New curtain wall transforms Brolga auditorium

The stage is set for a new era of entertainment at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough with a new curtain wall transforming the auditorium into a more intimate performing space. 

Fraser Coast Councillor Paul Truscott said that in the late 1990s when the main auditorium was being designed, the installation of a curtain along the seating at Row L was included in the plans but it was never installed.

“This is why Row L has more legroom than all the other rows,” Cr Truscott said.

“After the Brolga opened in July 2000, plans for the curtain wall fell off the radar and 18 years later Council renewed support for the project through discretionary funding.”

Two contributions of $12,500 each towards the $25,000 project were provided from Cr Truscott and Councillor Daniel Sanderson’s discretionary funds. 

Cr Truscott said the curtain was now in place and being used for performances and corporate events when the house was less than half full.

“It’s great that Council has supported a piece of Maryborough’s iconic assets in this way,” Cr Truscott said. 

“Knowing what the Brolga theatre holds for Maryborough and the Fraser Coast region, it’s good to see this asset being maintained. The Brolga is one of the best-used assets in our community.”

Cr Sanderson agreed, saying: “This new curtain wall a very worthy investment for our community.”

When in use, the curtains halves are pulled together, still allowing a centre opening for AV purposes and leaving the back of the theatre in darkness. 

Cr Sanderson said feedback from the theatre community and patrons had been terrific. 

“We’ve been hearing it’s very successful in making the space so much more intimate and professional. It makes a huge difference.”