Red Leap restlessly investigates the transformational power of live theatre, devising exceptional, highly inventive and physically dynamic theatre experiences.

Red Leap is committed to pushing the boundaries of theatrical storytelling through artistic collaboration, design-led innovation, and the collision of theatrical forms. We nurture artists, platform diverse voices, and devise original live performances that inspire and challenge audiences to illuminate connections.

WHANAUNGATANGA CONNECTION

We foster relationships between audiences and our company

We develop emerging practitioners, platforming their voices

TE MAHI TAHI COLLABORATION

We empower all voices in the devising team, valuing equity of communication towards a truly collaborative process

We collaborate with teachers to upskill the next generation of theatre makers

We are committed to equality

TE MANAWANUI COURAGE

We fully commit to the devising process, boldly creating new stories from the ground up

We create work that unapologetically amplifies unheard stories

TE HURINGA TRANSFORMATION

We activate the imagination of the audience, transforming how they engage with theatre

TE KOUNGA EXCELLENCE

We make exceptional work that reflects our relentless pursuit of artistic integrity

Founding members Kate Parker and Julie Nolan collaborated on three successful works: Moa Hunting, The Butcher’s Daughter, and Beyond the Blue before officially forming Red Leap Theatre Charitable Trust in 2008 with producer Lauren Hughes.

OUR HISTORY:
2009 – The Arrival was commissioned by the Auckland Arts Festival. Based on Shaun Tan’s graphic novel, The Arrival has toured throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

2010 – The Arrival was awarded six Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards. Red Leap ran the first of the Incubator development workshop for established artists. This workshop would be run successfully until 2020.

2011 – Auckland Arts Festival commissioned a second award-winning production Paper Sky.

2012 – Red Leap presented The Arrival plays at the International Arts Festival in Korea. Paper Sky plays at Mangere Arts Centre for the Southside Festival and tours to Downstage in Wellington.

2013 – The Arrival tours to Macau and Taiwan. Paper Sky is toured to Northland.

2014 – SEA premiered at the Maidment Theatre, Auckland.

2015 – Dust Pilgrim premieres at Forum North Whangarei, and plays at Q Theatre in Auckland.

2016 – Dust Pilgrim tours the North Island. Red Leap hosts the Women in Theatre hui at Corbans Estate. Starlings performs as a POP project across Auckland

2017 – Kororāreka – The Ballad of Maggie Flynn premiered at Q Rangatira in July.

2018 – Red Leap toured Dust Pilgrim around the South Island, and took Kororāreka across Aotearoa. Owls Do Cry begins development.

2019 – Red Leap premiered Owls Do Cry at the Waitaki Festival in Ōamaru, and Q Theatre in Auckland. Dakota of the White Flats begins development.

2020 – Owls Do Cry was toured to Whangarei, and we began our emerging directors initiative, the Greenhouse.

2021 – Dakota of the White Flats was premiered in Whangarei, Owls Do Cry has been toured to the South Island. Dakota of the White Flats opened at Q Theatre. The Greenhouse made a return with three incredible young female directors.

2022 – Ella Becroft becomes Artistic Director of the Company as Red Leap transitions to a Legacy Organisation. Owls Do Cry was toured to Hamilton and Wellington. Moe Miti begins development.

2023 - Moe Miti premieres at Q Theatre. Dakota of the White Flats tours to Auckland, Hamilton, Kerikeri and Wellington. WREST begins development

2024 - Dakota of the White Flats tours to Auckland, Manuwatū and Taranaki. WREST continues its development.

2023 WELLINGTON THEATRE AWARDS

Dakota of the White Flats NOMINATIONS:
Director of the Year - Ella Becroft
Excellence Awards for Ensemble
Set Designer of the Year - John Verryt
Lighting Designer of the Year - Rachel Marlow
Sound Designer of the Year - Eden Mulholland
Costume Designer of the Year - Ana van Shie de Pont
Performer of the Year - Batanai Mashingaidze

2022 PAYPA AWARDS:
Dakota of the White Flats
Most Original Production – Dakota of the White Flats

2022 WELLINGTON THEATRE AWARDS:

Owls Do Cry Nominations:
Production of the Year
Director of the Year - Malia Johnston
Sound Design - Eden Mulholland
Outstanding Performance - Hannah Lynch, Ross McCormack, Arlo Gibson
Lighting Design - Rachel Marlow

2016 WELLINGTON THEATRE AWARDS:
Dust Pilgrim

Best Set Design – Poppy Serano
Best Lighting Design – Rachel Marlow

2012 CHAPMAN TRIPP THEATRE AWARDS:
Paper Sky

Most Original Production
Best Design – John Verryt

2010 CHAPMAN TRIPP THEATRE AWARDS:
The Arrival

Best Production
Most Original Production
Best Director – Julie Nolan
Best Design – John Verryt
Best Costume Design – Elizabeth Whiting
Female newcomer of the year – Ella Becroft