Join us on stage!
We’re excited to announce that our next production is
The Pirates of Penzance: The Modern Version!
The show season will be 6 May - 23 May 2027.
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Book your audition now. Auditions are Sat 12 Sep 2026
(Other Audition times can be arranged for those that cannot make the Sat 12 Sep)
Why audition for us?
It’s time to put yourself out there! If you got FOMO from all of our behind the scenes sneak peeks of Les Misérables, here’s your chance to join in on the fun and have an experience of a lifetime.
Being in a Waiata show is so incredibly rewarding. From gaining more confidence, growing your singing and acting skills to making life-long friends, you’ll be wishing you joined us on stage sooner!
The Pirates of Penzance: The Modern Version
Based on the two musicals by Gilbert and Sullivan the Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore this arrangement has been modernised and expanded to include many other supporting characters and extra lead roles. The humour and tone are in keeping with the usual Gilbert and Sullivan silliness and audiences and cast can expect the same hilarity and social commentary as all other G and S operas. This show is designed for a smaller cast and as such everyone on stage will be performing in the chorus as well as their own parts and as such will be very busy during the performances. We will run a three week season of 15 shows from Thursdays to Sundays allowing the cast and crew to really grow in confidence and sharpen and improve their on stage skills and singing.
Our two Directors are Bruce Potter and Genevieve Horsnell with the adaptation written by Bruce Potter. Bruce has been the MD for almost 20 shows around New Zealand and was the Director of our previous G and S Show - The Mikado. Genevieve has been involved in theatre for many years and has Directed shows for Fine Thyme Theatre.
The characters
1. Supporting Lead: Major General Stanley – Comic Baritone
2. Lead: Pirate King – Baritone
3. Lead: Frederic – Tenor or Alto
4. Supporting Lead: Sergeant of Police- Bass/baritone or Alto
5. Lead: Mabel – Soprano
6. Supporting Lead: Edith – Mezzo Soprano
7. Supporting Lead: Kate – Alto/Mezzo Soprano
8. Lead: Ruth – Mezzo/Alto
9. Supporting: Boatswain – Baritone
10. Supporting Lead: Ralph – Bari, Tenor or Low Alto
11. Lead: Dead Eye Dick – Bass/ Baritone
12. Supporting: Buttercup – Mezzo Soprano
13. Supporting: Josephine (Maj Gen. Maid) – Soprano
14. Chorus of Pirates and Ladies
15. Trio – Ralph, Pirate King, Dead Eye Dick, (Buttercup for 14,15), Tenor part female
16. Cameo: Carpenter – bari / Tenor /Low Alto
17. Cameo: Ship’s Doctor - Tenor/alto/Baritone
18. Cameo: Rainbow Pirate - Low Alto
Hear what our performers have to say
Scott Mitchell, Cromwell (Marius - Les Misérables 2023)
“Having never been on stage before, I was extremely nervous for my audition, I shouldn’t have worried! They immediately put me at ease. During the whole process you were really made to feel a part of the Waiata family. It was an incredible experience from start to finish, I can’t wait for their next show to do it all again!”
Kim Salmond McKechie, Gore (Understudy Madame Thenardier/Ensemble - Les Misérables 2023)
“I joined the Waiata Theatre Productions 2023 season of Les Mis along with my husband and daughter. We had concerns about taking on the challenge as we lived 2 hours away. Those concerns quickly vanished as Waiata were so understanding of our needs and really looked after those of us who were travelling. We are so happy we took the risk and got involved!”
About us
Waiata Theatre Productions is a musical theatre company formed by performers, for performers. We believe in looking after our people first and foremost, and making sure we create an environment where our performers can thrive.
We bring Broadway-style shows to the small stage - utilising old halls in Central Otago. We produce a big show every second year, which allows our small team to rest, recover and plan ahead to our next big show. Our rehearsals also start early, roughly 9 months out from the show, this way we can keep rehearsals to an easy-to-manage once/twice a week for the majority of the rehearsal period - which works great for people who live far away, and also for locals who want to do a show, but don’t want too much of a time commitment each week. It’s all about that work-life-show balance!
Bringing Broadway shows to the small stage is no easy feat, it requires a lot of creativity and thinking outside the box - but luckily this is one of our strengths! We are extremely passionate about musical theatre and the joy it brings people, whether they are on stage with us, or out in the audience… it’s just magic!
What makes us different?
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Build lasting friendships
We foster an environment where you will feel comfortable being yourself and connecting with others. The friendships you form will be life-long.
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Rehearsals are travel-friendly
If you live far away, don’t worry. We only do one main rehearsal a week, and we tailor our rehearsal times around you. Many of our cast also end up car-pooling together.
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More time to learn and grow
Ever felt rushed when doing a show? You won’t with us. You’ll have time to develop your characters, improve your skills and be really confident in what you’re doing.
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More performances
We know how amazing it feels to perform, so we do extended seasons to give you a chance to really enjoy the shows and improve your performing skills.
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Guranteed shows for understudies
We guarantee 2 shows to every understudy, and have opportunities to cover different roles. It’s an exciting challenge to be able to perform in different roles throughout a season.
It’s your time to shine.
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Want to join us behind the scenes?
Whether you want to be in the spotlight or behind the scenes, we have a role for you! We can guarantee that no matter your role, you will be welcomed into the Waiata theatre family with open arms, creating lasting friendships and memories. Check out the different roles below.
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• Director
• Assistant Director
• Musical Director
• Assistant Musical Director
• Choreographer
• Production Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Social Media Assistant
• Graphic Designer
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• Stage Manager
• Stage Crew
• Head of Makeup
• Makeup Crew
• Head of Wigs and Hair
• Hair Crew
• Head of Costumes
• Costume Sewers
• Head of Props
• Set Designers/Builders
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• Head of Sound
• Tech Crew (projections, effects, and more)
• Lighting Operations
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• Front of House Manager
• Front of House Crew
• Bar Manager
• Bar Crew