cast on sign up night for auditions and read-through.
Rehearsals
Rehearsal begin early mid May and run every Sunday and Monday evening. The two weekends before opening nights are busy ones, with final dress rehearsals and lighting / staging practices held during the day and evenings from Sunday through to Wednesday evening of the final week of rehearsals.
In joining the show you are committing to attend rehearsals and, of course, all of the eight shows which run every Friday and Saturday night for four weeks. There are no under-studies, the show must go on, and if you have committed to a part in the show then come hell or high water you must be there!
While there is a sense of great pressure at times, everyone enjoys what they do and a lot of fun is had.