Welcome
There are few, if any, experiences that rival the atmosphere of a live performance!
Test Drive the Arts is an audience development initiative supported by Creative New Zealand and managed by the Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium.
The Consortium consists of the Nelson School of Music, The Ashburton Trust Events Centre, the Theatre Royal Nelson and the Marlborough Civic Theatre.

Similar initiatives run across the UK, Australia and now New Zealand. The initiative takes the concept of taking a car for a test drive and applies it to the arts.
Research shows that many people who try the arts for the first time will discover how much they enjoy the experience and go on to become regular participants.

The initiative commenced in Nelson with Black Grace “Verses” and will be available for the next consortium production:

The Improvisors present “Improv the Musical”.

The final production for the year will be available shortly.

If you haven't been to the performing arts in a while - or ever - register for Test Drive the Arts via email and we'll give you two guest tickets
to come and enjoy one of the shows touring to the Nelson School of Music, Theatre Royal, Ashburton Trust Event Centre and the Marlborough Civic Theatre.
Just email each venue directly.
Anyone over 18 and a resident in the region of each venue can apply. However, because Test Drive is all about trying something new,
you can only get tickets for a venue, you haven’t been to for at least 3 years. Check out the FAQ and Terms & Conditions for more details.
Test Drive tickets go fast!

Tickets are snapped up within hours, so you have to be quick! We'll be adding new tickets as they become available, so if you're unsuccessful today, please get in touch again.
Please spread the word as we want as many people as possible to ‘Test drive the Arts’.

What is Test Drive the Arts?
Test Drive the Arts is an initiative that introduces people to the performing arts. Test Drive provides an introductory offer of a guest double pass
to a performance for first timers and those who haven't been for a while (generally three years).
As a Test Driver you and your friend come along to a performance as our guests and 'try before you buy'.
We hope that after experiencing a live performance you will want to come back for more.

Who is eligible for Test Drive the Arts?
Test Drive the Arts is open to all residents in the participating venue region who are over 18 years of age and have not bought a ticket from the theatre/venue they want to Test Drive for the past three years.

How Does Test Drive the Arts work?
The participating organisations in the Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium provide special offers to Test Drive the Arts.
As a Test Driver you can sign up to receive regular newsletters, and an introductory offer of two guest tickets to a performance presented by the Consortium.
Each Consortium venue lists the performances available. You simply contact the venue directly via email.
If your request is successful, the venue will contact you about your guest tickets, and email you information prior to the performance date.
Test Drive tickets are available to collect from each participating venue directly.
After the performance you will be asked to complete a quick survey to provide feedback about the performance and your experience.

It sounds too good to be true - is there a catch?
The catch is that we want you to come back. And we also want to know what you thought about your Test Drive the Arts experience.
By accepting Test Drive tickets, you are agreeing to:
Complete the quick survey be included on the mailing list for the Test Drive and venue e-newsletters, which contains information about forthcoming arts events, special offers and discounts.

If I have guest tickets, will the seats be any good?
Tickets for Test Drive the Arts patrons are especially selected to ensure you have a good view of the stage and the best chance to enjoy your Test Drive night out.

What are the Terms and Conditions?
Please scroll down read the standard Terms and Conditions.

Is Test Drive the Arts open to non-regional residents?
No. As Test Drive aims to build long term audiences for Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium venues.

How will I get my tickets?
As a general rule, tickets will be available for you to collect directly from the venue. You will be contacted via email to let you know when the tickets are available.

Am I guaranteed Test Drive tickets?
As tickets are limited, we cannot guarantee that Test Drive tickets will be available. However, if your first request is not successful, you can apply for tickets to another Consortium show.

Can I register more than once for free Test Drive the Arts tickets?
No, as we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to Test Drive the Arts.
Test Drive is designed to introduce newcomers to the performing arts, and we encourage you to tell friends and family who may not have enjoyed the arts.

Where can I Test Drive the Arts?
Our venues are:
Nelson School of Music www.nsom.ac.nz/ .....Register to Test Drive: frances@nsom.ac.nz
Ashburton Trust Event Centre www.ateventcentre.co.nz/ .....Register to Test Drive: roger@ateventcentre.co.nz
Theatre Royal Nelson www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/ .....Register to Test Drive: manager@theatreroyalnelson.co.nz
Marlborough Civic Theatre www.mctt.co.nz/ .....Register to Test Drive: ceo@mctt.co.nz

The Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium is presenting work from leading New Zealand performing arts companies with performances ranging from music, theatre, cabaret, comedy, visual arts and dance.

Who is behind Test Drive?
Test Drive the Arts is supported by Creative New Zealand in collaboration between the participating organisations.

Can I tell my friends about Test Drive the Arts?
Please do! And if they qualify, let them know they can apply for guest tickets. We would like as many people as possible to have the chance to Test Drive the Arts.

Why is it important to support Test Drive the Arts?
We are proud of New Zealand’s vibrant and diverse arts scene and want to give people the opportunity to experience the high quality live performances on offer.
We want to support our performing arts organisations and artists by helping them build new audiences so they are more creatively and financially sustainable.
Your involvement in Test Drive the Arts will help achieve these goals.
Making the most of your Test Drive Performance

Before the show
Visit the website of the Consortium members in your region. You will find information about the venue, the show you are seeing and the performers.
It is a good investment in time to take a few minutes to read a show synopsis.

Arrive 30 minutes before curtain up
This means you won't be rushed and have time to enjoy pre-show refreshment and get your bearings.
Late comers are usually not admitted to the theatre once the show has started until there is a natural break in the performance. This is so late-comers do not disturb the performers or other audience members.

During the Performance
Once you have taken your seats, it is customary to stay there until interval. So make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need before the start of the show.
If you do need to leave your seat, you may not be readmitted until there is a suitable break in the performance.
Unlike the movies, the performers on the stage are affected by the audience. So it probably goes without saying that the audience should refrain from talking or being a distraction during the show.

Mobile Phones
One of the most unwelcome sounds in the theatre is a mobile phone, beeper or pager. Please make sure yours is turned off.

Food & Drink
Each venue in the Consortium offers food and drinks which can be enjoyed pre-and post show as well as during the interval.

When to applaud
There are no hard and fast rules about when to applaud as each show is different. It's important to remember that performers love to hear the sounds of clapping and appreciation for their work.
When attending a play, applaud at the end of each act.
If in doubt, follow the lead of your fellow audience members.

What to wear
The days of having to dress up to go to the theatre are long gone. You'll see people wearing all manner of attire - jeans and t-shirts, suits, posh frocks and every thing in-between.
If you'd like to dress up and make a night of it - please do so, it is all part of the fun. If you're not sure, 'smart casual' is the safe option.

Photographs and Videos
Taking photographs or videos during a performance is not permitted. It is also not permitted to take photographs of the stage or set unless you have permission.

Interval
During the interval you can get a drink, a snack, use the restrooms or stretch your legs. Intervals are usually around 15 to 20 minutes. A bell will ring when it is time to return to your seat.

Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to all Test Drive the Arts patrons.

• You must be 18 years or over to participate in Test Drive the Arts.
• You must be an NZ resident of the venue region to participate in Test Drive the Arts.
• Tickets for Test Drive the Arts are subject to availability.
• The number of tickets reserved for Test Drive the Arts is at the discretion each Consortium venue. Eligibility for Test Drive the Arts is
  conditional on not having attended a live performance at the participating performing arts venue or company in the last 3 years.
• By entering Test Drive the Arts and accepting these Terms and Conditions, You consent to (a) The Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium sending you the
  Test Drive the Arts newsletter by email (b) Individual Consortium venues communicating with you by email to in relation to special offers and discounts
  for future performances and to keep you informed about forthcoming arts events.
• Guest Test Drive the Arts tickets are only issued once to any individual.
• While the Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium will endeavour to ensure that every individual who participates in Test Drive the Arts
  receives a set of guest tickets, this may not be possible due to ticket availability and demand.
• Tickets are not for re-sale and may not be transferred to another person.

Disclaimer: Responsibility for performances and events lies with the Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium.
The Consortium accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury incurred or suffered by any person arising out of the person's participation in
Test Drive the Arts or any performance or event associated with Test Drive the Arts.