Announcing the New Zealand premiere of THE UNDERSTUDY by Theresa Rebeck.
Fledgling theatre company The Studio, celebrates emerging actors with a comedy about theatre.
Opening tomorrow night, the second production from The Studio gives Auckland theatregoers the rare chance to experience
a work by one of America’s leading contemporary playwrights.
“The Understudy” by Theresa Rebeck and directed by Amie Bentall, captures the dilemmas, dramas and ‘diva moments’ during
a final rehearsal as the stage manager Roxanne desperately tries to get everything right. Featuring a cast of three with
simple staging, it is an intimate theatre experience.
It was a coup for the relatively new theatre group to obtain the rights for the NZ premiere of this work however, they
secured the rights to the Auckland premiere of “An Unseasonable Fall Of Snow” by Gary Henderson which enjoyed a short
season in March this year.
Following on from “The Understudy”, The Studio has announced their third and final show for the year will be the World
Premiere of a new work by local writer, Peter Boyes. A comedy entitled “White Gold”, it promises to appeal to “more New
Zealanders than a political party”.
The Studio was created to offer a smaller theatre experience where experimental and innovative productions can be
staged. Encouraging new and returning actors, new directors, new writers and new designers to gain experience at
professional standards, The Studio provides an environment tailored to nurture emerging talent.
Artistic Director, Terry Hooper explains, “Our mission is to present three short seasons of plays and a series of
regular staged readings each year. We introduce new talent to all aspects of theatre, from the technical designers and
crew to the production team, directors, actors and more.
Our first production features a first-time director, with an established (usually NZ-based) play. The second production
is an established play selected for emerging actors to shine, with an experienced director. Finally, the third
production is a new work written by a new local playwright, supported by an accomplished production team - both on and
off stage.”
The New Zealand Premiere of The Understudy by Theresa Rebeck is on Wednesday 6th August. The short season continues
until Saturday 9th August, all shows are at 8pm with one Saturday matinee at 2pm.
Bookings:
Tickets: $18 (adults), $15 (concession) and $15 (for groups of 6+). Door sales will be available on the night. Running
Time: 90 minutes (no interval)
ENDS