The Children’s Theatre

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30610, 28 November 1964, Page 14

The Children’s Theatre

The appeal by the Canterbury Children’s Theatre for £4OOO to complete the purchase of a permanent building deserves better support than has been received so far. It is surprising that Christchurch, noted for its appreciation of such ventures, has been slow to respond to this call, in which there is some urgency. The Children’s Theatre has accumulated £3500 toward the purchase of the St. Saviour’s Anglican Church hall in Sydenham, which has two halls suitable for rehearsals and performances and other rooms readily adaptable to workshops, stores, and other facilities. The option expires at the end of the year. The Children’s Theatre Committee says that if even £2OOO is promised now, it can arrange the rest of the funds required. The Children’s Theatre deserves public support. Formed in 1952, it was the first such organisation in New Zealand. It aimed to provide the best in theatrical entertainment for children; and it has realised this aim. More important, it has encouraged children in the performing arts of drama, dance, and music. A permanent theatre would add to these opportunities and also allow children to share in designing and building sets, making costumes, and even writing and producing short plays. All this is educationally important, as children associated with the theatre are quickly stimulated in community activity. In 12 years the theatre has staged 16 productions for the enjoyment of its members and a wide public. Public provision of the minimum of £2OOO required for this acquisition would be a small recompense for these efforts.