Theatres and cinemas with an endorsed COVID Safety Plan were permitted to return to 100 per cent capacity yesterday (14 April).
Director of the Canberra Theatre Centre, Alex Budd welcomed the change saying it meant the Centre could host an extra 35,000 audience members to some of its popular performances, such as shake & stir’s previously sold-out Animal Farm and Bell Shakespeare’s One Man In His Time: John Bell.
Mr Budd said full theatre capacity would benefit over 64 current productions and enable more local and touring productions to confirm their performances in Canberra.
“This major step in our recovery allows us to bring more large-scale productions to Canberra, and to continue to strengthen our support of local artists,” Mr Budd said.
“There’s nothing like seeing first-hand the huge popularity of the event you’re attending – it’s just one of those great theatrical feelings,” he said.
Mr Budd said Canberra Theatre re-opened to the public in August for 100 audience members per performance and had gradually increased capacities, in line with Public Health Emergency Directions, to 75 per cent.
He said the easing of restrictions would have a positive flow-on effect for Canberra’s jobs and the economy.
“It brings in so many jobs for us that are involved in productions, for example technicians and ushers,” he said.
“Then there’s the economic benefits from having thousands of people back in Civic in the evening,” Mr Budd said.
