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Schonell Theatre: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 27°29′49.5″S 153°00′55.1″E / 27.497083°S 153.015306°E / -27.497083; 153.015306
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==Closure==
==Closure==
The Schonell Theatre closed its regular cinema operations on the 24 June 2006. The [[University of Queensland Union| University of Queensland Union (UQU)]] cited low attendance rates<ref>[http://www.uqu.uq.edu.au/representation/Newsletter.2006-01-10.4019780002/Issue.2006-07-14.2896367022 Union Newsletter - Closure of Theatre]</ref>, the increasing cost of airing major motion pictures and the introduction of [[Voluntary Student Unionism]] as the cause. Following the introduction of VSU, the union could no longer afford to subsidise the Theatre. <ref>[http://www.schonell.com/promotiondetail.asp?Pro_ID=768&Show= Schonell Theatre News Page - Closure Reason]</ref> External reports, however, question this claim, and various factions within the [[University of Queensland Union| University of Queensland Union (UQU)]] either opposed or supported the closure.<ref>[http://www.timeoff.com.au/index1.php?area=Encore&pg=29&subarea=140&sel=2397&PHPSESSID=c27f13bdbd5b0d607c525755b51ee046 End of an Era Article]</ref>
The Schonell Theatre closed its regular cinema operations on the 24 June 2006. The [[University of Queensland Union| University of Queensland Union (UQU)]] cited low attendance rates<ref>[http://www.uqu.uq.edu.au/representation/Newsletter.2006-01-10.4019780002/Issue.2006-07-14.2896367022 Union Newsletter - Closure of Theatre]</ref>, the increasing cost of airing major motion pictures and the introduction of [[Voluntary Student Unionism]] (VSU) as the cause. Following the introduction of VSU, the union could no longer afford to subsidise the failing Theatre. <ref>[http://www.schonell.com/promotiondetail.asp?Pro_ID=768&Show= Schonell Theatre News Page - Closure Reason]</ref>
In 2008 the Schonell re-commenced regular screenings of films again. Arthouse, foreign language, Australian films and independent releases are screened from Thursdays through to Mondays (closed public holidays). The theatre is still used for live theatre productions, university lectures, and is available for booked special screenings and events.
In 2008 the Schonell re-commenced regular screenings of films again. Arthouse, foreign language, Australian films and independent releases are screened from Thursdays through to Mondays (closed public holidays). The theatre is still used for live theatre productions, university lectures, and is available for booked special screenings and events.



Revision as of 05:29, 24 December 2011

Entrance of Schonell Theatre

The Schonell Theatre is a Theatre and Cinema complex at the University of Queensland. It consists of Theatre One: a 420 seat [1], single auditorium theatre capable of hosting projected cinematic films, musical performances, plays and lectures; Theatre 2, a 175 seat cinema and the Cement Box Theatre. It is situated in the UQU complex at the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus. The theatre was constructed in 1970 and underwent refurbishment in 2005. It is owned and operated by Schonell Events a subsidiary of the University of Queensland Union (UQU).

For three decades, the theatre hosted regular screenings of popular, alternative, and foreign motion pictures. On 24 June 2006, [2] however, Schonell Theatre was forced to cease regular cinema screenings of major motion pictures. Schonell Theatre remains an important part of campus culture and the theatre community. Live theatre performances are extensive and ongoing throughout the year. And the Schonell is still home to the Cement Box Theatre, situated in a basement level, as well as a popular gourmet pizza café.

History

The theatre was constructed in 1970 and was renovated in 2005 with $4 million provided by the University of Queensland Union (UQU). Shows during its history include the Brisbane Scouts Gang Show[3] and Rent.

Closure

The Schonell Theatre closed its regular cinema operations on the 24 June 2006. The University of Queensland Union (UQU) cited low attendance rates[4], the increasing cost of airing major motion pictures and the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) as the cause. Following the introduction of VSU, the union could no longer afford to subsidise the failing Theatre. [5] In 2008 the Schonell re-commenced regular screenings of films again. Arthouse, foreign language, Australian films and independent releases are screened from Thursdays through to Mondays (closed public holidays). The theatre is still used for live theatre productions, university lectures, and is available for booked special screenings and events.

The Cement Box Theatre has recently been refurbished and re-named the Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio. This venue is now used by the University as a teaching space.

See also


References

27°29′49.5″S 153°00′55.1″E / 27.497083°S 153.015306°E / -27.497083; 153.015306