Our Venues

Refinery Theatre

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

  • Audience Number: 50 seated, unraked
  • Stage: 4.8 x 2.4m raided 0.30m
  • Lighting: 2-unit front light.
    • Single spot light
    • LED coloured high 3/4 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: is not advised unless you tour with your own screen and wide angle projector.
  • Dressing Room: There is a large dressing room with kettle (tea, coffee supplied). Please note the dressing room is shared with other Fringe performers.
  • Bar: This venue has a bar and drinks can be brought into shows.
  • This Venus is great for: Comedy, Theatre, Music (one or two performers), Improv, Burlesque, etc.
    We recommend having a technician with at least some experience at this venue, or hiring a NFF operator.
  • Location: 114 Hardy Street, This is the Box Office and Bar, and the entrance to both The Refinery Theatre and Studio One.

Studio One

Studio One is regularly used for rehearsals and performances.

  • Audience Number: 45 seated unraked
  • Stage: Flat floor and performance area.
    Seating can be stacked away to give a flat open space (but theatre lighting is only pointed at the stage area).
  • Stage Dimensions: Room Width 8.7m, Room depth 8.6m, ‘Stage’ depth 3.26m. There is wing space SR and access to a kitchenette SL.
  • Lighting: General stage light plus some LED colour PARS. All LED and DMX controlled by a basic scene memory board.
  • Sound: Basic stereo PA with a vocal microphone and mini jack to play off laptops/ phones.
  • Surround: Rear black drapes with black painted sides. Black painted wooden floor.
  • Projection: There is no projector or screen at this venue. You can bring your own (or rent one). It is not possible to hang in the roof, but can be placed on the floor or on a table, we recommend setting off to one side for sight lines.
  • Dressing Room, Kitchen: Studio One has its own Kitchenette and dressing room, however most performers use the larger dressing room in the Refinery ArtSpace a few metres away. Please note that the dressing room is shared with other Fringe performers.
  • This venue is great for: Stand Up Comedy, one or two person Plays, Poetry, Talks, Workshops, etc. The lights and sound at this venue can be operated by someone with no previous experience.
  • Bar: Please note that alcohol is not allowed in this venue, however the audience is welcome to use the Refinery ArtSpace bar before and after the show (they cannot bring their drinks across).
  • Location: Studio One is in a mews off Hardy Street. Throughout the Festival, access is through The Refinery ArtSpace with which it shares the Box Office and Bar.
Stage at Red Door Theatre Nelson

Red Door Theatre

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: is possible, but discussion is advised. Floor based options are practical, large scale or flown options difficult.
  • Technician: we recommend having a technician with at least some experience at this venue, or hiring a NFF operator.
  • Surround: Red velvet drapes, incl house tabs.
  • Wings: Good space SL (leading to dressing room), limited area SR.
  • Dressing Room: Large room off R with kitchenette (tea and coffee supplied).
  • Bar: This venue has a bar and drinks can be taken into shows.