New Plymouth's community stage since 1967
Stage Lane Players stages four productions a year at our 120-seat hall on Liardet Street. Every show has open auditions, a backstage volunteer programme, and a youth mentorship track for under-18s learning lighting, sound and stage management.
Current season
Arthur Miller's fierce drama of mass hysteria. Director: Grant Keenan. Cast of 21. Now showing.
Shakespeare in the park (weather permitting) at Pukekura Park Bowl. Free admission, koha welcome. Director: Hine Reweti.
Four actors, 139 roles. A fast, funny Hitchcock spoof. Director: Ben O'Sullivan. Auditions open January 2027.
August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning family drama. Director: TBC. Auditions open April 2027.
The Crucible — opening night RSVP
87 attending
33 spots remaining of 120 capacity
Auditions
Every Stage Lane production holds open auditions. No prior experience required — we cast on enthusiasm, commitment and fit for the role. Under-18s are welcome with a parent or guardian present.
When: Saturday 4 October, 10am–1pm & Sunday 5 October, 2–5pm
Where: Stage Lane Hall, 38 Liardet Street
Bring: A one-minute prepared monologue (any style), comfortable clothes for movement work
Roles: 14 speaking parts (6F, 6M, 2 any gender), plus fairies ensemble (any age/gender)
Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays 7–9:30pm, Sep–Nov. Tech week 10–12 Nov.
Contact: boxoffice@stagelaneplayers.co.nz or call 06 759 3100
Get involved
Come to an audition. We cast all experience levels and actively mentor first-timers through rehearsals.
Set construction, props, wardrobe, painting. Saturday build days run 10am–3pm for four weekends before each show. Tea and biscuits provided.
Usher, sell tickets, run the bar. Two-hour commitment per show night. Free ticket to another performance as thanks.
Lighting, sound and stage management. Our youth mentorship programme pairs under-18 volunteers with experienced crew for hands-on training.
Programme advertising from $80 per show. Naming rights for productions by negotiation. All donations are tax-deductible (registered charity CC67890).
About us
Stage Lane Players was founded in 1967 by a group of teachers and public servants who wanted a stage where anyone in Taranaki could perform. The hall on Liardet Street was a former dairy factory office — the original loading dock is now our stage.
We are governed by a volunteer committee of seven, employ one part-time administrator, and rely on 80+ volunteers per season. Our annual budget is funded by ticket sales (~60%), sponsorship (~25%) and grants (~15%). We receive no ongoing council funding.
Past shows
Membership
$30/year
Individual
$50/year
Household
$200/year
Patron
Box office
Tickets available online or at the door. The Crucible runs Thursday–Saturday at 7:30pm, plus a Sunday matinee at 2pm on 28 September and 5 October.