Save the Plaza Theatre
In 2023, Outback Arts purchased the historic Plaza Theatre in Coonamble.
The acquisition, restoration, and activation of the Plaza Theatre in Coonamble, will transform it into a thriving cultural hub that enriches the community and the Outback Arts region.
Be a part of restoring this theatre into an incredible multi-purpose venue for everyone to enjoy.
“Theatres are places where people make magic out of the ordinary on a daily basis.”
All donations are tax deductible
About the Plaza
The two-tiered theatre was built in 1930 after the fire that ravaged 40 commercial properties in Coonamble in 1929. It was built to house 900 people - 400 upstairs and 500 downstairs.
The grand foyer leads to an open space of high ceilings and wooden floorboards with a risen stage at the front. There is new ablution block with accessible toilet and a kitchen/residence (the old green room) at the back of the building.
The Plaza was purchased by Coonamble local, Chris Gray, in 2000 after being closed and dilapidated for around 25 years. Sadly, Chris passed suddenly in 2019 and the Plaza has basically stood empty with only one last production by the Coonamble Amateur Theatrical Society in mid 2019.
By purchasing the theatre, Outback Arts ambitiously aim to restore, renovate and share the space with the community for performance, celebration, recreation and more!
We need your help
Our goal is to prepare this one-of-a-kind community facility for its next chapter by replacing or restoring the necessary roofing and plasterwork , adding sound and lighting, adapting the structure to meet current accessibility and safety requirements. This will provide the theatre with modern facilities needed to make this beautiful, historic venue accessible and affordable for everyone to use.
Proposed activities include:
Touring theatrical performances by metropolitan and regional companies
Touring Live Music and stand-up comedy.
Artists Residencies – within and outside the region
Community Groups – hosting local presentations or fundraising events/activities.
OBA Regional Groups – touring small scale performance, music, choir, classical, dance, drumming.
Schools – presentation events, fundraisers, theatrical shows.
LGA’s meeting place/conferences and markets
Private – hire of the venue for private functions and events.
All donations are tax deductible
