The Court Theatre’s new facility in Addington has been affectionately dubbed “The Shed” due to its original purpose as a grain storage silo.
- The Shed has come through all of the major earthquakes and aftershocks without any damage, and has been deemed structurally sound by engineers.
- Located off Lincoln Road in Addington, the street address is 36C Clarence Street South - once construction is complete patrons will access the parking lot from Bernard Street.
- The Shed measures 3200 square metres (40m x 80m) and the roof is 11m high at its highest point.
- Design of the new theatre and facilities has been carried out by Stewart Ross of Fulton Ross Team Architecture – Stewart Ross was the designer of The Court Theatre’s auditorium at the Arts Centre over 35 years ago. Artistic Director Ross Gumbley, who trained as an architect, has also been involved in much of the design process for the new venue.
- The purpose-built auditorium will measure 644 square metres (23m x 28m) and be constructed with steel framing and Kingspan panels, meaning the new internal structure will be self-supporting and increase the stability of The Shed. The use of Kingspan panels also means the auditorium will be fully thermally and acoustically insulated.
- The auditorium has been designed to replicate - and improve on - the “ Court One experience”, which includes an intimacy between the audience and performers assisted by a partial thrust stage into the front row of the audience.
- Currently there are plans to install 300 seats in the new auditorium with space for additional seats to be added if required. These new seats will be larger and more comfortable than the Arts Centre facility and the rake of the seating has been increased to give better sight lines.
- The foyer will contain the box office and bar inside modified shipping containers, as well as coffee facilities. There will also be a large stage in the foyer for speeches, presentations and performances by local musicians and artists. The space may also be used to display local artwork.
- All departments of The Court Theatre will be housed in the new facility. Rehearsal space along with offices for administration, marketing, wardrobe and management (in modified portacoms) will be located on the west side of the building. Behind the auditorium (i.e. on the east side) will be the workshop and set construction facilities.
- The Shed will have over 100 car parks on site in very close proximity to the theatre entrance.
- The Court has a three-year lease on The Shed (renewable for up to four more three-year terms) and intends to move back into the heart of the city as soon as possible. Artistic Director Ross Gumbley believes “The Court has a role to play in the rejuvenation of the central city”. When The Court vacates The Shed, the facility will be made available to other performing arts groups as a venue.