13 August 2008
The new performing arts centre will be a top spot in more ways than one when the new Centrepoint shopping complex is completed in a few weeks.
The centre occupies part of the top floor space and will bring a new multi-function arts world to Tamworth. It will be called the Capitol Theatre - as a mark of respect for the history of the land it sits on.
The original Capitol Theatre was built there and showed its first film in 1927. It was demolished in 1984 but it was a magnificent looking theatre in its heyday and TRC commemorates that heritage in resurrecting the name for the new space.
This time around, the theatre is being fitted out and furnished at a cost of $1.6million by TRC as part of a 15-year lease with the developer of the complex.
It has a 405-seat auditorium with two levels of tiered seating and includes professional theatre lighting, full sound system, dressing rooms, orchestra pit, a fly tower and is fully air conditioned.
It is a multi-function space for live theatre and cinema productions and will significantly add to existing cultural facilities by providing an ideal forum for live theatre including dance, drama, music, educational activities, conferences and community events.
The theatre fit-out will get underway soon and a $75,000 grant from the State Government's Rural and Regional Miscellaneous Grants Fund announced last month will help TRC do it even better. A tender for the supply of the flying system has been accepted and TRC is now investigating suppliers for smaller items like sound and lighting.
There's been a lot of consultation about the new space with arts groups involved in lending expert and practical advice in the design process. They included groups like the Regional Conservatorium of Music, TAFE, DET and musical and dramatic groups. The first major show there is expected to be The Boy From Oz in November.