Funding boost for Canberra Theatre Centre upgrade

The Canberra Theatre arts complex is to undergo an upgrade program after the ACT Government allocated $3.1 million in its 2012/13 Budget towards the scheme.

Planned improvements include the installation of new seating in Canberra Theatre Centre's Playhouse and Courtyard Studio, as well as enhanced backstage amenities for performers.

Improvements will also be made to energy efficiency and temperature control at the centre.

Explaining the funding ACT Minister for the Arts Joy Burch stated that the "ACT is committed to ensuring that Canberrans continue to have access to performances of a national and international standard."

Canberra Theatre Centre Director Bruce Carmichael said the funding was the "biggest for a long time", adding that it had been a while since the centre had been substantially upgraded.

Carmichael continued "it came to a point where there was a large list of things that needed to happen within the theatre.

"We surveyed our audience and seating was high on the list of their priorities."

The centre will receive the funding over a three-year period.

10th February 2012 - WORLD FIRST THEATRE CAPTIONING APPLICATION FOR SMARTPHONES