Circa Theatre

Circa Theatre is a theatre company in Wellington operating two performance spaces on Taranaki Street with different capacities. The larger venue holds around 250 people while the smaller space seats approximately 100, and the program features different productions throughout the year.

The company was founded in 1974 during a period when New Zealand's professional theatre scene was expanding rapidly. Several major theatrical companies were being established across the country at that time, reflecting the growing theatre culture.

The theatre operates as a cooperative where artists work together and keep overhead costs low to focus resources on artistic quality. This collaborative approach shapes how productions are developed and staged here.

The theatre sits next to Te Papa Tongarewa museum, making it easy to locate alongside other attractions in the area. It helps to check in advance which production is running and whether it is in the larger or smaller venue, as access points may differ between the two spaces.

The building preserves the facade of a 1916 coal company and merges historic architecture with modern theatrical facilities. When entering, you see how the older structure and contemporary design coexist side by side.

Inception: 1974

Website: http://circa.co.nz

GPS coordinates: -41.29041,174.78048

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:40