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Summer Theatre has been entertaining the Ōtautahi Christchurch community for over 30 years. The Christchurch City Council are proud to be associated with providing free outdoor theatre once again in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with thanks to our naming rights partner, Anthony Harper. Together, we warmly extend an invitation for your proposals for the 2026 season.
Full details regarding the format of your proposal are provided in the attached request for proposals document, but it is essential the production is suitable for outdoor staging and has general appeal appropriate for the enjoyment of an audience 12 and up.
Key dates and funding information are provided below:
Submission and notification dates:
The proposal deadline is midnight Wednesday 23rd July 2025.
A selection panel with theatre, arts and events experience will assess all applications, appoint the successful Summer Theatre production company, and inform all applicants of the result by Monday 28th July 2025.
Show dates:
The season will run from January 9th 2026 – specific show dates are negotiable with the successful company.
Funding:
The successful company will receive a payment of $55,000+GST (across three instalments) and support from council in-kind to produce Anthony Harper Summer Theatre 2026.
We look forward to receiving your proposals. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or queries.
Email: jamie.hanton@ccc.govt.nz for a copy of the application guide.