Refurbishing the Playhouse

The Playhouse Theatre needs a full refurbishment to endure for the long-term.

In 2025, the Dunedin City Council approved a grant of $3.35 million towards our refurbishment project! 

We now begin the task of fundraising the remaining $2+ million to ensure this work can go ahead.

PROJECT HISTORY

In 2021 the Dunedin Repertory Society (the building owners) commissioned a feasibility study looking at what a refurbishment would involve, how much it might cost, and whether was needed by the community. The study found strong support for the Playhouse, both for the role our Children's Theatre plays in the community, and as a uniquely sized theatre within the city. 

The feasibility study included concept sketches of a design to demolish our 1960s extension (the stage and backstage areas), and rebuild it bigger and better - which would allow the front part of our main building to be reconfigured for much improved accessibility and circulation space. Our auditorium and large social space above would be retained, strengthened and improved, and special attention would be paid to preserving the building's character and heritage. The theatre would be fitted out with new technology too.

In 2022 we joined up with fellow venues the Athenaeum Building and the Mayfair Theatre to explore a concept for refurbishing all three venues in sequence. Our "theatre network" approach was a collaborative solution to the city's struggle for fit-for-purpose performing arts venues, with the added advantage of saving three heritage buildings across the north, centre and south of the city, and supporting the amazing activities already going on inside those buildings. You can read more on the Dunedin Theatre Network website.

You can help!

Saving the Playhouse for the long term is a huge project. It'll take a village!

You can help us by coming to events at the theatre, and by supporting our future fundraising efforts. 

In the meantime, you are VERY welcome to donate to our society (and we have charitable status to enable rebates). Please drop us a line at playhousedunedin@gmail.com, or you can donate directly via our Dunedin Repertory Society account: 03-0883-0151012-000.

Stay in touch with us on Facebook or on Instagram - our handle is @playhousedunedin

Thank you for your support - let's ensure we can keep this treasure going for many years to come!