Our Venues

Tāwera is an art gallery in Nelson’s CBD. We convert one room into the Tāwera Theatre.

• Audience Number: 50 seated, unraked
• Stage: (details to be confirmed) 4 x 2.4m raised 0.30m
• Lighting: Basic front light.
  • Single spot light (re focusable for each show)
  • LED. Backlight
  • Controlled by basic TheatrelightNZ scene memory board
• Sound: Stereo PA with a vocal microphone and stereo
  • DI for 2x instruments or a laptop/playback on stage.
  • Laptop/playback input at the operating position.
  • Additional inputs or monitors can be added at extra cost.
• Surround: Black drapes
• Projection: From grid.
• Dressing Room: There is a dressing room with kettle (tea, coffee supplied). Please note the dressing room is shared with other Fringe performers.
• Bar: This venue is unlicensed. There is a selection of non-alcoholic drinks that can be taken into the theatre.
• This venue is great for: theatre, comedy, music (one or two performers), improv, etc.
• Technician: We recommend having a technician with at least some experience at this venue, or hiring a NFF operator.
• Location: 77 Trafalgar Street. This is also the Fringe Box Office and drop-in space throughout the festival dates.
• Tāwera is part of Hiwa arts organisation. More information here.

Yaza! is a busy cafe near our hub at Refinery ArtSpace. Yaza is a regular hangout for artists during the day and will only be open to ticket holders in the evenings.

• Audience Number: 60 seated, unraked
• Stage: small raised stage
• Stage Dimensions: approx 3.5 x 1.2 m
• Lighting: lighting rig with fixed Centre Stage Spotlight and general cover
• Sound: basic PA with 2 x vox mics
• Surround: backdrop behind performer
• Projection: no
• Dressing Room: there is a waiting area directly behind stage
• This venue is great for: stand up comedy, poetry, small-scale cabaret, etc. 
• Bar: licensed bar within the space
• Location: Montgomery Square
• More information on Yaza! here.

The Red Door Theatre, AKA Nelson Musical Theatre, is a 120 seater Prosc arch theatre next door to Founders Heritage Park.

• Audience Number: 100 seated, unraked
• Stage: 4m wide (plus an asymmetrical apron in front of house curtain).
  • Treads to audience SL
  • Stage edge to: House curtain (1.5m), Tab curtain (3.5m), Back curtain (5m)
  • Raised 0.80m
• Lighting: Tungsten Front light (LCR)
  • 3x Specials
  • Coloured LED Side light
  • Coloured LED Backlight
  • TheatrelightNZ Cuemaster 120 console.
• Sound: stereo PA with a vocal microphone and stereo DI for 2x instruments or a laptop/playback on stage.
  • Laptop/playback input at the operating position.
  • Additional inputs or monitors can be added at the cost of the performer.
• Projection: possible, but discussion is advised. Floor based options are practical. Large scale or flown options are difficult.
• Technician: we recommend having a technician with at least some experience at this venue, or hiring a NFF operator.
• Surround: red velvet drapes, including house tabs.
• Wings: good space SL (leading to dressing room), limited area SR.
• Dressing Room: large room off SL with kitchenette (tea and coffee supplied).
• Bar: This venue has a bar. Drinks can be taken into the theatre.
• Location: 95 Atawhai Drive, The Wood, Nelson
• More information on Red Door and Nelson Musical Theatre here.