Torquay Arts Space Proposal to Surf Coast Shire

Torquay Arts Space Proposal to Surf Coast Shire council by Torquay Theatre Troupe

Torquay Theatre Troupe Inc Submission Response to Surf Coast Shire Draft Budget 2018 -19 25 page submission based on TTT 2014 & 2015 Submissions

Key Points ∙ ∙ ∙ Stage 1: $30, 000 in 2018 -19 to Design detailed plans & cost remodelling of Sport & Rec Centre as Arts Space Proposal is consistent with TTT submissions 2014 and 2015 Arts Feasibility Study Stage 2: 2019 -2020: Build. Budgetary provision $750 k +/- 30% to “bump-TTT” into a theatre/auditorium for 120 patrons Utilises TTT’s existing assets c. $50, 000 Budgetary figures developed with Williams Ross Architects/major manufacturer suppliers for raked seating, lighting rigs and mobile stage units. Prompt implementation upon vacancy of Centre in time for TTT’s 20 th Anniversary (mid-2021)

Perceived benefits COMMUNITY & SURF COAST INFRASTRUCTURE • • • Dedicated, integrated community Arts Space Simplified Snr Citizens Centre admin Simple upgrade will ensure the future short-term use of the building rather than letting it degrade whilst vacant Auditorium facility for other arts communities Art gallery for periodic and/or static exhibitions TTT SUSTAINABILITY & GROWTH • • • Viable space and facilities inc. onsite storage Focus for 20 th anniversary celebrations (mid-2021) Increased TTT skill sharing with community enhancing TTT Community Connectivity. ECONOMIC • • • Potential for TTT to contribute to Operating Costs TTT assets valued at $50, 000 Test of Use before Council makes major investment Potentially revenue generating visiting arts Commit seed capital to attract larger grants BENDIGO BANK/ TORQUAY COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE “Confirm In Principle a Substantial $Contribution”

• • • Entertainment for Growing Community Health and well being of Surf Coast Community Additional option for our Youth Performing Arts is “Character Building” Economic Benefit to Community

2014 2019 Next Steps: • Stage 1: Council budget $30, 000 & confirm availability of space: SCS & Consultants work with Arts Community to design and cost • Council, TTT & 3 rd Parties work together to attract further grants / funding for Stage 2

Questions

2014 Submission

STORE N Plan view – Torquay Arts space STORE ← Access → PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO W/C’s TOILETS TICKET OFFICE ENTRANCE FOYER GALLERY AND LOUNGE KITCHEN & BAR (Storage under) STAIRS to 2 nd LEVEL ART GALLERY & ACTIVITIES ACCESS RAKED SEATING FOR 120 PATRONS ACCESS 2 nd LEVEL DRESSING ROOMS & WARDROBE WING STORE STAGE WING SET CONSTRUCTION & PAINTING SHOP

Speaker’s notes Brief history: ▶ ▶ ▶ TTT started in 2001 staged over 45 Scripts in 11 venues (80% in Torquay) involved 331 actors presented over 330 evenings of entertainment for Torquay, Surf Coast and Bellarine audiences. core group of about 30 individuals with a wide range of collective skills in many aspects of Theatre (summary list in proposal) have received nine (9) Victorian Drama League (VDL) nominations (2015 & 2017) and one VDL Award (2015) more than 35 Nominations from Geelong/ Regional organisations resulting in six (6) Awards (2003, 2004, 2006, 2014, 2016 and 2017) Tangible assets valued at around $50, 000 Bank account (Bendigo Bank) for similar amount Usually three plays a year averaging between 400 and 630 per play (full length) and around 250 (one-act plays) Close liaison with Shire Council representatives and regional performing arts groups who support our proposals.

Speaker’s notes ▶ ▶ Momentum swing over the past 3 -4 years with increase in population Recent ability to attract younger actors to Troupe because of reputation and demand for acting opportunities Popularity has meant increasing number of performances because the hall is limited. Demand for performing arts is indicated by responses from surveys, data collection, Shire intentions, growing popularity

Speaker’s notes ▶ We have undertaken extensive groundwork such as: ◦ formal documentation including discussions with technical consultants, analysis of current local venues as possible theatre location, design drafts and specifications, several proposals to Council. ◦ purchase and retention of resources (human, technical, tangible assets, financial? ) and relationships with local & national suppliers ◦ Relationship development with voluntary organisations including senior citizens, retirement villages, Men’s Shed, TOPS / Historical Society, churches ◦ Support from like-minded commercial and business organisations including performance groups, arts and theatre companies, creative and artistic businesses (photographers, painters, light and sound suppliers), dance, voice and performance groups ◦ Commitment to ‘substantial’ financial support from Torquay Community Enterprise ◦ Patience!

Speaker’s notes Respectfully propose the following: A line item in the 2018 -19 budget for critical analysis and costing of works designed to enable a performance and exhibition space to be established in the Surfworld basketball court arena. Sum $30, 000 A line item be written into the 2019 -2020 (2020/21? ) budget for the development and construction of a simple design (see drafted proposal) of a ‘black-box’ theatre to accommodate a larger audience and enable performance artists (local, State, interstate and international) to rehearse, practice, display and perform in a high quality environment