CSU Riverina Playhouse re-opens Saturday 15 September after more than $3.5 million in improvementsMedia are invited to tour the refurbished venue at 11am Friday 14 SeptemberImprovements include seating, air-conditioning and improved facilities for theatre performance and presentationA new act opens on the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Riverina Playhouse with its reopening on 15 September after building work completed to ensure its long-term future as a teaching and performance space.CSU Division of Facilities Management (DFM) Executive Director Stephen Butt said prior to undertaking the work the University completed a significant review of the Playhouse where it identified over $3.5 million in improvements that were needed for the venue to continue for another 20 years.“Charles Sturt University undertook a comprehensive review of the building by working closely with the community.As a result of the review it became clear the Riverina Playhouse was a vital part of the Wagga Wagga creative community and a vital teaching resource for the University,” Mr Butt said.CSU Riverina Playhouse Manager John Jones said the venue had a history and connection with the Wagga Wagga community as well as students.“The Riverina Playhouse was opened in 1986 and for many locals it has become a venue that supports the Wagga Wagga performance community.The refurbished building will strengthen its role in servicing the needs of the community, provide Charles Sturt University acting and design students with an industry quality teaching resource and it will be a home for the University Theatre Ensemble,” Mr Jones said.Mr Jones said the completed works vastly improved the comfort of the venue with new seating and air conditioning, but most importantly too it enhanced the University’s performance and presentation ability.“The improvements to the Riverina Playhouse will make it a more attractive venue for performances by CSU students and the Wagga Wagga community as well as ensure it meets compliance and licencing requirements,” Mr Jones said.Media are invited to tour the refurbished venue at 11am Friday 14 September ahead of its opening on Saturday 15 September at 6.30pm.Following its re-opening the CSU Riverina Playhouse is looking forward to a packed three months as the University Theatre Ensemble will stage three productions over six weeks. This will be followed by “In the Spotlight” a production throughout November to raise funds for the Specialist Medical Resources Foundation, Darren Coggan returns with another show that has almost sold out, American Ragtime pianist Adam Swanson, and LIOR in early December.Working around the University Theatre Ensemble and CSU teaching program the Riverina Playhouse has interest for local and touring performances over 2019 and as far out as 2020.