Howick Children's and Youth Theatre is an incorporated society formed to manage the affairs of Offstage Youth Theatre and the Children's Theatre, formerly Uxbridge Children's Theatre.

The Uxbridge Children's Theatre, was established as an integral part of the Uxbridge Centre's activities in 1982. Offstage Youth Theatre grew out of the success of the Children's Theatre. It was formed in 1985 to cater for a large group of long term students 15 and upwards, and a growing number of youth from outside.

Initially administered by Uxbridge Community Projects Incorporated, the successful development and growth of the two theatre groups led to the decision to establish the Howick Children's and Youth Theatre Inc. (HCYT) as a separate society, in 1996 and
to move our classes into commercially
leased premises.

Since HCYT became established as an independent society the popularity of its programmes and the numbers enroled in classes have steadily increased. In order to secure the future of the society, the HCYT management committee had been exploring the possibility of purchasing a building. If this could be achieved, money allocated to lease and rental payment could be freed up for the creative needs of the society. It was discovered that this was not a viable option for a community organisation.  However in 2007 the opportunity arose to submit to council an expression of interest for the Old Star of the Sea Building. After an indepth assessment process of all the applications HCYT was chosen as the preferred tenants. This began a very busy but exciting time preparing for our shift to our new home. At the end of April 2008 HCYT moved into the new buildings and started classes at the beginning of May. This move from Commercial premises to Council owned ones will make a huge difference to HCYT and ensure the financial viability of the organisation. We are looking forward to the new challenges and a positive relationship with Manuakau City Council.