The full text of Downstage's media statement released on September 15, followed by answers to questions they have received.

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Downstage Theatre Trust’s Board and Director/CEO have decided to postpone or cancel shows from mid-October through to December this year, in order to focus on planning for 2012 and beyond.

Director/CEO Hilary Beaton said this year had been a “perfect storm” of challenges for the company.

“While 2011 has seen remarkable artistic success, we have not met a number of targets in a very tough economic climate.”

Creative New Zealand’s recent announcement that it would offer Downstage multi-year funding was an expression of support for the organisation, its staff, and the Presenting Partners model, which is unique in New Zealand. The partnership model provides financial support for independent theatre companies to present distinctive New Zealand theatre works in a main stage venue. Partners have the opportunity to grow their professional practice in a sustainable way and to attract audiences for new works.

Over the last three years Downstage’s Presenting Partnerships have enabled Wellingtonians to see outstanding New Zealand creative professionals telling our diverse stories, in our voices, through innovative, high-quality, exciting theatre.

“We remain committed to developing 21st century performing arts practice, and working in partnership with the independent sector – the source of New Zealand’s most compelling theatrical creativity.” Beaton says.

“If theatre is to remain a vital art form, we must bridge the gap between fringe practice and sustainable professionalism, while retaining the creative edge that will engage new generations of audience. With support from our funders and sponsors we will further develop our model to ensure 2012 and future years are a success for our partners, our audiences, and Downstage.

“The decision to reduce this year’s programme has been carefully considered, as we recognize the impact this will have on our staff, audiences, sponsors, Presenting Partners, and suppliers. We’re grateful to have their support, as well as that of Creative New Zealand, Wellington City Council, Hannah Playhouse Trust, and Downstage Theatre Society.”

“We expect to re-launch in April 2012, following the International Festival of the Arts, “ Beaton said.

Downstage’s current show, Te Radar’s Eating the Dog, is not affected by these decisions. All performances are as scheduled and tickets are selling fast.

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Why are you doing this?

We believe Downstage plays an important role in the New Zealand arts industry, the regional economy and Wellington’s cultural identity. We want to be there for the long-term and unfortunately, this is a moment where short-term sacrifices have to be made. No one is pleased by the need to take these steps, but we want to do whatever it takes to remain a leading organisation in New Zealand performing arts.

What went wrong?

First of all a great many things went right: Downstage has operated under its current model for three years, recording small surpluses in two. In that time we have presented some of the best new New Zealand theatre of our time, brought new audiences to the theatre, delivered a growth in ambition and practice within the sector and been nominated in the Wellington Gold Awards for an innovative and successful business model in the Creative Industry. Downstage Presenting Partners also received 11 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards from 25 nominations in 2009/2010.

Many factors contributed to our current situation. The first is that our success occurred within the context of a reduced funding situation which put pressure on all our operations. In addition, due to the current economic climate, corporate sponsorship has been down across the sector and we felt the effects of this. 2011 has also seen household spending on the arts continue its downward trend, and we understand audiences are down across the sector.

Our model is designed to insulate vulnerable independent companies from Box Office risk, however in an extraordinarily challenging year, that burden grew to the point where we ourselves became vulnerable.

So what is your plan now?

The Downstage Theatre Trust is working to secure additional financial resources over the coming months while the organisation has taken every possible step to cut expenditure.

We are taking this opportunity to examine our operations and our strategy with a view to delivering an operating model for this theatre that a) remains true to our core values and b) is built with increased robustness in mind, given the ongoing economic uncertainty.

Have there been job losses?

Yes. Regretfully several staff whose jobs depend on the cycle of productions through the theatre have had their positions disestablished. However continuing with full staff was unsustainable under present circumstances. Downstage is providing them with assistance and support in their search for further employment.

Doesn’t this mean the Presenting Partner model doesn’t make economic sense?

No. The model delivers ongoing value to the industry in terms of sustainability for independent companies, and in 2009 & 2010 Downstage registered a financial surplus under this model.

Furthermore the model, while unique to New Zealand, has proven itself financially sound in Australia, the United States and England, among others.

This situation does requires us to examine what steps can be taken to increase the robustness of our model, now that our base funding has been determined for the next two years. We remain committed to the value of this model within our industry and as a means of delivering to audiences the very best of New Zealand’s theatre creative.

Does this mean the theatre has essentially closed?

No.

We remain in business as an organisation, and we have several venue hire-based performances still on the schedule for this year. Our associates will also access our facilities for rehearsal and workshop purposes. The Hannah Playhouse will remain a locus of creativity and artistic practice for the remainder of 2011.

What about people who have already bought tickets to cancelled shows?

We are personally contacting all presold ticket holders for affected shows to arrange refunds. Anybody with concerns about their tickets is welcome to contact us directly on 801 6946 or box_office_manager@downstage.co.nz .

What do you think you’ll do differently?

It is too early to say at this stage.

How can I help?

Buy a ticket to Te Radar's Eating the Dog and Soundstage: Bella Kalolo and the Soul Symphony. These are both exceptional performances from the kind of Kiwi artists Downstage is proud to partner with.

You are welcome to write a letter of support to Creative New Zealand and the Wellington City Council. We are also actively seeking new sponsorship relationships and donors who support the vision of staging fully professional, contemporary New Zealand theatre in the capital.

www.downstage.co.nz