Basement Theatre

Basement Theatre is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s vibrant home for a diverse mix of theatre makers, dancers, visual artists, poets, musicians, and comedians. Known for showcasing original, local, and dynamic content, Basement Theatre serves as an incubator for urgent and adventurous live performances crafted by independent artists. With two performance spaces—the studio upstairs and the theatre downstairs—the venue provides a platform for artists to present their work and experiment across various disciplines.

Beyond performances, Basement Theatre is dedicated to artist development through a variety of programmes that foster creativity, cultivate ideas, and strengthen practices in different forms. The space is built on a commitment to breaking down barriers that have historically limited access to the arts, aiming for inclusivity and dignity for all, regardless of cultural, economic, physical, or gender-based contexts. Acknowledging its roots as a historically pākehā, cis, and able-bodied-led organisation, Basement Theatre continuously critiques its privileges to foster a more inclusive environment.

The theatre also nurtures its artists and staff, ensuring they leave with their kete full of resources and their wellbeing supported. Community connection is at the heart of Basement Theatre, where people can come together and engage in lively social exchange. Artists can benefit from affordable rehearsal space, The Dojo, which encourages a ‘learning through doing’ approach to creative development.

With affordable tickets and drinks at the bar, Basement Theatre invites you to bring your whānau, friends, or a date to enjoy groundbreaking performances and be part of history in the making.