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State Theatre Centre of Western Australia

The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia is a theatre complex located within the Perth Cultural Centre in Perth, Western Australia. The larger of three dedicated performance areas is known as the Heath Ledger Theatre in honour of Perth-born film actor Heath Ledger.

State Theatre Centre of Western Australia
Roe Street façade (facing south) of the State Theatre of Western Australia
Map
Address174–176 William Street
Perth
Australia
Coordinates31°57′00″S 115°51′34″E / 31.949906°S 115.859413°E / -31.949906; 115.859413 (State Theatre Centre of Western Australia)
OwnerGovernment of Western Australia
OperatorPerth Theatre Trust
Capacity
  • 575 – Heath Ledger Theatre
  • 234 – Studio Underground
  • 200 – The Courtyard
Construction
Opened27 January 2011
Years active2011–present
ArchitectKerry Hill Architects
Tenants
  • Black Swan State Theatre Company
  • Perth Theatre Company
Website
www.ptt.wa.gov.au/venues/state-theatre-centre-of-wa/ Edit this at Wikidata

Design and construction

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After an international design competition in 2005, attracting more than 40 designs worldwide, was won by Kerry Hill Architects, construction on the Theatre Centre began in late 2007.[1][2][3]

In July 2008 the Western Australian government announced that the complex would be named after Heath Ledger, however after a change of government, that decision was modified in December 2008 to apply only to the main auditorium.[4][5]

The centre was officially opened on 27 January 2011.[3]

Facilities

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The largest of three dedicated performance areas is the 575-seat Heath Ledger Theatre, named in honor of the late Academy Award winning actor, Heath Ledger. It is a traditional proscenium theatre. The stage can be modified to accommodate an orchestral pit. All the rows of seats are curved to face the stage and each row is elevated above the row in front, so that the occupant of every seat in the house can have an unobstructed view of the stage. There are timber acoustic baffles below the ceiling which enhance the acoustic qualities of the auditorium and the walls of the auditorium are lined with attractive timber panels.

The 234-seat "Studio Underground" is a black box theatre. The "Courtyard" is an outdoor area that can be configured to seat up to 200 people.[6]

Although there is an inconspicuous lift, the main entry to the first floor foyer of the theatre is by a staircase over which hang spectacular decorative elements. The foyer is timber paneled like the auditorium.

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    Auditorium 1 of the State Theatre Centre - Heath Ledger Theatre
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    Auditorium 2 State Theatre Centre - Heath Ledger Theatre
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    Upstairs foyer of the State Theatre of Western Australia
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    Foyer of the State Theatre of Western Australia
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    Entry staircase of the State Theatre of Western Australia

References

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  1. ^ Spagnolo, Joe (20 November 2005). "Design takes centre stage". The Sunday Times.
  2. ^ Banks, Ron (17 December 2005). "Field of theatrical dreams". The West Australian.
  3. ^ a b "History". State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  4. ^ "WA: New Perth arts centre to be named after Heath ledger". AAP Australian National News Wire. 1 July 2008.
  5. ^ "WA: Heath Ledger posthumously put to one side". AAP Australian National News Wire. 11 December 2008.
  6. ^ "Theatre Specifications". State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
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