There's much singing behind the Green Room door

What do you find behind the Green Room door at the Oamaru Opera House? A meeting space that’s been purpose-built for local organisations to use at no, or little cost, ensuring that the venue continues to offer affordable opportunities to the entire community.

When the current Oamaru Opera House business was being developed, one of the key objectives was to create a hub that benefitted all of Waitaki Districts’ residents. “We understand that many local groups are not-for-profit, or simply do not have the funds to rent expensive meeting rooms”, says Director, Richard McWha. “We put our heads together and created the Green Room Community Access Programme. The Green Room is a fully equipped hub, complete with couches, meeting tables and coffee & tea facilities,” … not to mention some pretty fantastic décor!

Lanie Dustin, the Oamaru leader for Eckankar, who offers a monthly HU chant to the community, is a great fan of the room. "I book the room for the first Monday of every month. The external access to the Green Room is handy for participants of the HU chant and also for those bringing large items. And I love the fact that I can come and go as needed."

Lanie warmly welcomes everyone to join her at the next HU chant on 3 October 2011, 12:00 noon, to learn, experience, and share the spiritual insights gained by singing HU (pronounced 'hue'.) "Throughout the ages, followers of many spiritual traditions have used prayer, the singing of holy words, and meditation to bring themselves closer to God. In the same way, those who have discovered HU, an ancient name for God, sing it for their spiritual upliftment. HU can be sung by anyone, whether Christian, Muslim, or of any other religion to enhance their relationship with Holy Spirit." For more enquires you can contact Lanie on 03 434 6734.

The Green Room can comfortably seat 20 people and can be hired from one hour to a full day. For qualifying community groups, the Opera House suggests a Memorandum of Understanding is signed in exchange for free room hire. This allows users to offer services back to the Opera House in a way that is suitable for both parties. From caring for the front gardens, to lending a hand at their regular working bees, the Opera House is happy to exchange a wide range of skills in return for use of the space.