PROGRAMMES
Deller Productions Presents: The SpongeBob Musical
The Inaugural Level Up! Project 2026
In 2026, Clarence Street Theatre launched Level Up! — an annual performing arts development programme designed to help Waikato performing arts organisations take their next significant step.
Deller Productions was selected as the inaugural Level Up! Partner.
Following a series of successful productions and a growing reputation for producing high-quality musical theatre, Deller Productions demonstrated the ambition, capability and vision that sits at the heart of the Level Up! programme. The company had reached a point where it was ready to expand its scale, challenge itself creatively, and create new opportunities for performers, creatives and technicians.
Together, Clarence Street Theatre and Deller Productions have partnered to present The SpongeBob Musical as the first Level Up! project.
Why Deller Productions?
Level Up! is not simply about producing a show. It is about building capability, developing people and strengthening the Waikato performing arts sector.
Deller Productions was selected because of its strong track record, commitment to artistic excellence, and desire to continue growing as a performing arts organisation. Through this partnership, Deller Productions is gaining experience delivering work at a larger scale while creating opportunities for emerging practitioners to develop their skills in a professional theatre environment.
The project demonstrates what can be achieved when local organisations are supported to take their next significant step.
About The SpongeBob Musical
Based on the beloved animated television series, The SpongeBob Musical is a vibrant, high-energy Broadway musical that brings the underwater world of Bikini Bottom to life.
When a catastrophic volcanic eruption threatens their home, SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends must come together to save Bikini Bottom. Along the way, the story explores themes of friendship, courage, optimism, community and believing in yourself when others doubt you.
Filled with colourful characters, spectacular visuals, memorable music and plenty of heart, the show offers something for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering SpongeBob for the first time, this production promises an entertaining and uplifting theatrical experience.
More Than a Musical
As the inaugural Level Up! project, The SpongeBob Musical represents more than a production season.
It is an investment in local talent, creative development and the future of performing arts in the Waikato.
The production is providing opportunities for performers, technicians, designers, stage managers, creatives and emerging arts leaders to gain experience on a larger-scale production while building connections across the local performing arts community.
By supporting organisations to grow their capability and confidence, Level Up! aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Waikato performing arts sector and create pathways for future generations of artists and arts leaders.
Follow the Journey
Over the coming months we will be sharing stories from behind the scenes, highlighting the people involved and documenting Deller Productions’ journey as the first Level Up! Partner.
Their story is the beginning of a programme designed to help local organisations grow, develop and thrive.
Because every organisation has a next significant step.
