The seats are in and the fit-out is well underway on Goulburn's new performing arts centre.
Several shows have also sold out ahead of the Auburn Street venue's March 25 opening.
Zauner Constructions has been building the facility for the past two years. The $19 million complex adaptively re-uses the former McDermott Centre, constructed in 1887 as Goulburn's town hall.
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Council general manager Warwick Bennett said centre manager Raina Savage had already lined up 40 shows for next year, including a gala opening event on March 25 and 26.
"It's really exciting and totally confirms that it was the right decision to build the centre," Mr Bennett said.
A dedicated website has also gone live this week.
"The website will be the first point of call for ticket sales and provide valuable information for first time and return visitors - to ensure our patrons have a care free and comfortable experience," centre manager Raina Savage said.
"It will provide details of all the shows on offer, which will be updated as new (ones) come on line throughout the year."
Ms Savage said people could also sign up as premium members, including free entry to the March official opening and front row seats at the official season launch on Friday, April 1.
The website features the first batch of commercial shows currently on sale. The first pre-launch sales for the 2022 season will be available from January 12.
Shows include a mix of country music, classic Aussie pop, Irish dance, outrageous drag, and tribute shows. They open on April 23 with 'A celebration of the superstars of the country: Than and Now' and 'Celtic Illusions Imagined' on April 27.
Mr Bennett said final touches such as seating and carpet had been installed in recent weeks.
In addition to Ms Savage, the council has employed a technician, front-of-house and marketing people. There are five permanent staff, two part-time and 20 casuals.
The March opening is billed as "a celebration of local talent." It includes a main show on Friday, March 25 featuring the Lieder Theatre, Hume Conservatorium students, the Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company and schools. This will be followed by a matinee the following day and night.
Mr Bennett said the opening had been delayed due to the difficulty of securing people for the centre's technical fit-out.
The venue will be officially opened on the same day as the redeveloped aquatic centre. However Mr Bennett said the latter could be opened to the public slightly earlier, depending on work progress.
The GPAC's website is: www.goulburnpac.com.au
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
