• Historic Ponton Theatre at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst modernised for audiences, performers, and technicians
• $200,000 upgrade to seating, lighting, sound, stage, foyer, and catering area
• Theatre available to be booked for community use

Refurbishment of the historic building that houses the Ponton Theatre at Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) in Bathurst has been welcomed by students, staff and audiences.

The $200,000 upgrade provided new seating, new lighting and sound enhancement, an extended stage area and flooring, and a modernised foyer and catering area.

Acting Executive Dean of the Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education Associate Professor Will Letts (pictured) said the refurbishment of the historic building brings it into the 21^st century for the next generation of talented students and theatre makers.

“It’s wonderful to see this historic building modernised, fully-functional and comfortable for audiences, performers and technicians,” Professor Letts said.

“For decades Charles Sturt theatre media students in the School of Communication and Creative Industries have learned and honed their craft in the Ponton Theatre before graduating to form or join theatre companies and perform on stages across Australia and around the world.

“The latest upgrade to this vital learning and teaching space will ensure our students will enjoy and benefit from this modern facility.

“I thank and congratulate all the staff and contractors who have contributed to this project, and I look forward to the University welcoming and engaging audiences and other users to the new Ponton Theatre.”

Course director in the Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education Dr Travis Holland said, “The Ponton Theatre has always been a special place for our students, and some of our biggest-name graduates have walked these boards.

“Now it is ready to serve a new generation of theatre makers and storytellers.

“Staff in the Charles Sturt Division of Facilities Management and contractors have worked incredibly hard to make this happen, as have our theatre technical officer Mr Karl Shead and our other technical staff.

“I thank all of them for helping to create this wonderful space, which is also available for community use.

“This work builds on Charles Sturt’s commitment to ensuring we have the best facilities available for students, and will continue to demonstrate why we are known as the largest provider of first-class tertiary communication and creative industries courses in regional Australia.

“The theatre media teaching staff and students cannot wait to bring the 2019 Sprung Festival of Creativity to life in the new Ponton Theatre in just a few months’ time.”

The first production to use the new Ponton Theatre is the student-run Bathurst Arts Theatre Society (BATS) season featuring two shows and a short film, which opened on Thursday 25 July until Friday 27 July. Tickets are available at the door and online at https://bats.shop.csu.edu.au.

A second-year theatre media production directed by a lecturer opens on Thursday 15 August.

To book the Ponton Theatre for community use and events please contact Mr Karl Shead on phone (02) 6338 4540 or email kshead@csu.edu.au