South Canterbury Drama League Inc

General information

The South Canterbury Drama League began in 1926 when the founders, a local Doctor and a local newspaper editor were reading “Drama”, the official publication of the British Drama League, and noted how popular community drama was in England.
They discussed the possibility of something similar for South Canterbury and the few groups who were active at that time were all in favour of such a venture.
In 1927 eight groups took part in a one-act play competition.
The South Canterbury Drama League holds the honour of being a pioneer of community drama in New Zealand and the senior branch of the British Drama League outside the United Kingdom.
It is doubtful if either of the founders, keen as they were, ever envisaged the Drama League developing into the large organisation it is today, with five different sections, each with their own committee.
We stage ten productions every year, ranging from large-scale musicals, to plays, to theatre restaurant and children's theatre. All members belong to every section and are frequently seen helping or performing with every production.