The Phoenix Theatre has been set up to be an alternative to existing performance spaces in more ways than its physical space. Steen the projects creator has had the desire for a performance space operated on a more international model and style to the one most other Australian theatre’s are run. While studying in Europe, Steen attended many performances and workshops where he noticed the attitude to performance was totally different to the one experienced back at home, which was strange because in every aspect the attitudes of Multiculturalism, resourcefulness and partnership are ideals held dear to most Australians and even considered by us as the Australian way of living. So why do we not see it carried over into our performance culture? Australian’s are the creative backbone of many performance groups overseas, we do it better than anyone else because of the way we live and the way we think. Our theatre workers are leaving home to find what they need to express themselves, again why???? Where is the source of the problem???? When productions that have a more global perspective have happened they have been very successful, the Lion King and Cirque Du Soleil to name but two. Steen believes the biggest problem is support and The Phoenix Theatre is going to try and address the lack of support for performers who want to take a more global approach to performance.

The acclaimed director Peter Brook said
“Even if it’s ancient, by its very nature theatre is always an art of modernity. A phoenix that has to be constantly brought back to life. Because the image that communicates in the world in which we live, the right effect which creates a direct link between performance and audience, dies very quickly. In five years a production is out of date. So we must entirely abandon any notion of theatrical tradition”

In the search for a language that will communicate to an audience the appropriate image must be found but there are some constants that will always stay Brecht said “a Chair is a Chair is a Chair” the two philosophies of Brook and Brecht along with other great directors such as Joan Littlewood and Julie Tamore make up the basis of the Phoenix Theatres philosophy we also believe in the ideals of the Bauhaus School of the Weimar Republic and the Cabaret Voltaire of Zurich which was a Dada Project. I don’t want to go into a detailed analysis of their individual philosophies here, but distilled down they are basically as follows

To make these core philosophies practical several forums and projects have been put in place, there will be more but for now they are as follows.

PERFORMANCE IN THE THEATRE
When the theatre reaches the stage for public performance, a hire system will be put in place to make it affordable for community groups. Criteria for selection will be made public and special criteria for projects that fulfill the Theatre Philosophy will be made available so that performances with a more innovative feel will be encouraged. At present the working criteria are

As our Auspice organisation is Vox FM we may be able to assist in obtaining grants for development projects for performances that fit the criteria.

The theatre space will be completely remodeled so that it can comply with current fire regulations and get its Public Entertainment License. The old seating layout you know will be changed totally. When the architect has finished the plans we will post them here so you can all comment on the space, we will make any changes that are practical and fit the licensing obligations. Tim Vandenberg is designing an internal space that is acoustically balanced, he will also be designing the sound system - it will take some time but the best is worth waiting for. We will be replacing the whole lighting rig as well and hopefully be installing the new diode lights to reduce running costs and make the theatre as environmentally conscious as possible. We will utilise the knowledge of the board members who have vast experience in theatre to ensure the space is what it needs to be. We hope to have the space flexible in its layout and should seat from one hundred to two hundred people depending on the floor plan. The old office space will eventually be demolished and transformed into dressing room space, along with two of the existing dressing rooms the space should accommodate up to twenty performers comfortably.

PERFORMANCE IN THE CABARET
The foyer of the theatre will be transformed into a Cabaret venue where performers can present personal works and projects in a small comfortable venue. We expect the cabaret to seat 60+ people at tables and lounges. We do not wish to replicate what is already in place in the region, so projects that are different from other existing venues will be given a priority. Two of the existing dressing rooms will be renovated to accommodate 10 performers for the cabaret space.

CONISTON HALL
Vox manages the Coniston Community Hall on behalf of Council, the hall has a License for performances and is a useful alternative rehearsal space. We intend to put a sprung floor into the space so that it is better on bones when being used as a dance space. The hall is available for hire now and already has a few performance based hirers. Soon the hall will have a workshop attached to it for set and prop construction as well as a small meeting room for groups who need a meeting place. In the front garden we are planning an outdoor space of some kind which will also be useful for meetings or small gatherings. The gardens are currently being landscaped to improve access and security. We hope to see the first performances in the hall early in the New Year.

NERO’S CAFÉ
This is what we have decided to call the bar area, most of the time it will operate in the same way as the bard did during performances, but, when Vox has relocated to the site and access is easier we will be making the café available to any group who wish to hold a function or to individuals who just want somewhere quiet to go and work. There will eventually be a piano, a computer with internet connection and a few other resources at your disposal as well as tea and coffee. We will also be applying for an alcohol licence to serve wine. The foyer will be fitted out with mirrors for movement work and a sound system.

THE DECK
Decking will be laid on the western side of the theatre where the new entrance will be situated; this deck will run the full length of the theatre and will contain a water feature as well as seating and awnings. After a performance we may light the BBQ or just sit and enjoy the space. The gardens are currently being re-modeled and landscaped so that the whole site will have a pleasant atmosphere. The gardens are being planted with a variety of plants that are pleasant to draw. As an artist, Steen thought it was important to have somewhere to sit and draw without someone looking over his shoulder. The plant species have been selected by botanical artists for their seed pods, flowers and leaf structure. If there is something you want planted, tell us and we will see what we can do.

Committee
Steen		Theatre Manager / Chairperson
Brendon Lloyd		Secretary
Elysia Viles		Treasurer
Janys Hayes
Janette Ellis
Lorelle Lee
Advisory Committee
Agnes Donovan		Indigenous Liaison
Alexie Bull		Marketing and Events Liaison
Joshua Wiffen		Youth Liaison
Lisa Irving		Funding Liaison
Paul Greer		Technical Liaison
Adam Loughlin		Multimedia Liaison
Patricia Calabro		Vox Liaison