Theatre Works GM Dianne Toulon talks to david about post Covid 19. - a podcast by JOY 94.9 - LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Podcasts for all our Rainbow Communities
from 2020-11-29T08:16:03
Nine months since the curtains came down and
after hundreds of hours of planning and work,
Melbourne’s iconic Theatre Works proudly
presents an innovative and COVIDSafe new
theatrical experience.
Glasshouse
Tuesday 1st December, 7:30pm (AEST)
Watch online at
www.facebook.com/TheatreWorksStKilda
www.twglasshouse.org
Theatre Works heads into 2021 after a complete transformation of their theatre space, allowing the organisation
to restart operations with a dynamic and innovative approach to COVIDSafe live performance far into the foresee-
able future.
An intimate in-the-round setting for chamber performance of all genres and forms, Glasshouse is comprised of
12 custom made booths that put the comfort and safety of audience and performers at the forefront, without
compromising the experience at the theatre.
A new era for the organisation, instead of becoming disenchanted with the current situation they have embraced
the possibilities with exclusive Perspex booths that patrons are able to book for themselves and their guests –
complete with pre-order menu including gourmet grazing platters, ice creams, drinks and other assorted treats.
Each event at the venue also cares for the wellbeing of patrons, artists and staff alike with staggered seating
times, contactless ticketing systems, infrared temperature checks, and hospital grade cleaning before and after
each show.
Currently nearing completion, Theatre Works has developed a mobile device app to compliment the new experi-
ence at the venue which will provide direct communication with the audience from ticket sale, to theatre entry
and seatings, drink/food or merchandise purchasing and order reconciliation. The app will also serve as a check in
device in adherence to COVIDNormal guidelines, collecting guest details for COVIDSafe tracking purposes. The
app will be available on the night of the launch.
“The greatest impact COVID has had on our organisation is to our artists and audience.”, explains Theatre Works
General Manager Dianne Toulson. “Without being able to safely open doors we have been unable to support
artists and present works to the wider community, and our response to that is Glasshouse. The new design ena-
bles us to reopen and provide a vital space for audience and artists alike.
2020 is Theatre Works’ 40th Anniversary and we started the year dealing with brutal funding cuts and wondering
how we were going to survive. Then COVID hit and we realised, like all artists and arts companies – especially the
independent ones – that we had to get creative and seize the opportunity to evolve. We’ve been supporting artists
and creatives for 40 years and have dealt with many obstacles in unique ways. This is just another. We’ve em-
braced the change and now we’re looking forward to another 40 years bringing the arts to Australians.”
Ready to launch in the first week of January with a new Fringe Replanted program, Glasshouse is also an ac-
knowledgment that the future is an uncertain one and the possibility of moving in and out of different levels of
restrictions a genuine concern. Because of this, the 2021 program has been planned with flexibility in mind. Slid-
ing capacity allows seating of 20 – 48 people with the configuration, which still accounts for four square metres
per person in the venue including cast, crew and front of house.
All media enquiries to Eleanor Howlett
E: bosslady@sassyred.com.au
P: 0419 664 108
Launching 2021 with a bang, Glasshouse invites audiences back to Theatre Works from the 5th of January with the
Fringe Replanted season. Running until the 31st of January, Fringe Replanted is a full program of nine new, experi-
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