MEDIA RELEASE - 17 January 2018
CITY OF PORT PHILLIP
Rare chance to ‘star’ or host at the famous Palais Theatre
Charities, community groups and non-profit event organisers are all warmly invited to grab their chance to hire the largest seated theatre in Australia – the famous Palais Theatre - for just $1. Port Phillip Council Mayor Bernadene Voss says the buzz generated by having a chance to book a slot at the iconic St Kilda venue is likely to trigger a diverse range of applicants for the specified dates in 2018 and 2019. “Performing on stage or hosting an event in the beautifully restored spaces of the Palais Theatre is usually the domain of the big stars and producers, but not anymore,” Cr Voss said. “We always have our community in mind, so in partnership with Live Nation, we’re really proud to give people a rare chance to host community events on eight separate days each year, starting in 2018.
“We’ve guaranteed the Palais can be hired for just one dollar, on eight days of the year, for those who may not otherwise have been able to afford the standard $12,500 hire cost. This incredible chance is open to charities, event organisers, cultural and community groups who meet the criteria.
“Our Palais Theatre Community Purpose Reservations policy means more community use for this grand old dame, making the treasured local venue more accessible than ever before.”
Council said although the hiring fee would be $1, successful applicants would have to pay for all other expenses such as operating costs such as event staffing, audio visual, technical equipment, cleaning, power and security.
Council and the Victorian Government last year completed $20.9 million in major repair works and upgrades which were complemented by Live Nation’s comprehensive $6 million makeover.
The rejuvenated 2,893-seat venue is 90 years old, and highly sought by renowned artists, promoters and event organisers from Melbourne, interstate and overseas.
Expressions of interest can be made for up to eight single ‘community purpose reservations’ in 2018 and in 2019. Recommended dates, the selection criteria and further information can be found HERE.
Applications close 4pm Friday 16 February 2018.
For more information go to palaistheatrecommunity@portphillip.vic.gov.au or contact Susan Strano 9209 6653, or Sharyn Dawson 9209 6165.
