Local entertainers are set to come together to put on a free show for the Rotorua community as a way of celebrating a new performance resource for the city.
Arts Night Out is a one night arts event utilising Rotorua's new community stage at The Arts Village on Wednesday.
The outdoor modular stage was the result of $11,000 raised from the community and main funder Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, along with additional business sponsors Rotorua Multicultural Council, More FM Rotorua and Geohazard Environmental.
People are encouraged to bring blankets, cushions and chairs and gather outside for live music and performances by local artists from 5pm to 7pm, as well as a live play reading from 7pm to 9pm.
The live play reading by locals, of The 53rd Victim by Pip Hall is presented by Big Picture Minor Deets by arrangement with Playmarket.
The Arts Village manager Mary-Beth Acres said it was exciting to have the first performances take place on the stage.
Acres encouraged people to come along because it was free and had a great selection of local talent.
The seven acts which will be performing between 5pm to 7pm include West African Drumming and Dance Rotorua, Intricate Melody (Ian Pirrie and Angela Frank), Bobby Howard, Selwyn and Mary Wright, Rob Howard, Thermeleles and Trojan John.
Simone Walker (left) and Mary-Beth Acres on the outdoor modular stage at the Arts Village. Photo/Ben Fraser
She said it would have a festival atmosphere.
Simone Walker said she was super excited the stage offered another performance space in Rotorua.
"We are really looking forward to bringing a large cast for Play On to the stage," Walker said.
She said there were eight cast members with some playing multiple characters.
The play is based on a true story of a New Zealand woman who pretended to be a doctor in the 2005 London bombings.
"We are excited to be in a new space and to see all the fantastic performances that's going to come before us as well."
Walker said the stage was inviting and because it was portable and could be rented out opened it up to other people who had a talent to share with the community.
She encouraged the community to get behind the event because it was a good way to slide into the long weekend, and would be a relaxed and casual evening with fantastic entertainment.
"It's a great way to see a whole showcase of local talent and a perfect place for a picnic."
Food and drinks will be on sale from Arts Village Cafe, which will have a special menu for the night, though people are also welcome to bring along their own picnic.
Entry is free, but a koha of $5 is encouraged to support more creative events for the community.
If the weather is bad the event will be postponed until February 28.
The event is supported by funding from Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, Rotorua Arts Village Trust and funds tagged by Shakespeare Outside towards performance art.
