Curtain set to rise on theatre's $6m backstage upgrade | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

You probably won't get to see what $6 million worth of work looks like - unless you are on stage performing.

Construction work on Rotorua's much anticipated Civic Theatre upgrade has been completed, now all that's left is the fit-out and finishing touches.

Rotorua District Council Events and Venues general manager Peter McLeod said Rotorua could now look forward to bigger, better and brighter shows coming  to town.

"There were a number of shows we could not accommodate due to the lack of space. The facilities were that bad we had one promoter tell us even if he paid his staff double they would not come here," Mr McLeod said.

Funding for the $6.1 million project came from the council ($4.35 million), catering contributions of $358,000, community trust grants of $960,000, a Lotteries Commission grant of $300,000 and local contributions of $133,400. Alterations include better wing space around the stage, the height of the stage house increased to 22m from 18.3m, and the replacement of the sloping mansard roof with vertical walls and a flat
roof.

The new dressing room extensions provide toilets and dressing rooms on two levels, with direct access to the outside of the building. A  piano storage room was built that filters sulphur out of the air. Carpet in the auditorium and the theatre's lighting has also been replaced.

RDT Pacific project manager Sheryl Kirner said as many local contractors were used as possible in the construction. She said work was completed within budget and on schedule.

"Most people won't see where all the money has gone because all the work is back of house. Our local contractors have done really well."

 Work on the redevelopment began in September last year and it will be ready for  a performance by the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra on September 4.