Dunedin's Fortune Theatre is closing suddenly, after more than 40 years and 400 productions in the converted church.
The Fortune Theatre has been based in a former church on the corner of Moray Place and Stuart St in central Dunedin for 40 years. Photo: Google Maps
The theatre's board of trustees has decided to immediately close the operation as it is no longer financially viable, with revenues declining since 2012.
Board chair Haley van Leeuwen said the 11 employees were told this morning the theatre company was ceasing operations today.
"It was awful. Along the way we've told staff that we have been in a very precarious situation, so it hasn't come as a complete shock, but there will be some very stunned staff members."
She said the trust had tried to prevent the closure but theatres and their audiences had changed.
Actor and director Miranda Harcourt said she was shocked and devastated at the theatre's closure.
"Since 1974 when it first came into being, it's always been out there on the edge, commissioning new work and really pushing New Zealand performing arts culture forward."
It was the only professional performing arts theatre in the lower South Island, Harcourt said.
She was one of many actors who got their start at the Fortune Theatre, she said.
Ms van Leeuwen said the future of the trust company would be decided at a meeting later this month.
The theatre company moved into the former Methodist Church in 1978.