''Because of that, it's calling on the actors to find different skills and search deeper and darker into their characters,'' Auckland director and musician John Goudge said.
Goudge has been pulled in from his Waitakere base, where he teaches acting, to direct the play.
He had previously come to Queenstown to do a workshop with the company's actors and is friends with the company's president.
As a ''mainlander at heart'', he was not hard to convince, he said.
''There is no hardship in coming to the South Island. It couldn't be much more different to where I'm from in the bush of the Waitakeres in West Auckland.''
Having seen the company's chosen play, Serial Killers, which is written by Kiwi James Griffin, creator of TV's Outrageous Fortune, its prequel Westside, The Almighty Johnsons and the film Sione's Wedding, he was keen to get the opportunity to direct it.
''The thing I love about the theatre is that every play, every project you start from square one again. Wherever you are, there are always a new cast, new challenges and we are all learning together,'' Goudge said.
As every amateur society had its own ways of doing things, he had quickly learnt who was doing what and who to talk to about different aspects of the play.
''I've found the Remarkable Theatre Company wonderfully friendly.''
Serial Killers pokes fun at a group of characters that write for a Shortland Street-style TV hospital soap called ''Heart of Hearts''. Working from a play within the play premise, it satirises the lives of the soap writers, the actors and the industry they work in.
It makes people look at themselves and their attitudes.
''It makes you look a bit closer at people around us and about making real connections.
''This play was first published in 2002, but it's even more relevant now.''
Live actors performing pre-filmed segments from the ''Heart of Hearts'' soap opera on the big screen, directed by Scott Kennedy, add a twist.
Given the production was different from the company's more recent pantomime and family-friendly offerings, it was an opportunity for the actors to stretch themselves.
''It's very funny, a bit naughty, sexy and very cynical. This one is for the adults.
''They're having to search deeper and darker into their characters. It's from those dark places light emerges.''
Goudge is enjoying the process of pulling it all together with the help of a small but very dedicated team.
''Luckily, I found exactly the right people for the roles. Auditions are always really difficult, as you hope to get what you need, but I was very lucky at the first auditions to get what I needed.''
A mix of people who had experience acting and those who were new at it had been given roles.
''Part of the reason I'm down here is to bring more actors into the fold.''
A production like this relies on the strength of teamwork and trust between people.
Goudge said the play was a nice change of pace and scenery for him, as he had been a drama tutor for the past 20 years as well as directing professional and amateur shows around Auckland.
Prior to coming south, his most recent production had been Saturday Night Fever at the Playhouse.
''I'm also a musician and run a couple of different bands. I like variety and fresh challenges.''
Working as an actor, musical director and stage manager over the years meant he had developed a broad range of skills.
Amateur theatre had special challenges because those involved had day jobs, requiring rehearsals to be more spread out.
''Professionals do not need as many weeks' work. They work harder for shorter periods of time.''
Quite often, amateur actors were nicer to work with, he said.
There was also the difference of a pay cheque, although Goudge said that was never guaranteed in independent professional theatre.
''Community theatre can be easier. You can tap into the goodwill of the community.''
