QPAC unveils name of its newest venue – Glasshouse Theatre
We’ve been on the edge of our seats awaiting the outcome – and now we know – QPAC’s new theatre is to be called the Glasshouse, in recognition of its shimmering facade.
As it turns out, the decision was a no-brainer. When the public were given a choice of four names for QPAC’s newly completed venue, almost half of the more than 5000 people who voted backed the name Glasshouse Theatre.
And so it will be known as the Glasshouse, with the added kudos that QPAC’s stunning new fifth theatre ups the ante by making QPAC Australia’s largest performing arts centre under one roof.
After thousands of votes and hundreds of suggestions, the State Government today unveiled the successful name after a month-long consultation process. Members of the public were invited to choose from four options – Glasshouse Theatre, Lantern Theatre, Watershed Theatre and Russell Street Theatre – or suggest an alternative.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek says the vote gathered plenty of interest and Glasshouse Theatre was the clear front runner, despite 900 alternatives.
“The vote attracted a high level of interest and I’m pleased to announce that Glasshouse Theatre was the clear frontrunner, as it recognises the stunning glass façade,” says Langbroek. “The Glasshouse Theatre will become QPAC’s fifth venue and will join the Playhouse, Lyric, Concert Hall and Cremorne Theatre.
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the vote gathered plenty of interest and Glasshouse Theatre was the clear front runner
“When the Glasshouse Theatre opens next year, it will make QPAC the largest performing arts centre in Australia under one roof. The project is powering ahead and Glasshouse Theatre is on track to be completed by the end of the year, before audiences are welcomed next year.
“This will enable even more locals and visitors to the State to experience world premieres, national exclusives and outstanding work from the State’s leading arts companies.
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“The construction of the $184 million theatre, funded with Queensland Government investment of $159 million and $25 million from QPAC, is an architectural and engineering feat, with its seamless integration into the heritage-listed QPAC.
“The Glasshouse Theatre will have the capacity to accommodate the highest technical and artistic demands of the latest touring blockbuster productions. It will be visually stunning with a sweeping staircase, spacious bars and amenities and an auditorium finished off with sustainable Queensland ironbark timber. QPAC is working to develop an exciting program for the new theatre’s first year of operations.”
QPAC chief executive Rachel Healy says the announcement of the new theatre’s name signalled a landmark step in the venue’s journey.
“The naming of the Glasshouse Theatre coincides with the next phase in the venue’s construction, arguably the most exciting part of the project, which is the fit-out of all the details that distinguish it as a theatre,” says Healy.
“We are delighted to see dressing rooms being fitted out, the stage all set, orchestra pit installed, bars and foyers coming together and 1500 seats in place. Planning is well underway for the theatre’s opening season, and we can’t wait to share what our audiences will experience when it opens early next year.
“We’ll soon be announcing the performances that will comprise the opening season and also our plan to host an open house that will allow our community to come through and help us test it out before we officially open.
“QPAC belongs to all Queenslanders, so it is very fitting that our country’s newest theatre has a name chosen by our community.”