GPAC draws curtain on $3m theatre upgrade

Jessica Benton
Workers have drawn the curtains on Geelong’s leading theatre to make way for an “extreme” redevelopment.
The former Ford Theatre at Geelong Performing Arts Centre will undergo a sweeping transformation as part of the $3 million project.
Centre general manager Jill Smith said the “much-loved and well-worn” theatre would only have lasted another few years without upgrading.
“The Ford Theatre was built almost 30 years ago and it has hosted a wonderful array of…talent. However, the theatre was greatly in need of an extreme overhaul in line with the expectations of today’s audience,” Ms Smith said.
“We’ve fast-tracked this work as the theatre simply wouldn’t have lasted another five years.”
Ms Smith said the theatre would reopen under a new name, The Playhouse, as part of a sweeping master plan for the arts centre including new theatres and “improved public spaces”.
The theatre upgrade would feature “dramatic visual improvements” as well as updated technical facilities, lighting and improved disabled access, she said.
She expected the redeveloped theatre to open in May.