Raymond Boyce (theatre designer)

Boyce was part of the start professional theatre movement in New Zealand influencing the artistic landscape with his design knowledge.

[1] An early job of his was as a puppeteer for the John Wright Marionette Theatre and while studying he designed for the University College Drama Society in London.

[2] After completing his post-graduate course at the Old Vic under Michel St Denis, Boyce was appointed as Resident Designer at Dundee Repertory Company where he stayed from 1951 - 1953.

[5] Peter Harcourt in his book summarising New Zealand theatre between 1920 and 1970 said of Raymond Boyce: "His work as a designer has been an integral part of the success of ballet and opera as well as drama".

With his presence and his profound volume of work here since 1953 Raymond has hand-chiselled the house of professional theatre in Aotearoa, and he himself stands at its heart.

Poster advertising Raymond Boyce, Puppet Theatre. Image of stag in white, red and black. Mounted on wood. Collection of Auckland Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira, 1996.137.59