The Arcadians Theatre Group need a bit more dosh to complete essential upgrades at the Miner’s Lamp Theatre. Photo: Arcadians Theatre Group.
The Arcadians Theatre Group have brought joy to audiences and theatre afficionados alike for the past 60 years – but now they’re facing their biggest challenge.
Their theatre, the Miner’s Lamp in Corrimal, must undertake urgent works to stay open, and the bill isn’t cheap.
Steven Stuart Sanders first got involved with the Arcadians when he moved to Wollongong from Newcastle to work at the steelworks in 1976.
He’s done it all, from chorus member to director, secretary to business manager.
Now president of the group, he hopes what seems like a setback might turn out to be an opportunity.
“We purchased the Corrimal Library from Wollongong City Council 26 years ago and turned it into the Miner’s Lamp Theatre,” he said.
“Three years ago we were told we had to register as a theatre, so we went through the DA process and were approved, but as a result we have to do major upgrades.
“The works include fire upgrades, toilet facilities for the cast who currently use public ones, and we hope to extend the foyer.”
Steven said the works were expected to come in at about $700,000.
Fortunately, the thrifty group is entirely amateur, so no-one gets paid for the productions they put on – money just goes back into the group to keep the lights on.
They’ve put away a bit for a rainy day, but are still well short of the funds they need to complete the upgrade.
The works will also mean the theatre will likely have to close for some time, and Steven said they are looking for a venue – or venues – so they can continue to perform and rehearse.
“Our whole occupation is producing live theatre, and we’re keen to keep our membership together and the public entertained,” he said.
“We’re ideally looking for a space we can use for rehearsal at night and on weekends, and to perform in.
“We have our children’s theatre group, the Lamplighters Male Choir and our adult theatre group that cater for a range of different audiences.
“We’re open to a facility that is suitable for all options or to look at multiple facilities.”
Corrimal institution the Miners Lamp Theatre needs a bit of a boost to keep the doors open. Photo: Arcadians Theatre Group.
It’s not the first time the group has had to be flexible.
In their early years Steven said they often rehearsed in public schools and performed at old Wollongong Town Hall.
In March 1979, the Arcadians were able to rehearse in their own hall, on land in Tarrawanna donated by BHP and later purchased by the group.
They are one of a small handful of amateur theatre groups in the country that own their own theatre.
It’s made them a firm fixture in the community and nurtured generations of talent.
“The connection you build working together for years to get a show on stage is remarkable,” Steven said.
“It’s a most rewarding experience; our children were in the original children’s theatre 40 years ago.
“Now they have kids in the group getting ready for their next show in September; it’s a wonderful cycle.”
To support the Arcadians via donation, purchasing a brick or entering a raffle, head to their website.
The Arcadians Theatre Group is a registered charity, and all donations are tax deductible.
If you have a venue you think might work as a rehearsal or performance space, email [email protected]
