Covert Theatre community impact

We live in a time of uncertainty and high depression and New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the OECD. Some of the identified risk factors include loneliness, a lack of connection and belonging and a lack of hope. 

The Covert Theatre’s purpose is to enhance human connection through play. We are a registered charity (CC53421) that runs The Improv School; an organisation that offers programs to all levels of the community – school holiday and after school programs, improv for autism, teen drama programs and more. Our programs combines the latest in neuroscience and positive psychology with the art of improvisation. They enhance children’s emotional intelligence, builds resilience and confidence, develops communication skills and gives people the courage to be themselves. Children and adults say the Covert gives them a sense of community in a safe, non-judgemental environment. 

Improv is an art form that enhances self-creation, self-discovery and self-expression. It’s applied in many different places outside of theatre, from Silicon Valley creative design schools, business schools, to training doctors to be more empathic. The Covert Theatre helps children feel more comfortable in their own skin and gives them the tools and experience to handle any adversity life throws at them. With more of this in our community, we’ll build more mentally strong young people who will thrive.

The Improv School

We run a number of programs that teach the life skills improv imparts such as building confidence and communication skills, creative thinking, resilience, being present to children as young as 8 years old and up. There are after school programs, school holiday programs, improv for autism workshops, adult community classes as well as improv acting workshops.  

Scholarships

We offer full and partial scholarships for all our programs so under privileged people and people facing financial hardship, who wouldn’t normally be able to afford it can partake in the classes.

Sponsorship

The Covert Theatre sponsors Mt Richmond school, a special needs school in South Auckland. We run free life skills and drama workshops for their students at the theatre.

Charity nights

We support other charities fundraising efforts by offering them a free show that they can then sell tickets to raise funds for their organisation. This has been used by charities such as Variety, Mental Health Foundation, Life Education Trust and more.

Shows

We produce all our own shows offering six shows a week so we bring a lot of fun, laughter and vibrancy into the community. This includes a monthly $5 kids show and a Sunday family friendly show. 

Free Workshops

We run a free monthly improv workshop for people who want to experience improv without committing to a program.

Venue

We offer community and charity rates so organisations can hire the space at a discounted rate and make use of our facilities, which include an 86-seat theatre with retractable seating and projector and screen, a foyer and bar area which can be used as a break out area.