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conversion to a performing arts and
conference centre, and occasional
cinema. The vision is for the theatre to
become the centre for a regional
Theatre Performance Course in which
all aspects of theatre crafts will be
taught.
I revisited the transformed Roxy in
July 2003.The façade had been painted
in art deco colours. The two shops on
the left and right of the entrance have
been converted into theatre spaces
including foyer extensions to cater for
a coffee lounge and disability access.
A tourist information centre has been
opened in the right hand section of the
foyer.
On entering the auditorium the
stunning effect of the original wall and
proscenium decoration dominated. The
ceiling has been refurbished and
returned to its former design. Great
care was taken to maintain the
decorative plaster-work. The original
finishes were cleaned and only minor
paint touch ups were required.
The shallow stage had been
removed to make way for a level floor
area from the back wall across the
dance floor to the tiered seating at the
rear of the theatre. Live performance
will be either on the dance floor level
or on 900mm high modular shapes
arranged in various combinations, from
the traditional stage setting to theatre
in the round. The former stage space
will become an assembly area and
back stage space once a curtain is
hung. Stage lighting bars have been
installed on the side-wall and a new
control box has been built above the
rear cross aisle, in front of the
projection room. It is still possible to
project films over the top of this space.
A skillion-roof extension has been built REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
at the rear of the stage wall. This (1) Mr. Bob Kirk, Bingara Historical Mr. Rick Hutton (Bingara) for his kind
space provides for dressing rooms and Society, and Ms Jenny Mead, Bingara assistance.
associated facilities. Tourist Officer. Bingara Advocate; various issues.
(2) Film Weekly – Motion Picture
The kauri pine dance floor has been
Directory; Various issues.
re-polished and carpets laid in all
(3 Cultural Heritage of Movie
areas. New toilets have been
Theatres in New South Wales
constructed on the left hand side of the 1896 – 1996.
building. Ross Thorne, Les Tod and Kevin Cork.
The Roxy is the home of the Department of Architecture, University
Northwest Theatre Company who will of Sydney.
stage the first play, Twelfth Night in the
refurbished theatre. The reintroduction
of occasional cinema is subject to
further funding grants. After years of
neglect the Roxy has, for the first time,
become the focal point for
entertainment in Bingara. ★

CINEMARECORD 2004 11