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The Southward Theatre is one of the Wellington region's most impressive and versatile event venues. Purpose-built to host performances, conferences, gala dinners and large-scale celebrations, the Theatre combines professional production facilities with a unique transformable auditorium. Tiered theatre seating can be converted into a flat-floor event space, allowing the venue to seamlessly adapt to a wide range of event styles.
Located within the Southward Events Centre, the venue features a full-scale proscenium arch stage, comfortable auditorium seating and extensive technical capabilities, making it equally suited to live entertainment, corporate events and formal occasions.
Whether you're presenting a keynote conference, producing a theatrical performance, hosting an awards gala or planning a large community event, the Southward Theatre provides a polished and memorable setting for gatherings of every kind.
Capacity & Layouts
Designed to accommodate both seated and standing events, the Southward Theatre can be configured to suit a wide variety of formats.
Theatre Seating
Up to 474 guests
Banquet Seating
Up to 400 guests
Cocktail Function
Up to 500 guests
The venue's hydraulic flooring system allows the auditorium to transform from traditional tiered theatre seating into a flat-floor event space, creating exceptional flexibility for gala dinners, exhibitions, corporate functions and celebrations.
Ideal For
• Concerts and live music performances
• Theatre productions and touring shows
• Dance recitals and competitions
• School productions and prizegivings
• Conferences and keynote presentations
• Awards ceremonies
• Gala dinners and charity events
• Film screenings
• Community events and fundraisers
Its combination of professional production infrastructure, audience capacity and flexible floor configurations makes it one of the most adaptable event venues in the region.
Audio Visual & Technical Specifications
The Southward Theatre has been designed to professional performance standards and offers extensive in-house production capabilities.
Key features include:
• 12m wide x 11m deep proscenium arch stage
• Mother Grid rigging and hanging system
• GrandMA3 lighting console
• Chauvet Maverick intelligent lighting fixtures
• Professional RCF line array audio system
• Full cyclorama backdrop
• Dedicated control booth
• 5m x 3m LED wall available for conferences, presentations and screenings
Backstage facilities
Our backstage facilities have been designed to support touring productions, performers and large-scale events, with:
• Seven dressing rooms
• Private bathrooms and changing facilities
• Dedicated green room with kitchenette
• Secure backstage preparation areas
• Dedicated backstage parking
• 200sqm loading dock with direct stage access
Catering & Hospitality
Whether you're hosting a conference, awards evening, theatrical performance or gala dinner, our exclusive in-house catering partner can create a menu to suit your event.
From interval refreshments and cocktail receptions to formal dining experiences, we'll help deliver a seamless hospitality experience for your guests.
