A new season of original short plays will bring fresh voices, new talent and experimental theatre to Tauranga when Black Box - Originals August 2026 opens for a two-night season at 16th Ave Theatre.

The production features five original works by local writers developed through the theatre’s revived Black Box writers’ group, which encourages emerging playwrights to develop ideas into performances.

Co-organiser Jaine Kirtley said the concept was designed to encourage local creativity while giving audiences the chance to experience new theatre in an intimate setting.

“We’re nurturing people’s writing and creativity generally.

“Some people come with a finished script, while others just have an idea they want to explore. We workshop those ideas together until they’re ready for the stage.”

The Black Box concept was introduced at 16th Ave Theatre in 2018 as an experimental performance space by former theatre president Sarah Oemcke, Kirtley and others.

Kirtley said the original vision provided a place where local writers could test new work that might not suit a traditional theatre stage. The writers’ group has been re-established by Kirtley with Oemcke’s support to focus on developing original local scripts.

50 people

Rather than elaborate sets and large casts, Black Box productions rely on strong writing, performance and imagination. The small, flexible performance space, located beyond the theatre’s main auditorium, seats just 50 people, creating a close connection between performers and audience.

“It’s a very small, intimate space which creates a different dynamic,” Kirtley said. “The audience is much closer to the action, and the focus stays on the storytelling.”

The five plays range from 10 to 20 minutes in length, allowing audiences to enjoy a variety of styles and genres in one evening.

The programme includes A Matter of Death and Victim, written by Wayne Gould and directed by Liam Hagan; Lost and The Holiday Let, written by Jaine Kirtley, with directors Bronwyn Fenwick and Ronan Carroll respectively; and Suburban Legend, written by Tracey-Lynne Cody and directed by Ronan Carroll.

Kirtley said the format also provided an accessible pathway into theatre for people who may be new to writing, directing or acting.

“Because the plays are short, it’s less intimidating than committing to a full-length production,” she said. “People can dip their toe in, whether they’re writing for the first time, trying theatre directing, or returning to acting after a break.”

Welcoming

The revived writers’ group began earlier this year with an open invitation for anyone interested in writing short plays or monologues. Members meet to share ideas, receive feedback and workshop scripts before they are staged.

Not every script is ready immediately. Some continue to be developed for future productions, while others may be waiting until the right cast becomes available.

Kirtley hopes more local people will become involved.

“We’re very welcoming. People might be experienced writers, or it might be their very first attempt.

“The whole process is about workshopping ideas and seeing how they come alive on stage.”

She believed Black Box had the potential to become a launching pad for new playwrights while providing opportunities for emerging actors and directors to gain experience in a supportive environment.

Black Box – Originals August 2026 is on August 28-29, in the Black Box Experimental Space at 16th Ave Theatre. With seating limited to 50 people each night, early booking is booking recommended via: www.iticket.co.nz