University signs with drama company to build waterfront theatre
AUT's partnership with Auckland Theatre Company is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
AUT's partnership with Auckland Theatre Company is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
AUT University is investing $5 million in the waterfront theatre project at Auckland's Wynyard Quarter's Innovation Precinct.
The partnership with Auckland Theatre Company is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
AUT will own 15% of the limited liability company established to develop, own and maintain the new theatre.
"The new theatre will be a centre for cultural development and expression in New Zealand and AUT is thrilled to be part of bringing that to Auckland. The initiative is an investment in our community and a relationship that will benefit students, the artists and wider society," AUT vice chancellor Derek McCormack says.
The university's interest will provide benefits and opportunities in a wide variety of AUT disciplines that interface with performing arts, including arts management, education, event management, languages and cultures, art, spatial design, fashion design, creative technologies, creative writing and media studies.
The project includes a 600-seat theatre, designed specifically for drama and dance, access to a 200-seat auditorium within the adjacent ASB Bank head office development owned and developed by Kiwi Income Property Trust, a shared courtyard and other facilities.
The new theatre will become the permanent home of the theatre company.