Get Ready! Civic Theatre to celebrate 60 years
Published: 23 Jun 2023 11:41am
Next week the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre celebrates its 60th birthday and everyone is invited to join the party.
Festivities will start with the Silver Circle Singalong on Wednesday 28 June 11am, and will feature local entertainers and musicians, Meredith Adams, Peter J Casey, and Jamie Way.
The following night on Thursday 29 June, the 60th Gala Concert will commence at 7:30pm on the anniversary of the 1963 official building opening date.
Presenting a collection of emerging artists and seasoned performers, the Gala will feature Darren Coggan, Australian Army Band Kapooka, musicians from the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, and Ivy and Geoff Simpson.
There will be short videos in between musical numbers with local people sharing their memories of love and fun at the theatre.
Civic Theatre Manager Isobel MacCallum, reflecting on her own story of love for the theatre, said seeing a performance at the theatre was her “favourite way to travel”.
“When the lights go down you could be anywhere in the world, but you haven’t had to go through a single airport,” Ms MacCallum said.
“I’m constantly reminded how a visit to the theatre can be life changing, entertaining or just plain fun.”
Marketing and Education Officer Tracey Simond encourages all to attend and celebrate what the theatre has accomplished to date, emphasising that the Civic Theatre is so much more than just a building.
“The theatre prides itself on its inclusivity – it is a home for everyone and all forms of artistic and creative expression,” Ms Simond said.
“It sparks joy and imagination for all ages, from industry experts to young children attending their first show, or an emerging performer as they step on stage for the first time.”
The theatre is not only a professional venue for live entertainment, but a platform for upskilling and community engagement, with workshops and activities taking place every week inside the building.
Ms Simond and Ms McCallum both highlight the importance of not only recognising the past, but focusing on the future of the theatre, as the creative industries are vital to a city’s liveability, bringing vibrancy to the place we call home.
“It is something we should be proud of. The Civic Theatre is a professional theatre with a team of highly skilled professionals,” Ms Simond said.
“The stage encourages professional and world-class performers to come to Wagga Wagga.”
Each ticket to the gala will include a drink on arrival and birthday cake following the concert. You can book tickets by visiting or calling the box office, or through the website civictheatre.com.au
If you cannot make it to either show, there are still ways for you to celebrate this milestone.
If you have images or memories of the Civic Theatre, you are encouraged to submit them for display during the celebrations by visiting the theatre during opening hours or by heading online: civictheatre.com.au/shareyourstory