The History of Manukau Performing Arts
The History of Manukau Performing Arts
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Manukau Performing Arts has been part of the Papatoetoe and wider Auckland community since its invention over 50 years ago.
Originally known as the Papatoetoe Music Club when first formed in 1954, the group held weekly club nights and performed annual concerts. In 1960 the club produced its first show, 'N uff Z' in the Papatoetoe High School hall. This was followed by a number of Gilbert & Sullivan productions for which the club built a reputation, drawing cast members from far and wide.
In 1963 the group changed its name to the Papatoetoe Light Opera Club and joined the New Zealand Federation of Operatic Societies. However, it was still on the look-out for a permanent home.
A few years later it was offered a piece of land at the Papatoetoe Stadium on which it could build a proper club room. In 1971 the concrete was poured and two double garages were erected end to end. These were lined and fitted out with kitchen, toilet facilities and wardrobe space. By 1974 the club's new home was complete when an old library hut was added to properly house its growing wardrobe.
In 1987 plans were underway to build a new recreational centre right next door (now known as the Allan Brewster Recreation Centre). The club was told that it would have to leave, but after extensive negotiations it was eventually allocated a space in the new centre. From what was basically an empty shell with a toilet and a rudimentary kitchen water supply the club fashioned a brand new home.
The Spotlight Theatre was born.
The first show in the new premises was Roger Hall's 'Middle Age Spread'. In August 1990 the theatre was officially opened by Mrs. Nola Spier, President of the NZFOLS, and the club staged its very first musical production, a revue called "In the Spotlight."
1997 saw another name change as the club became Manukau Performing Arts Inc. (MPA). The new name better reflected the club's place within the community and the variation of shows being staged.
As the club entered the new millennium it became evident that it was fast outgrowing its facilities, and a substantial makeover was desperately needed. In 2009 a major renovation project got underway, adding a new foyer, sound and lighting area, brand new changing rooms, a dedicated set building area, a new bar,increased storage for props and wardrobe and an auditorium that could accommodate an additional 60 people (160 in total).
Today Manukau Performing Arts stages a variety of quality productions, and hosts hireages for local community groups to bring their own events to the stage in Papatoetoe.
Manukau Performing Arts' Mission is as relevant today as it was in 1954:
'To provide enjoyable, quality, live theatre to the local and wider community.'
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