ABOUT THEATRE WHAKATANE

Theatre Whakatane is a not-for-profit, community organisation run by a hard working committee - and a bunch of enthusiastic volunteers!

The committee meets on a monthly basis to coordinate shows, manage the society, and to plan upcoming productions.

At present the committee is focused on the design and funding options for developing our rehearsal rooms into a fully functional specialist theatre, with wardrobe and workshop facility’s

Committee members stand for a term of 2 years where they can either step down or stand for re-election.

All members and interested parties are encouraged to attend our Annual General Meeting.

The Current Committee:

Patron: Ashley Dixon

Honorary Solicitor: Brian Carter (Hamertons)
President: Aidan Wright
Vice President: Olivia Mexted
Secretary: Bronwen Foxx
Treasurer: Andrew Watson
Committee: Aidan Wright, Andrew Watson, Bronwen Foxx, Ingrid McNiven, Katie Gundersen, Katy Holmes, Karen Parcell, Liz Minchington, Olivia Mexted, Rachel Geary, Scott Jarrett

Coming soon: Committee Profiles

Bronwen Foxx
Karen Parcell - President
Andrew Smith

  • President

    I can’t sing, I can’t dance, and I can’t act – so how the heck did I end up as President of Theatre Whakatāne? I started off in 2006 as stage crew dabbling occasionally in the props department. I was happy to turn up at the Little Theatre for six weeks, help out back stage, then escape and get on with my life.  Fast forward a few years and now theatre is my life. Somewhere around [whenever Seussical was] I tentatively asked if I could have a go at being Stage Manager (I thought that there would be people lined up around the block to do what I thought was the best job ever). They agreed so off I went for a couple of shows. After that I was ‘promoted’ (translation: given a heap more work) to Production Manager for a number of shows, including Phantom of the Opera. That show on its own is a tremendous undertaking, throw in Covid, and it’s exponentially more challenging. But as they say, no good deed goes unpunished, and I ended up on Committee, eventually becoming President. It’s equal parts challenging, terrifying and rewarding. But mostly it’s an absolute privilege to be part of Theatre Whakatāne and working with such an amazing bunch of people.

  • Vice President

    I have always had a passion for musical theatre and have been to many shows all around the world, but I have never been in a show so when I saw a Facebook post from Theatre Whakatāne asking for more Male Ensemble for the Phantom of the Opera, I jumped at the opportunity.

    Since then, I have been blown away by not only the performances but also all the hard work which goes on behind the scenes for every show. I was made to feel so welcome and apart of the family, that I just wanted to learn more and more. I was elected on to Committee & become Vice President in February 2022 and have really enjoyed the focus on community and the commitment from all the volunteers to ensure every show we put on is the best one yet.

    I have been excited to have my family Shannon, Anabelle, Olivia, and Hudson be a part of theatre as well recently helping with some set design and I am thrilled to have shared this journey with them. When I am not doing Theatre stuff, I am spending time with my family or looking after the Whakatāne Aquatic Centre & the Whakatāne Holiday Park with the incredible teams we have working there.

  • Vice President/Secretary

    Three years ago I decided to step outside my comfort zone and audition for The Vicar of Dibley. I was so lucky to have John White as a Director who felt that I would have a role in this amazing play. The cast was amazing and I have been bitten by the bug. I was asked to provide the Committee with some support around funding and one thing led to another and here I am as a Vice President and the Secretary. Theatre Whakatane is such a wonderful part of my life and I am enjoying encouraging my son Marshall to join in.

    I have met some of the hardest working people I know that give their all to see a show being delivered and the shows are world class. We would love for you to come and join us and be part of a wonderful community group that showcases some of the amazing talent we have to offer in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.