Last updated November 2026
Volunteers build the sets, run the lights and sound and fill the roles on and off stage at the Invercargill Repertory Society theatre. The society, known locally as Rep and now trading as Repertory Invercargill, stages its productions in its own purpose-built theatre at 167 Esk Street in central Invercargill.
The auditorium seats 140 people. Its yearly productions have ranged from drama to pantomime, and the society also runs a youth drama department and a costume hire service. Outside its own performance schedule, the theatre can be hired for events.
Practical Information
- Address
- 167 Esk Street, Invercargill
- Seating
- 140 seats in the society’s own theatre
- Tickets
- Booked for each production through the society’s website, which lists prices
- Run by
- The Invercargill Repertory Society Incorporated, a volunteer organisation and registered charity
- Venue hire
- Available outside the society’s own performance schedule; see its theatre hire page
- Status
- Check Repertory Invercargill’s website for current productions before you go.
About Invercargill Repertory Society Theatre
The society dates its work to 1936, and its stated aim is to promote, provide and foster the performing arts in the community.
Today Rep is an incorporated society and a registered charity. Its registered purposes include presenting plays in public, encouraging the writing, producing, acting and staging of plays, and running classes in the dramatic arts. Volunteers give hundreds of hours to the society’s work, covering management, maintenance, set building, lighting, sound and production as well as acting.
Performances
Rep stages amateur productions every year, and its past productions page shows the range, from Blackadder Goes Forth and The Mousetrap to Venus in Fur, Eurydice and a Peter Pan pantomime. Upcoming shows and bookings are listed on the society’s website.
The Theatre
The theatre has individual seating for 140 people, which can be pulled back to make room for tables at functions. Front of house there is a reception area with bar facilities, and a kitchen can be used to reheat food and prepare suppers. Lighting is run from a control desk behind the seating.
Youth Drama and Costume Hire
The society’s youth drama department introduces school-aged children to the performing arts, training them and putting on productions of their own. Its costume hire department hires out costumes and dress-up outfits.
From locals
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Invercargill Repertory Society theatre?
At 167 Esk Street in central Invercargill.
How many people does the theatre seat?
140, in individual seats that can be pulled back for functions.
How long has the society been running?
The society dates its work to 1936.
Who runs the theatre?
The Invercargill Repertory Society, a volunteer-run incorporated society and registered charity.
How do I book tickets for a show?
Through the society’s website, where current productions and prices are listed.
Can children get involved?
Yes. The youth drama department trains school-aged children and stages productions with them.
Can I hire the theatre?
Yes, outside the society’s own performance schedule. Details are on its theatre hire page.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 1
- Charities Register: The Invercargill Repertory Society Incorporated: the society’s registered purposes and address.