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History
of the Building
The Theatre was originally built in 1920
as the 3000 seat Victory Theatre for the presentation of films. Following
the opening of the nearby Palais Theatre in the mid 1920’s the theatre
was closed for extensive renovations and the seating capacity reduced to
2550. It was re-opened in 1928 and the current foyers, grand staircase,
barrel vaulting and auditorium date from that renovation.
In 1971 Hoyt’s offered the Victory
Theatre in St Kilda for conversion, following a disastrous fire that
destroyed the Empress Theatre in Prahran. The current theatre consists of
the original Victory dress circle extended with the addition of a sizable
stage and fly tower, with the overall reduction in seating capacity to its
current 783 seats.
The original stalls were converted to
Drama, Opera and Ballet studios. The original proscenium arch can be seen
partially in the kitchen of the Theatrette, while the stalls rake is
clearly visible in the main studio hallway. Above Studio 5 there is a void
where much of the original ceiling fittings are still visible, while the
art deco decorations from 1921 are still in place behind the upstairs Bar.
The Schools and Administration moved in during September 1972.
The National Theatre as it now stands was
officially opened on September 7th 1974.
The Main Theatre
The National Theatre conversion set a
bench mark in the world for conversion from a cinema to a live theatre
venue and was written up in several major international architectural
journals.
The design of the theatre provides
excellent sightlines for all 783 seats and suits all styles of production
from full-scale musicals to intimate one-person performances. Major dance
events, operas, concerts, dramatic productions and Festivals are held in
the venue, which still maintains its dual function as a cinema with the
popular "Reel Holidays" sessions.
The main stage offers both a spacious
orchestra pit and functional fly tower dating from the 1972-3 renovation,
while the seating is of the older (and larger) style popular in cinemas of
the period. The seating is on a single rake (no upstairs balcony) while
the ambience of the foyer and auditorium have maintained their 1928 charm.
The
National Theatre Movement was established in 1935 by soprano Gertrude
Johnson. When Miss Johnson returned from a highly successful career
overseas, she was dismayed at the lack of training and performing
opportunities for Australian artists in their own country.
Over the years her three schools
(Opera, Ballet and Drama – all established in the 1930’s) together
with professional theatrical companies in those three disciplines (all
established by 1950), produced many premieres and toured Australia
extensively.
It was a fertile training ground and
established the basis for the Australian Ballet, Australian Opera and our
existing State Theatre Companies, while continuing to produce many of the
most talented and successful member of the Australian Theatre industry.
In 1974 the current building was opened
after conversion from the Victory Theatre and fulfilled a long ambition of
the Company to have a permanent home and Studios. In 1980 the Opera School
was amalgamated with the Victorian College of the Arts and the company
ceased to produce its own performances concentrating on its tow remaining
schools and the operation of the theatre as one of Melbourne’s principal
venues.
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National
Theatre Movement
The upstairs bar is licenced from 11am
until 1am, while there is also a candy bar in the downstairs foyer.
Technical Details
The Theatre – the
auditorium is steeply raked with good sightlines throughout. It is divided
by a gangway between the eighth and ninth rows at entrance level. The
Front Lounge has 264 armchairs, the Rear Lounge has 519 tip-up seats –
giving a total capacity for 783 patrons.
The Stage – the stage area is 40ft x 90ft with a proscenium opening
of 35ft. The stage tower is 46ft high. The orchestra pit has an area of
750 sq ft with a pit depth of 7ft.
Film Projection equipment -
both 16mm (standard, widescreen or cinemascope) and 35mm equipment is
available with standard screen ratios.
Public Transport and Parking
Tram numbers 15, 16 and 96 operate
along Acland Street.
Tram numbers 69 or 79 operate along Carlisle Street.
The Balaclava Railway station is also on Carlisle Street.
Buses from Brighton (No 600), Clifton Hill (No 246) and Chadstone (No 623)
all service the nearby area.
Street parking can be limited, but
there are a number of designated parking areas to be found in the streets
surrounding the theatre.
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