The Civic Theatre complex has a range of areas for hire and is ideally placed in the inner city, five minutes from the airport and within a few minutes walking distance from most inner city accommodation. The complex features:

 

The Drawing Room

The Drawing Room is appropriate for 60 seated at round tables or 90 theatre style. For cocktails functions with little seating required, the room is suitable for 100. On the ground floor in the Front of House area of the Civic Theatre Complex, The Drawing Room has a certain feel. A large gilt mirror features above the antique fireplace, with a deep buttoned leather suite arranged around the fireplace and a stoic resident butler named “Bollinger”. The room is hired extensively for functions that require that “star experience”. Regularly used for workshops and the like, the in-built audio capacity, 3-phase power, patch looms and easy access ensures that the room can rapidly be transformed to an area suitable for cocktails.

The Victoria Room

Situated on the first floor in the Front of House area of the Civic Theatre Complex, The Victoria Room is a larger longer room.Suitable for 150-200 people seated at round tables or 235 theatre style, the room can be made into a number of combinations depending on your requirements. The room also has the ability to be halved with sound proof doors which is useful if multiple breakout rooms are required. Integrated audio capability, 3-phase power, patch looms and ceiling rigging points help make this room “event friendly”.Originally municipal offices, it was converted many years ago to a function room with dance floor. The scene of many “fabulous” dances and generations of weddings, this room continues to be popular. One end of the room houses a large storeroom and a dance floor, the other end of the room closer to the kitchen facilities. The original sash windows remain along with the balconies that are no longer used. A lift is available.

The Grand Foyer

This Front of House area is suitable for cocktails, wedding ceremonies and a number of other functions when the theatre is not in use. The décor is in keeping with the other function rooms as well as showing off an imposing balustrade up the grand staircase. Southland’s sometimes unpredictable weather means that the foyer is a good option for weddings. The wedding ceremony can be held in the foyer, drinks and nibbles in the Drawing Room while the photographer is at work, and then up to the Victoria Room for the wedding breakfast and festivities. Ceiling lighting tracks, 3-phase power, audio capabilities and easy access make this space versatile for quick changes and grand entrances.

The Green Room

The Green Room is situated on the ground floor in the dressing room block in the backstage area. It is traditionally the area where performers and crew relax and take refreshment when housed at a theatre.

Weddings

The fully licensed Civic Theatre Complex has hosted generations of successful weddings. Our experienced Functions Co-ordinator can assist you with many aspects of planning for your wedding to ensure that your day is hassle free and memorable. From small wedding breakfasts to arranging the entire day in the venue our Functions Co-ordinator works with our talented caterers to create the package that best suit your needs. The Civic’s ornate gold and deep maroon Edwardian styled décor offers a wedding venue with a difference. Suitable for the entire wedding…including the wedding ceremony, pre-dinner drinks, photographs and the wedding breakfast; the variety of areas in The Civic makes this venue uniquely versatile. Services include: catering, room and table settings as well as technical services.

Conferences

The Civic Theatre Complex is a popular option for smaller conferences. Experienced event management staff can help plan conferences successfully. They have extensive local knowledge and can help you with your conference planning including floor layouts, hospitality, catering, security, technical requirements, entertainment, accommodation and more. The complex has a number of rooms ideally suited for breakout rooms, workshops or for refreshments, cocktail functions or dinners.

Catering and technical services

Catering can be arranged for anything from continuous tea and coffee to drinks and nibbles. Our professional in-house technical services team are happy to help with all lighting, sound and audio needs.

Booking policy

Bookings can be made up to three years in advance. Bookings outside this time are accepted only where there are exceptional circumstances. The right not to accept a booking is reserved. In the interests of maximising the benefits of larger events to the City, the right is also reserved – in consultation with the hirer – to relocate the event to another venue.

Bookings are considered confirmed when a signed contract (prepared by staff) has been received and a deposit has been paid. For ticketed events, ticket sales will not begin until the signed contract and deposit have been received. If the contract and deposit is not received within 14 days of the contract and invoice being sent out, the booking may be cancelled without further notice.

If a confirmed event is cancelled within 30 days of the event, the deposit payment will not be refunded and an administration charge may apply. In the event of a cancellation, clients will be invoiced for any contracted external goods or services, if arrangements had been made for payment of the same from ticketing proceeds. Once your booking is confirmed you will be contacted by staff to ensure you understand and can meet health and safety conditions. Remember, staff are on hand to ensure that your meeting or function runs smoothly.