JCCA Theatres Review

2022 saw new and fresh ideas coming into the venues. Term 1 saw the peak of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The challenges brought were overcome with a custom built stage and lighting system, built outside in the main quad to continue performances in a safe environment. Other significant changes include:

• Massive upgrades to equipment, including replacement of a large number of old, dated and damaged equipment.

• Future proofing of the venues with infrastructure changes.

• A new rostering system was trialled resulting in manageable working hours and distribution of leave.

NOTABLE VENUE UPGRADES

• Power upgrades in Curtin Theatre kitchen.

• Replacement of the dishwasher.

• Two power distro units to make sure power is clean to the equipment, in turn extending the life of the equipment.

• Two new three-phase points to allow for the upgrade to LED lighting in coming years.

• The purchase of new AV equipment. The Curtin theatre will move away from analogue systems putting us in line with industry standards in 2023.

• 15 bays of new shelving to better utilise the spaces.

• Replacement of five of the eight portable speakers.

• 16 new LED lighting units – Eight in Curtin Theatre, raising the production values of these shows.

• Replacement of the lighting desk in Ellen St Theatre.

• Ten new outdoor staging decks to protect the current stock that is not designed for outdoor use.

• Quotes sourced to install curtains under the stairs in the northern foyer and south wall in Curtin Studio.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS)

The following changes of note so far:

• Improvement of the attitude among staff.

• Removal of the mezzanine levels in the red shed.

• Having clear guidelines and policies in place.

• Regular checks making sure standards are current.

• Monthly meetings as a department.

OTHER AREAS OF NOTE

• Curtin theatre management has started a relationship with other education system based theatres both public and private schools.

• The increase in quality of equipment.

• Development of short, medium and long term plans for the Curtin Theatre, its assets and productions.