ATC keeps options open

Auckland could end up with two new theatres if a feasibility study shows its biggest company should have its own home.

The Auckland Theatre Company, borne out of the demise of the Mercury Theatre in 1992, has commissioned consultants Positive Solutions to investigate whether it needs its own building.

The study will begin early next year with an options analysis expected to take three months. The ATC will decide how to progress based on these results.

"We need to make sure that what we are doing is what our audiences want and that we are staying relevant," says ATC general manager Kim Acland.

It follows news that the Auckland City Council will give $4.6 million - plus land and buildings - so a purpose-built flexi form theatre can open in Queen St in 2008.

Acland says that while they were broadly in favour of anything that supported Auckland's performing arts, she was not sure whether the theatre would be suitable for the ATC.

"It might turn out it is a great venue for us but we have to wait and see what develops.

"I am happy the Auckland City Council is supporting the performing arts. I've been at a few functions where I have heard [Mayor] Dick Hubbard speak about the importance of embracing the arts, which is encouraging."

Acland acknowledges the ATC has previously shied away from finding a permanent home, saying after the demise of the Mercury and problems encountered by the Watershed Theatre it was wary of becoming a building-based company.

However, she says as the largest performing arts organisation in Auckland, it does have "issues" with not having its own venue. "Every great city has a great theatre company."

As the company has money in the bank, it opted to commission the report and decide how best to move forward. "We have enjoyed tremendous success and we want to ensure we are still around in another 12-15 years."

Options include having a permanent home or touring productions around other parts of Auckland using venues such as the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau or Glen Eden's Playhouse Theatre.

ATC subscribers and supporters will be questioned on the options.

Venues the ATC has used include the Herald, Maidment and SkyCity theatres, and the North Shore's Bruce Mason Centre. Early shows were performed at the Watershed Theatre.