Performances in Theatre Studies
Lunchtime Theatre
What is Lunchtime Theatre?
Lunchtime Theatre provides easily-accessible live theatre on campus on a regular basis, and encourages and promotes the work of new and established New Zealand playwrights. Otago is the only University in the country that offers such an extensive performance programme.
When is it?
Lunchtime Theatre is every Thursday and Friday at 1 pm during teaching time each semester.
For performance programmes email theatrestudies@otago.ac.nz
How much does it cost?
- Students: $3
- Public: $5
How can I audition to participate in Lunchtime Theatre?
A steady stream of audition notices appears on Allen Hall Theatre's notice boards throughout the year, giving all Theatre Studies students a variety of opportunities to participate in the performance programme.
In addition to Lunchtime Theatre, the senior directing students will be seeking actors in each semester for their assessed performance projects.
Commissioned plays
Since 1992 Theatre Studies has maintained a policy of commissioning new scripts from invited established playwrights and from exciting new emerging writers.
This has been made possible with the support of the Performing Arts Fund of the University of Otago. These scripts are featured each year in our Lunchtime Theatre series.
Past Playwrights
Writers who have contributed scripts by invitation include:
- Hone Kouka (Mokemoke, Peach and Terry)
- Richard Huber (Bruised, The Dangerous Wife, Café Café)
- Stuart Hoar (The Vampire)
- Ana Samways (Off My Tongue)
- Patrick Evans (Stuff)
- John Downie (Light)
- Duncan Sarkies (Snooze, Bystander)
- Roger Hall (Dynamite!)
- Jean Betts (Camelot School)
- Gabe McDonnell (Bright White)
- Pip Hall (No Man’s Land)
- Ryan McFadyen (The Correct Proportions of Eva)
- Jo Randerson (The Honey Bear and the Reaper)
Playlunch: five short New Zealand plays
Five of our script commissions have been published in a volume entitled Playlunch: five short New Zealand plays, edited by Christine Prentice and Lisa Warrington for the University of Otago Press.
Plays featured in this volume are:
- The Private War of Corporal Cooper (John Broughton)
- The Rosenberg Sisters (Michaelanne Forster)
- An Illustrated Death of Eddie Fivetrees (Simon O’Connor)
- Tiggy Tiggy Touch Wood (Renée)
- Chook Chook (Fiona Farrell)