Kia Ora First Scene friends and whanau

It’s a surprise for me to be writing this however, as you all know, we are living in incredibly challenging times. During the 2020 pandemic First Scene was badly affected and made a range of changes to our business model to survive. During that time we watched a lot of companies in our industry close their doors. Then 2021’s lock down effectively cancelled all events that take place during our busiest time of the year (Oct-Dec). Even more companies fell by the wayside last year. Now the current traffic light level has shut down any remaining events and functions that First Scene depends upon. We have taken a range of actions over the past two years, and in recent times, including changing our operating hours and dramatically decreasing our staff schedules (very challenging for our incredible staff). Even with the very generous support of our amazing landlord these changes are not enough. While there is some funding for the arts sector unfortunately we aren’t eligible for it. For many years First Scene has supported charities, theatre groups, schools, community groups, the LGBTQI+ community and a range of organisations across all sectors. We are now in need of that support.

• Purchase a gift voucher for your future event or gift to a friend
  Gift Vouchers >
• Have a themed morning tea in your workplace to give your staff something to look forward to (ie Alice in Wonderland morning tea)
• Have a themed gathering with your small group of close friends or whanau (ie tropical BBQ – a few props and your mates in Hawaiian shirts)
• Get organised for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day (ie Great Gatsby tea party for mum)
• Book and pay ahead for your end of year function (we take bookings months in advance)
• Have your child’s birthday party at First Scene
  Kids Parties >
• Have an ‘In Your Bubble’ party at First Scene with 12 friends
  In Your Bubble Parties >
• Add some funds to your business or personal account at First Scene for upcoming projects/events
• Make a donation to First Scene
• Spread the word (forward this message to your friends, colleagues, social media pages)

We aren’t suggesting that you have a huge event and risk your health but we are asking you to think about having some fun on a level that you are comfortable with and including First Scene in that plan. This is the time to think about your ad campaigns, staff awards, school productions, film projects, theatre productions, TV shows, birthday celebrations, end of year Xmas parties etc. Any support you can offer will help us get through the current traffic light system and ensure the future of the biggest resource of its kind in Aotearoa because, at the end of the day, this collection is irreplaceable.

Thanks in advance for your aroha
Jo and the team at First Scene