Description

A vibrant performing arts centre, embracing local theatre groups and attracting major national and international productions

The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, or ‘The Q’ is a vibrant performance venue and cultural hub in the heart of Queanbeyan, Canberra. Its facilities rival those of much larger centres, and include a raked 350-seat auditorium, generous stage and wings, crossover and a large orchestra pit. A light-filled, two-level multi-use foyer spans the full width of the building. The staircase is a commanding feature within the foyer and the structurally suspended arrangement refers to lighting bridges within the auditorium. The foyer and stair promote convivial personal interaction before performances and during intermission. The adjacent bar, gallery / exhibition and meeting spaces open into the foyer. Operational spaces include the box office, patron and player amenities, and delivery dock.

Externally, the theatre is a simple and urbane zinc and terracotta clad building; the zinc emulates the ripples of a dark stage curtain. The vertical proportions of the building allow ‘the curtain’ to hover above the lighter lower glazed section, ‘the lit stage’.

The Q is home to the local theatre group and attracts major visiting national and international productions. Together with the existing Queanbeyan function centre, library and council offices, the Q provides a lively social centre for Queanbeyan.