If you haven't seen live theatre, comedy, dance or music in a few years or ever - register for Test Drive the Arts and go into the draw to win two guest tickets to a top New Zealand show touring to the Nelson School of Music, the Theatre Royal (Nelson), the Ashburton Trust Event Centre or the NBS Theatre in Westport.

As a Test Driver you and a friend come along to a show as our guests and 'try before you buy'. We hope that, after having a great night out at a live performance, you will want to come back for more.

Top of the South Arts Touring presents music, theatre, cabaret, comedy and dance shows from leading New Zealand performing arts companies. 

Anyone over 18 and a resident in the region 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. Scroll down to check out the FAQ , Handy Hints and Terms & Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

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 - five 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 18 years of age or over and have been to the theatre or venue they want to Test Drive for the past three years. 

How Does Test Drive the Arts work?

The participating organisations in Top of the South Arts Touring 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 /to go in the draw to win two guest tickets to an upcoming show.

Our website lists the current show available. You follow the link to register.

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 and to being on the mailing list for the Test Drive and venue e-newsletters. These contain information and special offers for future shows.

 If I have guest tickets, will the seats be any good?

Tickets for our Test Drive the Arts guests 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 to read the standard Terms and Conditions.

Is Test Drive the Arts open to non-regional residents?

No, because Test Drive aims to build long term audiences for Top of the South Arts Touring 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. 

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/

Ashburton Trust Event Centre  www.ateventcentre.co.nz/

Theatre Royal Nelson www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/

NBS Theatre Westport  www.nbstheatre.co.nz/

Who is behind Test Drive?

Test Drive the Arts is an audience development initiative supported by Creative New Zealand and managed by Top of the South Arts Touring. It is based on successful Test Drive the Arts initiatives in the UK and Australia. Top of the South Arts touring is a local group committed to promoting top New Zealand performing artists.

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.

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.

Handy Hints to Make the Most of your Test Drive Performance

Before the show

Visit our websites.  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 summary or 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 Top of the South Arts Touring 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 everything 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.

1. You must be 18 years or over to participate in Test Drive the Arts.
2. You must be an NZ resident of the venue region to participate in Test Drive the Arts.
3. Tickets for Test Drive the Arts are subject to availability.
4. The number of tickets reserved for Test Drive the Arts is at the discretion each Top of the South Arts Touring venue. Eligibility for Test Drive the Arts is conditional on not having attended a live performance at the participating performing arts venue or for that particular company in the last 3 years.  
5. By registering for Test Drive the Arts and accepting these Terms and Conditions,  you consent to Top of the South Arts Touring sending you the Test Drive the Arts newsletter by email (approximately four times a year.)
6. When you accept Test Drive tickets you also agree to individual Top of the South Arts Touring venues communicating with you by email  in relation to special offers and discounts for future performances and to keep you informed about forthcoming arts events.
7. Guest Test Drive the Arts tickets are only issued once to any individual.
8. While Top of the South Arts Touring  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.
9. 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.