Calder & Lawson Gallery

General information

The Academy is a purpose-built, multiple-venue, award-winning performing arts building on the University of Waikato campus on the eastern side of Hamilton. It contains two main theatres, the Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber and the Playhouse Theatre.

The Concert Chamber is a fixed-tier auditorium for up to 340 with excellent acoustics for classical chamber music in particular. It is also an ideal boutique venue for conferences holding 250 - 300 pax.

The Playhouse Theatre is a flat-floor, multi-configurable theatre space, with seating for 180 – 220 depending on staging requirements. Designed mainly for drama and dance productions, it is also used frequently as a large dining room for up to 200 (round tables) or 300 (banquet-style), and as a dance and live band venue.

The Academy also houses the Calder & Lawson Art Gallery with a full annual programme of exhibitions. Extensive glass-lined foyers overlook the tree-lined campus lake where you can enjoy coffee and gourmet snacks from the Opus Bar/café. The Academy also contains two sprung-floor dance studios frequently in use as reception dining and meeting rooms, and a smaller mezzanine level VIP lounge for meetings and dinners for up to 40 pax.

The Academy is funded by both the University of Waikato and the Hamilton City Council to operate as both a University teaching and research venue for Music, Theatre and Dance, and also as a city and regional community performing arts centre.