Page 11 - CR-93

Plaza Theatre auditorium, c. 1920
According to his diary, the two Simplex Case of the Black Parrot. Mr. Jack Costa was other. Both theatres had large stages, scenery
projectors were relocated to Colac on 1 May the projectionist. flying facilities and dressing rooms. By the
1940. early 1960s, the Geelong Theatre had ceased
The family operated the cinema successfully being available as a live venue, possibly
For the next seven years, the hall was used for until 1959, when it was rumoured that the because of the disruption to regular film
live performances only, until Geelong's Costa local Regent and Geelong Theatres paid for exhibition. Until 1978, the Plaza became the
Family commenced regular cinema operations the Plaza to cease film screenings. However, permanent home for the Geelong Musical
using a pair of Raycophone projectors. The the venue continued to operate as one of only Comedy Company and, in later years, the
first program took place on 26 January 1946, two venues suitable for local and touring Geelong Gilbert & Sullivan Society as well as
with The Adventures of Robin Hood and The companies, the Geelong Theatre being the hosting touring companies such as the
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra,
Winifred Atwell, Rock Concerts and
Jazz Festivals.
When compared with the technical
facilities available at GPAC, those at
the Plaza Theatre were extremely
primitive. Stage lighting equipment
was minimal, consisting of three
overhead troughs and a row of
footlights, each wired with circuits of
red, white and blue lamps. Floor
standing floodlights in the wings on
each side were connected to outlets in
floor traps, with cables trailing across
the stage floor, creating a tripping
hazard for cast members and stage
crew.
Lighting in the auditorium consisted
of four ineffective incandescent
spotlights mounted high on the wall
above each end of the balcony rail.
Three carbon arc follow spotlights
were located in the former projection
The GPAC Drama Theatre room.

CINEMARECORD # 93 11