Free Theatre Ensemble
The company works as an ensemble. The ensemble trains regularly, incorporating different styles, forms and media into its experimentation as a means of exploring the ideas that are central to the project at hand. The ensemble brings a range of skills and talents to the table, which feed and direct the work the company produces. Each production can involve a variety of new collaborations with organisations (for example the UC School of Music, CSO, Pacific Underground, A Different Light, NASDA, Te Ahikōmau a Hamoterangi, Te Pao a Tahu, Circotica and the Seven Oaks Community) and performers (for example Demarnia Lloyd, Mark Vanilau, Marcus Winstanley, Daniel Cooper and the Seasoning Ensemble, Pascal Ackermann, Jonty O'Connor, Violet French, Geoff Low, Best Bets, Yurt Party, Dark Matter, Pikachunes and many others across our series of Ubu Nights and recent productions).
Hundreds of collaborators have been involved in 100 productions since 1979. We interviewed two of them (Nansi Thompson and Stuart McKenzie) for a recent project. Below are current and recent members of the company. Click on images below to learn more.
Hundreds of collaborators have been involved in 100 productions since 1979. We interviewed two of them (Nansi Thompson and Stuart McKenzie) for a recent project. Below are current and recent members of the company. Click on images below to learn more.
Current Ensemble Members
Recent Ensemble Members
Committee and Advisory Group
Free Theatre is an Incorporated Society and decisions are made by our Committee who meet regularly to discuss Free Theatre projects and concerns. Our current Committee Members are:
President: Peter Falkenberg
Vice-President: Reuben Derrick
Secretary: Marian McCurdy
Treasurer: Greta Bond
Member: Aaron Hāpuku
Member: Sue Hassell
Following a Strategic Plan completed in 2018 the Free Theatre Advisory Group led by Michael Prentice was also formed to support the Committee and provide advice around strategic direction.
Current Advisory Group Members
Michael Prentice (Working Chair) is an independent brand and communications strategist, having previously run and lead strategic development for design and advertising agencies. He has a long history of supporting the arts - including founding Chair of The Black Grace Trust (contemporary dance); Director of the Aotea Board of Management (performing arts facilities), and Trustee of Auckland Opera Studio. He is currently a member of the Arts Council for Creative New Zealand.
Alistair Humphrey (Advisory Group Member) is the Medical Officer of Health at CDHB. Alistair is the ‘face’ of public health delivery in Canterbury - and a passionate supporter of experimental performance art a lot of which he has experienced internationally. He is also a former performer himself.
Paul Calder (Advisory Group Member) is a Partner at Duncan Cotterill and a member of their corporate and commercial team specialising in property matters.
‘Free Theatre deserves our support as a longstanding exponent of experimental theatre in Christchurch. We can all benefit from experiences which challenge and extend us, entertainment beyond the usual bounds of the safe and comfortable. Free Theatre adds vitality to the fabric of Christchurch.’
Hugh Nicholson (Advisory Group Member) was CCC’s Principal Urban Designer over the earthquakes and has just completed 2 years with Regenerate Christchurch as Design Lead working on the Residential Red Zone. Hugh is also a Board member of the Life in Vacant Spaces Trust.
‘Christchurch would be a poorer place without the Free Theatre.’
We are currently seeking an Advisory Group member with an Education focus to replace departing member Karyn McLeod.
President: Peter Falkenberg
Vice-President: Reuben Derrick
Secretary: Marian McCurdy
Treasurer: Greta Bond
Member: Aaron Hāpuku
Member: Sue Hassell
Following a Strategic Plan completed in 2018 the Free Theatre Advisory Group led by Michael Prentice was also formed to support the Committee and provide advice around strategic direction.
Current Advisory Group Members
Michael Prentice (Working Chair) is an independent brand and communications strategist, having previously run and lead strategic development for design and advertising agencies. He has a long history of supporting the arts - including founding Chair of The Black Grace Trust (contemporary dance); Director of the Aotea Board of Management (performing arts facilities), and Trustee of Auckland Opera Studio. He is currently a member of the Arts Council for Creative New Zealand.
Alistair Humphrey (Advisory Group Member) is the Medical Officer of Health at CDHB. Alistair is the ‘face’ of public health delivery in Canterbury - and a passionate supporter of experimental performance art a lot of which he has experienced internationally. He is also a former performer himself.
Paul Calder (Advisory Group Member) is a Partner at Duncan Cotterill and a member of their corporate and commercial team specialising in property matters.
‘Free Theatre deserves our support as a longstanding exponent of experimental theatre in Christchurch. We can all benefit from experiences which challenge and extend us, entertainment beyond the usual bounds of the safe and comfortable. Free Theatre adds vitality to the fabric of Christchurch.’
Hugh Nicholson (Advisory Group Member) was CCC’s Principal Urban Designer over the earthquakes and has just completed 2 years with Regenerate Christchurch as Design Lead working on the Residential Red Zone. Hugh is also a Board member of the Life in Vacant Spaces Trust.
‘Christchurch would be a poorer place without the Free Theatre.’
We are currently seeking an Advisory Group member with an Education focus to replace departing member Karyn McLeod.
