Community consultation has opened on the Canberra Theatre Centre until Monday 20 November.

The ACT Government is building a new 2,000-seat theatre, suitable for circus, musicals, and ballet, comparable to Australia’s largest theatres; refurbishing the Playhouse; making the Canberra Theatre a flexible venue that can host a broad range of performances, concerts, and events; and expanding the Courtyard Studio.

“Canberra has been missing out on many shows and performers because our current venues are too small and ageing,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. “This project can change that. It will also drive more tourist activity in the city and support our retail and hospitality businesses, and night-time economy.”

The community consultation will help the design team to understand what people want from live performances.

“We want to hear what matters most to people when they come to a live performance, what are their challenges, and what are their big ideas to create an iconic, vibrant and inclusive Canberra Theatre Centre where everyone feels welcome,” arts minister Tara Cheyne said.

Design, consultation, and approval processes will continue into 2024, and will inform planning for the project’s construction phase.

There are many ways to have your say:

• Fill out an online survey at: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/canberratheatreproject
• Answer a quick poll at one of the pop-up stands in the Canberra Theatre Centre foyer from mid-October
• Speak to the pop-up team before selected shows at Canberra Theatre Centre
• Visit a pop-up at Canberra Centre on Thursday 12 October and Thursday 26 October

More information about these opportunities is available at the YourSay Conversations website.

Sign up for updates on the Canberra Theatre Centre transformation at builtforcbr.act.gov.au