The Mayfair Theatre is a 400 seat live theatre venue in Dunedin, NZ. It was originally opened in 1914 as a 800 seat King Edward Picture Theatre. We pride ourselves on being an affordable community venue. The main users of the theatre are local amateur musical groups and the venue fills their needs as its size is not too demanding for performers who are learning the craft, and for the ability of the groups to manage. (Put simply, a larger venue needs more set, a larger lighting rig, a larger sound system etc.) The Trust aims to provide a venue that can be hired for one or two weeks (important for the time taken to set up, rehearse and produce a four or five-night production) and is affordable for the local amateur groups who invariably run on a tight budget. The Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust believes that the theatre has a positive future providing; - An accessible and affordable community theatre - A learning environment offering experiences in which to build performance skills and confidence and an interest in the theatre, - An intimate venue for local and touring performances. Due to the age of the building we it needs a bit of TLC and a staged redevelopment is proposed; The immediate priority is the regulatory work including addressing access, services and structural requirements. Later stages have been determined to progressively upgrade and improve the functionality of the theatre. The stages include the following; - Undertaking sufficient work to address safety issues and building code requirements - Installation of a passenger lift - Improvement of toilet facilities - Earthquake strengthening and fire protection - Improvements to heating - Improvements and refurbishment to foyers, dressing rooms etc - Weatherproofing the exterior - Improved access to the stage - Seating upgrade and auditorium restoration and repaint We need help to make this redevelopment a reality and keep our doors open so we can continue to provide an affordable venue for the community.