Our Mission is to foster an intimate theatre experience that engages, entertains, inspires and empowers both our artists and our audiences while providing the link between playwright/composer and our patrons.
Our Vision is to train and support the next generations of theatre artists for the next generations of audiences.
The Whangarei Repertory Society Inc (aka Octagon Theatre) came into being on April 8, 1948. The first play was staged at a private home in November 1948. From small beginnings, the Society’s number of drama enthusiasts and followers continues to grow. Read more about the history of the theatre here and to ensure a future, think how together we can continue to provide a unique, enjoyable and entertaining experience.
Theatre Executive
Carol Freebairn Co-President
Carol has been a member of the Society since 1974 and has held several positions including Committee Member, Secretary and President. Carol has performed and been involved with more than 50 productions and welcomes new members to join the team to future-proof the Octagon family.
Wendy Berridge Co-President
Wendy has been an active member of the Society since 2007 and has been involved as Actor, Director, Stage Crew and Lighting/Sound Director as well as fund-raising, Front-of-House and waitressing.
Allison Healey Treasurer
Allison (known as Alli) was appointed Treasurer in 2020. She has a long history in accounting administrative roles in various organisations. Alli introduced the theatre to online Xero accounting systems and produces our annual financial year end figures for our auditors, PKF in Kerikeri. She also administers the Friends of the Octagon (FOTO) Scheme.
Bill Fenton Secretary
Since returning to Whangarei from teaching overseas, Bill has been an active member of the Society.
He is our second Licensed Bar Manager, can often be found assisting with the Front-of-House management and has also been persuaded to tread the boards from time to time.
Theatre Committee
Kirsten Parker-van Eck Show Director & Committee Member
Kirsten has been involved with the Octagon Theatre for over ten years, both onstage and as a director. She has been a member of the committee since 2020. SHe was won multiple NAPTA's for both directing and acting.
Joyce Stone Head Chef & Financial Aid
Joyce moved to Whangarei in 2016 after owning a successful restaurant and catering business in the Waikato. She became involved with the Octagon as chef extraordinaire in 2017 and as a committee member in 2021. Joyce is responsible for obtaining funding for the theatre through community funding grants.
JAYDEN LINCOLN Marketing & Social Media Manager, Gardener
Jayden started acting at the age of 5 on screen. Since then he has continued to build his skills and experience in multiple courses and workshops. From this, he acted in and won Best 15 min piece in 2017 and 2018 for the Northland Regional SGCNZ Shakespeare Festival. He also won Best Direction for a 15 min piece in 2018 for the same piece he acted in. Jayden joined the Octagon Theatre in 2020 as an actor in 'And Then There Were None' and has continued to appear on stage with us since, joining the committee in 2022. Along with performing onstage, working backstage, and helping everywhere else except the kitchen, Jayden manages the Octagon's online presence through the website and social media platforms.
Phoebe Blacklaws Barkeep, Chief Gardener
Phoebe has been acting at the Octagon Theatre since 2018 and always enjoys the fun atmosphere with the wonderfully talented cast and crew. She joined the Committee in 2023 and now runs the popular bar and is one of our main gardeners.
Cara Shagen Signage & Printing
Cara has been a familiar face to all stages in Whangarei as an actress but performs at The Octagon more often than not. Additionally, Cara also occasionally helps backstage and in the dining room ontop of her main role as the signage printer for our shows.
David Cartledge Committee Member
David has been part of the Octagon for many years and has played a variety of characters. His favourite roles have been Officer Crabtree and Mr. Humphries. David also enjoys being front-of-house or working in the dining room as he gets to reminisce about previous shows. David joined the Committee in 2023.
Michael Tor Compliance Officer
Michael has always enjoyed the theatre, attending many productions with his family in the UK. Upon immigrating to New Zealand in 2003 he was pleased to find an active theatre scene in Whangarei. He enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of The Octagon, becoming a member and taking on his first acting role in 2012 playing Brassett in “Charley's Aunt”. He became hooked, taking on more roles over the years and finally joined the Committee in 2020.
Jean Millington Dining manager
Jean joined the Octagon Theatre in 2000 and was the Committee Secretary 2010-2019. She has appeared in numerous productions and other roles have included Stage Manager, Props and Costumes.
Rick Billing Handyman
Rick has been a member since 1979 and was our valued Treasurer for 40 years from 1980 until 2020. Nowadays he takes on more of a background role although he remains one of our Licensed Bar Managers and often supports with Front-of-House duties and continues as our go-to Mr Fixit!
Irina Liebig Committee Member
Originally from Berlin, Irina’s parents introduced her to the theatre as a teenager. Having moved to Whangarei, a friend introduced her to our theatre 11 years ago and she fell in love with the experience. Having learned that all who work at The Octagon are unpaid volunteers, Irina is keen to contribute and make a difference so that others may enjoy as much as she does.
PARTNERS
The Octagon Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from the following organisations.
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