History

The History of Noosa Arts Theatre   As we celebrate our 40th anniversary on September 15, 2010, a history of the theatre has been printed and is now on sale at the theatre for $10.  This book contains 56 pages of background information, hundreds of photos of members and productions, and a time-line of the past 40 years of the theatre.  A 'must buy' for anyone interested in Noosa Arts.

Noosa Arts Theatre was formed in the early '70s by a group of people who felt there was a need for amateur theatre in the community.  The first performance was on the back of a truck in a park at Noosaville.  After sufficient funds were raised an industrial shed was purchased for $500 from a developer and placed on the current site in Weyba Road.  A small kitchen, dressing room and two toilets were added and the shed was insulated with cardboard egg cartons.  The theatre was officially opened on March 27, 1976 with a performance of Big Bad Mouse.  In 1978 extensions were made to the stage and a foyer was added to the front of the building.

The front of the theatre in 1989

A youth theatre was begun in 1977 and the first musical Oliver was performed in 1979.  October 1981 saw major extensions to the stage and foyer and the building of a bio box, dressing room and wardrobe storage.  The construction of an external bio box and the extension of the verandah took place in 1994 and the seating in the theatre was increased to 145.  The final addition of a new kitchen, extension and redecoration of the foyer, and increasing the outdoor patio area along with exterior painting took place in 1998.

In 1999 air-conditioning was installed in the auditorium for the comfort of our patrons and plush seating two years later.  2001 also saw the addition of a large storage room for costumes and sets along with a dressing room for the men.  An enclosed patio area was added outside the stage door in 2002 so that cast members now have somewhere to relax during interval.  The addition of more dressing rooms and toilet facilities, plus a refurbished foyer and courtyard was completed in early 2012.  Planned improvements include a new bar and extended courtyard (covered) and new office.