Wellington’s Downstage Theatre, NZ's oldest running professional theatre company, will close this weekend. The Board said the closure followed a decision by Creative New Zealand not to fund the theatre in 2014.

CNZ CEO Stephen Wainwright said Downstage had struggled to meet audience and financial targets and its latest funding application was unable to demonstrate a compelling plan to improve.

As a result Downstage’s application, under the Toi Uru Kahikatea (Arts Development) investment programme, was declined.

“The Arts Board agreed that it could not continue to fund Downstage when there were other art organisations making stronger, more compelling cases for funding.

“Downstage has been a significant part of the theatre ecology and this was a decision we took very seriously.”

The balance of Downstage’s 2013 funding under the Toi Uru Kahikatea programme will be paid out as a lump sum to assist Downstage to meet its commitments.

Downstage Theatre Trust chair, Allan Freeth, said the Board had not taken the decision to close lightly.

“Downstage has a fifty year history of bringing outstanding theatre experiences to Wellington audiences.

“In recent years the theatre has pursued a new model – based on partnerships with artistic companies, taking risks on new works, and creating a supportive environment for artists.

“It is not possible to continue this work without adequate and stable funding.”

Mr Freeth said the Board acknowledged the many achievements of the individuals and artists who have worked with Downstage over the years, and the professionalism and hard work of the theatre’s staff.  In particular, the Board acknowledged the contribution of CEO and Director Hilary Beaton.

The theatre closure will take place immediately following the season of Live at Six, scheduled to end on September 21.

Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Wellington City Council’s Arts and Culture portfolio holder, said Downstage has put in heroic efforts in recent years to keep operating and has been an exemplar in terms of its creative output.

“Downstage has had a great and storied history over the past five decades. It has delighted generations of Wellington theatre-goers and has launched many careers.

“However all artistic endeavour has a life cycle.”

Cr Ahipene-Mercer said the City Council will work to encourage and assist any theatrical ventures that rise in Downstage’s place.

In 2014 Downstage, Wellington’s first professional theatre, was due to celebrate its 50th anniversary and had called for proposals to celebrate it.

It's history was highlighted in
Downstage Upfront: A 40th Anniversary Biography by John Smythe, with the photos featured in the Downstage Historical Gallery, and in this article in The Wellingtonian for the theatre's 45th anniversary in November 2009.