Page 8 - CinemaRecord #21R.pdf

Happenings by Brian Miller

Swap meet:

CATHS-V held our 1998 swapmeet on Saturday, 25th July at the Victorian Moviemakers premises, Napier
Street, Fitzroy. Keen bargain hunters were spotted leaving with armloads of goods. A program of "selected
shorts" as the advertising used to say, followed the sale. These included Wurlitzer organ solos from the Tower
Ballroom, Blackpool and the 1991 National Trust/Regent Theatre open day, which was assisted by CATHS-V
members. It is almost two years since this great building was returned to Australian theatregoers.

Our thanks to John Brown and Ron Northrope who handled the afternoon tea so capably, and to Graham
Smythe in the projection room.

Vistorian Arts Center Backstage Tour:

The Arts Centre Backstage Tour is only available on Sundays at 12.15pm and sixteen CATHS-V members
participated on the 19th of July. This interesting inspection commenced at the George Fairfax Theatre, previ-
ously known as the Studio. The name was changed to honor Mr. Fairfax, who did so much to promote the
centre during his years as general manager.
Originally conceived as a flexible space for experimental theatre, the area has been re-fitted in recent times as
an open stage for small-scale plays. New, comfortable seating in semi-circular tiers gives excellent sight lines.
No attempt has been made to disguise the technical equipment in the ceiling, reminiscent of the CUB Malthouse.
Minimal props and scenery are used due to space limitations and these are moved by hand.

An attractive foyer in beige-mushroom tones completes this part of the complex. There was much activity
backstage in the Playhouse where the Melbourne Theatre Company's set was being "bumped out", the play
"Amy's View" having finished the previous evening. Our view of the Playhouse auditorium was somewhat
curtailed due to this work but it was good to see the practical side of theatre presentation in action.

The Playhouse stage is bigger than anticipated and has a number of options, such as a revolving stage and a
small removable orchestra pit which can be converted to seating. Auditorium colours are dark walnut-toned
walls and deep plum-purple toned seating.

A most impressive loading dock serves both the playhouse and the State theatre and is on a scale that most
theatre managers only dream of. Semi-trailers can be brought in off the street and unloaded, all completely
undercover. The vast back-stage section of the State Theatre is considered one of the world's best for this type
of auditorium, fully computerised and capable of being raised, lowered, revolves, etc.

Although we saw a large section, the stage continues behind a second safety curtain for use in spectacular
presentations. The very plush red and gold State auditorium had been re-configured with five extra rows of
seating, as the next attraction does not require the orchestra pit.

To conclude a busy ninety minutes, we continued to the Concert Hall via the stage door and like the theatres
building, it has been recessed below ground level. Special designs were necessary to ensure total damp-
proofing throughout and pumping systems to keep the Yarra at bay, at all times. Earth tones prevail throughout
the building and the foyers were not available for inspection. Transparent plastic discs above the orchestra pit
can be moved and curtains on the back wall of the balcony can be opened and closed to vary the sound level,
as required.

A labyrinth of corridors leads to a number of rehearsal rooms, refreshments room, dressing rooms and like the
main building, some really deluxe en suite dressing rooms for the stars. The stage area is also flexible and to
stand mid-stage and look at all 2700 seats is an impressive sight. The organ is recessed high above on the
back wall of the stage.

Film projection facilities are available in the State Theatre, the Playhouse and the Concert Hall. The 1925 silent
version of "Ben Hur" was presented with full orchestra and great impact at the Concert Hall, some years ago.
The cost of the tour is $12.00 and is not to be confused with the weekday Front of House tour.

Victoria can be proud of this complex. The finest in Australia - and a world-class facility.