Thirty years ago, when Simon Prast decided the only way “was forward and up” forming a theatre company with “faith, passion, friends and relatives”, it was the backing and belief of Auckland’s philanthropic community that helped make it possible. We invite you to help secure our next 30 years.

In those early days, 100 bold people formed the Founding 100 gifting substantial donations to support our Theatre Foundation trust to achieve its objective: establish professional theatre on a permanent basis in Auckland. As we mark 30-years of theatre making we are renewing the promise of that founding vision and launching The Theatre Foundation 30th Anniversary Fund.

We invite you to be part of the next 30-years of Auckland’s theatre story and consider a special gift to become one of our 30th Anniversary Fund supporters.

To make a donation to the 30th Anniversary Fund or for more information, contact [email protected]

All gifts to the fund are tax deductible.

Established in 1992, following the demise of Mercury Theatre, The Theatre Foundation charitable trust was formed to establish professional theatre in Auckland on a permanent basis. To achieve this objective, the Foundation established Auckland Theatre Company later that same year.

Formed at a time of uncertainty for theatre in Auckland, in a few short years Theatre Corporate and Mercury Theatre had folded and His Majesty’s Theatre had been bowled, the founding Trustees understood that for theatre to be permanent new talent, ideas, voices, and audiences would always be needed. As well as producing theatre, the Foundation objectives include fostering interest in theatre, fostering and promoting development of new work, and encouraging talent. 

A registered charity, you can support The Theatre Foundation to continue to achieve its goals by donating to The Theatre Foundation 30^th Anniversary Fund.  

The Theatre Foundation trustees are Gordon Moller (Chair), Tim MacAvoy, Patricia Watson, Isaac Hikaka, Derek McCormack.