Every creative concept needs support - and getting your mahi across the finish line can face several hurdles.

In the performing arts space, that’s often the cost of venue hire and the risks that come with it.

It’s a familiar tale that Q Theatre often hears. Interim Chief Executive Barbara Glaser explains.

“We've been looking at it from a ‘whole of sector’ perspective. Talking to a lot of people in New Zealand - but in Auckland in particular - knowing how tough it is out there at the moment for theatre producers to have the confidence to put on a show, when there's just so much economic pressure and so much uncertainty in everything.” 

So in an effort to get more shows on stage and extra life into their space - They’ve launched the Q Season Support initiative, with applications now open until 1 September.

Head of Programming and Production Phil Evans states the purpose of the new-risk share project is “to encourage artists or companies to come to Q so we can support them if they are doing a season of work.”

What’s on offer

The initiative will see Q Theatre back a number of shows - with the hope of increasing that even further with the impending results of other funding applications - of up to $6,000 per approved show. Currently, the fund has capacity to approve up to ten productions.

Evans details “We're offering up to 50% in venue hire support - up to a total of $5,000 - and a marketing support package of up to $1,000.

“The ‘up to’ is based on the length of the season.  The minimum is three shows in Rangatira Theatre (338-470 capacity) or five shows in Loft (capacity of 117-180). To get the maximum, applications would need to be for five performances in Rangatira or 10 performances in Loft.

“There's also a shared risk very much in the artist's favour. Of the first 50% of available tickets sold, 100% of the net box office will go to the artist. After 50%, it will be an 80-20% split for the artists.”

To put into a more practical example - if season capacity is set at 300 tickets and 220 tickets are sold, the artist receives 100% of net box office for 150 tickets sold and 80% of net box office for the other 70 tickets sold. Q on the other hand, receives 20% of net box office of the final 70 tickets figure. 

Glaser enthuses “We really want to help the sector, and through our support from Auckland Council, we're in a good position to do that. If there's more support out there, we will be able to do even more. It's great for us to have our venue utilised to the maximum. We want to be busy and full and have lots of people coming into town.

“We’re just trying to make it easier for people to get in, basically. If you're putting on a show - come to us, we’re eager to help you.”

Who should apply?

If you’ve got a show that would work in one of Q’s dual theatre options - you’re in with a chance. All theatre works will be considered, with Q judging each application on its merits.

Evans calls it a great opportunity for “companies that have got a track record of successfully presenting work and a plan of how they're going to sell the work. We need to support artists that we're confident will bring an audience to the venue.” 

Glaser muses “I think there’s a lot of smaller organisations that really want to do stuff but there's quite an element of risk in there - so they haven't necessarily got large infrastructure behind them. That's where Q can be really helpful and build around them.”

“They might have a work that is going to a festival elsewhere in the country or overseas in exchange for a fee - a lot of companies work like that,"Evans adds. 

"If that is already up and running - and they're not used to hiring a venue and taking on all the risk, but they've already sunk costs in the production - this could be an absolutely fantastic opportunity. 

“It's likely to be an idea or production that's already already in formation.  If it provokes someone from the ground up to think, ‘Oh, well, I'm gonna have a go, I've always wanted to do this,’ then we’re certainly open to it.”

How to apply

The mere thought of the words ‘funding application’ can be enough to send chills down the spines of creatives. Memories of umpteen hours being wiped out of your calendar to put together proposals come rushing back.

Evans has been there before as an independent producer himself - so Q has found a way to keep it straightforward, stating that applications should only take about 10-15 minutes for those with experience.

“We've got a very simple jotform as an application, which basically asks a little bit about the piece that they're bringing. The application process will be ask for a short synopsis, a track record of the company, a couple of details about the show.”  

Glaser picks up “(Applicants) have to come to us with a plan - a production budget, a marketing plan and everything else - but what we're really well placed to do is help them amplify what they've already got and get some support with some of the venue hire.”

Evans expands “We want to help support artists to success - and what success looks like is audience turnout. We are a small team and we’ll support with marketing, but it will be the responsibility of the artists and company to sell their show. So the question we'll ask is, how are you going to sell this? Who is going to come? Why do you think they’re going to come?

“If it's an established company that we know and that have been here before, then we'll know their capability. But if they haven't, we’ll need to know who's involved - have they got the capability to put this together? Do they have a stage manager, production manager, producer? If not, how are they addressing all those things? Do they know what it takes to put on a show?” 

“If there's a fantastic idea and 80% of what we're asking for has been submitted, that's not going to be a barrier. Because we'll be on the phone saying, ‘This looks great, but we need a bit more’.”

Key dates and deadlines

With applications open, there’s no time like the present.

While submissions close on 1 September, it’s worth noting that applications will be reviewed as they are received. With that in mind, it would be prudent to start the process rather than procrastinating until deadline day. 

Glaser strongly encourages early submission, outlining that “there might be a no brainer for us” in the applications that is quickly approved while others may take some more contemplation and questions.

“It’s all about getting the best outcome for the artists and the audiences.” 

As far as the actual time frame for putting on the shows - Q has stated the window is between October 2025 and the end of June 2026. 

Evans points out “Now, clearly we don't have the venue available for all of that period, which is why we're asking for people to submit their preferred dates, a second preference and also to state whether their dates are flexible.

“If something lands as a fantastic idea that we want to support, we will support it. And if the date don't work this time, well, there'll be another occasion.” 

Glaser and Evans are inviting anyone interested to get in touch, and to come down to see some the current shows on at Q for inspiration (and a good old laugh). Bea Lee-Smith’s Colour Me Cicily and Īhaka Martyn’s He Māori? are both on 7-9 August and examples of what can be achieved in these purpose-built spaces.

Apply for the Q Season Support initiative are open until 1 September 2025, click here for details.