A new survey confirms that the limited number of theatres in Auckland is not meeting the city's demand for the performing arts, says Q Theatre general manager Susanne Ritzenhoff.

Of the 684 Aucklanders surveyed across the greater Auckland region, only one in five believe Auckland already has sufficient venues to stage all its events and performances. At the same time, 82 percent of those surveyed believe it was important that Auckland has venues to stage events that would otherwise not come to Auckland.A new survey confirms that the limited number of theatres in Auckland is not meeting the city's demand for the performing arts, says Q Theatre general manager Susanne Ritzenhoff.

Of the 684 Aucklanders surveyed across the greater Auckland region, only one in five believe Auckland already has sufficient venues to stage all its events and performances. At the same time, 82 percent of those surveyed believe it was important that Auckland has venues to stage events that would otherwise not come to Auckland.The UMR Research online poll, which has a margin of error of 3.7%, was commissioned by Q Theatre, which has secured 70% of the required funding, or $14.3 million, for a new Queen St theatre.

Ritzenhoff said the research confirmed what Q had identified in its feasibility study.

"With the limited theatre offering in Auckland, potential theatre goers are not well served and more Aucklanders would attend the theatre if there were more options.

"Flexibly configured theatres, of the design and scale proposed by Q, are widely recognised as the source of much innovation in the arts and creative industries, yet the Maidment is the only theatre of this size in Auckland.

"By comparison, Wellington has five theatres of this size and Brisbane has seven. If Auckland wants to be a leader in the performing arts space then we need to extend our offering.

"More than half of those surveyed went to the theatre in the past year, yet 66% said they would attend an event they were interested in if it were held at the proposed Q Theatre. This suggests there is demand for theatre that is not being met."

Nearly half (46%) of respondents thought their local council was supportive of the performing arts in the Auckland region while less than one-third (31%) of respondents thought central government was supportive of the performing arts in the region.

The survey also asked Aucklanders a number of questions about the importance of the role performing arts plays within our society. Of those surveyed:

· 85% believe exposure to arts/cultural events is an important part of a child's education

· 81% believe cultural events like these help develop Auckland's cultural identity

· 74% believe cultural events are good for Auckland's economy

· 73% believe it is important for Auckland to be seen as a region with a strong and vibrant arts scene

· 74% believe Q Theatre will enhance Auckland's reputation for having high quality arts events and activities

· 70% believe young singers/actors/dancers and other performers need a venue like Q Theatre to encourage them to stay in Auckland.

"As someone involved in the performing arts, these results are very encouraging in terms of understanding the important role we are playing in New Zealand society," said Ms Ritzenhoff.

"The results also reiterate the importance of getting new theatres including the purpose built mid-sized Q Theatre up and running in Auckland."

Q Theatre will provide a place where the country's young talent can reach its creative potential as well as meeting the needs of Auckland theatre goers from across the region. Q Theatre is scheduled for opening in 2010.

About Q Theatre

Q Theatre will be a mid-sized professional theatre in Queen St, Auckland, seating between 350 and 450 people. The stage and seating can be reconfigured, leading to different experiences for every audience.

Q Theatre aims to fill a gap in Auckland's theatre needs and to provide theatre, dance, musicals, comedy, and small operas. Q Theatre hopes its size and flexibility will make performing arts more accessible to audiences. It will give groups, who might not otherwise be able to stage their shows because of a lack of suitably-sized and equipped theatres, an opportunity to present their work.

Q Theatre has secured 70% of its funding with $14.3 million. Q is scheduled for opening in 2010.

As well as providing an important addition to the Auckland region's existing arts and entertainment venues Q Theatre aims to:

- provide a venue where actors and other professional performing artists can establish their careers in Auckland

€¢ provide a meeting place for artists and audiences, and become a hub for the performing arts in Auckland

- be a place that the city can be proud of both architecturally and artistically.

About the survey

The survey was based on an online poll (Sayit) by UMR Research of a sample of 684 Aucklanders aged 18 years of age or over. Fieldwork was conducted from 3 to 11 June 2008.

The margin of error for a 50% figure at the '95% confidence level' for a sample of 684 is plus or minus 3.7%.

Q Theatre press release