About Waitemata Theatre



Waitemata Theatre is a community theatre group in Henderson, West Auckland. We are an incorporated charitable society established in 1977, and we put on plays in the Cellar theatre at the historic Corban Estate Arts Centre, just off Gt. North Rd.

Membership entitles members to discounted tickets to club productions, access to our costume and formal wardrobe and acting fees.

Our wardrobe and props departments, and theatre itself, can be hired by both members and non-members alike for very reasonable rates.



History of Waitemata Theatre
1977

It all started with Jan Gluszyk (a Polish construction worker) and Gladys Gluszyk (an Australian) coming from Australia to settle in New Zealand with their family in the 1970 to 1976 period.

Gladys had previous training in the theatre as an actor and Jan had 20 years of theatre experience in Australia and Europe, plus a natural flair for set design and directing. This prompted them to set up several theatre groups in Australia, including "The Redcliffe Theatre" and the "Murson Merrymakers", and to consider forming a group in New Zealand.

After settling in Auckland, Gladys joined a 'theatre skills' evening class at Henderson's Freyberg Community School, which was a good way to meet people interested in the subject. After a few sessions she persuaded the class to meet with herself and Jan at their home, to discuss the setting up of an amateur theatre group in West Auckland.

Eight people were present at the first meeting on 23rd June and a decision was made to 'give-it-a-go', initially as a learning experience for actors who did not have previous knowledge of theatre.

The first production - two One Act plays was performed at Henderson Intermediate School, a venue which was to be 'home' for the next 10 years.

The philosophy of the Theatre was to teach newcomers various aspects of Theatre work by those who were more experienced. This has continued to be our philosophy giving everyone an equal chance to fulfill their dream.

Over the years a percentage of all door sales went back into the Community and it has been well known that various schools, kindergartens, Henderson Library and also the pools have benefited financially from Waitemata Theatres productions.

Throughout the 30 years Waitemata has performed in many different venues in Waitemata never owning their own home, something we would love to see changed.

Presently we perform in "The Cellar" down on The Corban Estate Art Centre, off Mt Lebanon Lane. It is a very intimate little theatre with the reception/supper room having a wonderful ambiance as it was originally where the Corbans Wine sales shop was. The large wine barrels are still there to be seen at the entranceway.

On 03 November 2007 we celebrated 30 years with Waitemata Theatre. It was held in the Opanuku room, this being our club rooms for many years, on the Corban Estate. It was a wonderful day catching up with many.

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The Cellar,
Corban Estate Arts Centre,
426 Gt North Road,
Henderson,
Waitakere City