ASTOR THEATRE CLOSING

It sounds like a great idea Craig!

I remember catching a Trolley Bus there to see some show or other way back in the 60's. From memory I think it also had a Fly Loft & the stage was more than adequate to do shows on.

It is pity when I was doing some electrical wiring there in about the 90's, during the time it was refurbished, i didn't actually get back stage to have a sticky. But like most Cinemas that have been converted to stage theatres, there is more than enough room to do shows. Unlike the the ones they are building today.

This being an election year may be the Government, who ever it Willi be, might purchase it & turn it over to our Aunty to look after? Without it being put under the umbrella of the Maj Ogden management group, in which case ameatre won't get a look in.

I've seen a few shows over the years at Astor, but the on memory that stands out for me is watching the 4 hour, full script version of "Hamlet" (Kenneth's version).

I frequently visit Planet across the road and upon hear of Astor's demise, I feel a little guilty for favouring home entertainment rather than the Astor. The place has been looking a little run-down from the outside with truck damaged over hangs and such. Another piece of Perth history.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins

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Hearing this weekend of the 'demise' of the Astor leads me to wonder (gloomily) whether or not the Cygnet in Como might not be next??

I admit to not going there as often as I would like, but to those who do not know it (?is there anyone) it is easily accessible, elegant, comfortable and beautifully restored Art Deco.. but I have rarely been there when it has been even one quarter full unless it was for a special charity showing.

Developers have been eyeing off the the Cygnet Como & the Astor sites for years. I think it would cost a heap of gold bricks to even lease them.

 The old Beaconsfield Cinema at Hammy Hill has been a second hand store & offices for years. Probably it will be eventually become a parking area of a shopping centre or whatever.

although if the Astor was refurbished for offices, shop or warehousing, there would be a lot of seating & gear become available for theatre.

I believe that the Astor is Heritage Listed.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins

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I only vaguely remember the Trolley Buses not the actual shows.

If the Fly loft was not converted during the refurbishment, and the Screen made a fixture, rather than being flown.

It would not take that much to change back to live performances, like JT did at the Regent Subiaco.

It would not take that much lobbying to get DCA to organise a grant for the lease or whatever. I'm sure if Aunty used it as it's HQ & for theatre performance, it could be made viable as a community theatre venue.  

Hopefully if they can still Fly out their screen, they then could run a dual venue. Much the same as some regional venues. Where by they can quickly convert to live stage shows & back to cinema during the dark stage slots.

Now that would be cool.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins

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Easily done, with only one bod needed in changing it over in less than 10 minutes. 

Initial because it is a cinema/theatre, it would be an easy conversion.

 Like boiling water in a paper bag, it's not difficult to achieve. Especially for Aunty who has the where with-all, in it's membership! By utilising the 5 P's, Govt grants & sponsorship. It is not that big a step!

"It would not take that much lobbying to get DCA to organise a grant for the lease or whatever. I'm sure if Aunty used it as it's HQ & for theatre performance, it could be made viable as a community theatre venue."

As for the Bookings/Box Office, I'm sure this might be more than efficiently handled by say Melz @ TAZ or whom ever. As for the maintenance I believe there is plenty of expertise available in that area. Also as it would be probably leased, this would be only on a running day to day basis, with periodic reviews.

Same with the 'Duty Tech' concept as used by the 'old Mill' & thru out the industry. To insure the hirers are accommodated in the use of the facilities.  also the venue is not used & abused.

Besides having a Central ITA HQ venue used for Comeatre productions & functions. It could also benefit City, outer metro & even country groups. Bringing in their productions, as an extended season & a means of maximising on their initial cost of a production.

although I prefer the ordinary brown paper bags, which to me make a much better brew, than you get from the white paper bags! 

The secret of course is in the method, by not being burnt or just left holding the paper bag!  

 We can make the Impossible probable, the improbable possible & perfect!

all it takes is our valuable reusable resource in community Theatre - people!

Check out this Amphitheatre cut into the side of a cliff on the Cornwall coast UK. Built by one woman in the 1920's:-

http://www.minack.com/

We these days want every thing that opens & shuts instantly & unless it happens at a press of a button - it can't be any good? Thus it is not  economically viable or cost effective, if we have to perspire, so it's all too difficult & gawd far too stressful!

Rowena Cade in Cornwall had no sponsorship, government grants &/or equipment - beyond an old wheel barrow. her hands , heart & soul.

Which all adds to the challenge, enjoyment & achievement of being in it!

Being a Town of Vincent resident, and an audience member at the Astor, I have followed with interest and dismay the thread about this wonderful building, because it seems to me that the usual rush of grand ideas and suggestions of "how to save it" and "what would be great if only it could happen" have become all to prevalent yet again.

What I have not noticed (all bar one - thankyou Andrew G.) is anyone willing to put their hand up and say "Hey! Count me in! Let's try to make something happen!"

Other than that lone voice in the wilderness, almost all the other posts suggest that either "Aunty ITA" (sorry Joe) or "someone" lobby the councils or the government to keep the building as a live or dual purpose venue. Not one has said, "Maybe I could ...."

One member at least had the gumption to go to the heart of the situation, contact the owners and find out what they intended, and duly reported back to us all that it would not be sold at this stage, and we would have to play a waiting game. (Thankyou Mel.)

SUGGESTION:

Mel: As you have personal contact with the Zimmermans, and hopefully a greater insight to their situation than most of us, do you feel would it be plausible/possible to approach them with a synopsis that a volunteer group assist with the refurbishment and running of the venue so that it COULD operate in a dual capacity?

To the rest of the Perth "Community" theatre and "Professional" theatre scenes: Are you sufficiently caring to get behind this idea and volunteer to assist in whatever way you can? Set builders, Electricians, Riggers, Lighting Technicians and Audio Techs would obviously be invaluable, but we would also need the costumiers, the FOH people, the publicists, the general backstage hands and yes, even a projectionist or three. In short, everyone from every genre. If you can't help build it, can you at least push a broom and help clean up behind those who can?

To use a very common advertising adage "There IS something here for everyone!"

IF the owners are willing to let us assist them, who among you is willing? Is anyone prepared to help me co-ordinate the people needed to make it happen?

Maybe I am delusional and I'm hoping for a miracle here.... but, every now and again - they happen! 

"Gone crazy, Back later."

 Andrew, I'm not sure whether your question about "what are you able to offer..." was aimed at me directly or at the general populace as a request for volunteer support, but as for my "resume'", I am a Soundscape Creator & Live/Recorded Audio Operator with forays into Lighting, Set design and construction, Set Painting, BackStage (SM & hand), FOH, Direction (never again!) and on a couple of occasions I have even had the nerve to consider myself an actor.

I also assisted Gaafa and his associates (read "cronies" *laughs*) with the creation of the original Phoenix Theatre in Cockburn. 

So I guess this makes me an "All Rounder", willing to help in any way I can.... even if it means pushing a broom!

  "Be nice to your Tech's - or they'll turn the lights off and go home."

I thought that I was holding my hand up, but after reading thru the topic again, your right Graeme I didn't!

My view is to benefit that of community theatre, not particular the picture house.

But this topic has taken a serpentine course thus far, on a few different tacks.

Though I'm being just an in'valid these days, I will hold my right hand up & try 'n type with my left one.

But again I'd prefer this project to be under our own Aunties banner, with a lease &/or stake-holding by ITA.

Probably not until such time  the trolley buses run again,

http://www.railpage.org.au/pets/pets10bt.htm

would I bother with it as it is at present.

 I'd prefer the Astor as a live performance theatre primely & only supplemented with the using Flicks.

Although I have worked as a projectionist, using the old single reel to reel, switch over dual projector operation & the 4 platter film feed systems. I doubt I'm adept enough anymore to even thread up any projector.

Me thinks there needs to be a picture  field put forward by the Astor management &/or clear focus on the part of Aunty.  

  Not as it has been transmitted thus far of "Send three 'n fourpence were going to a dance"? 

Phoenix could use your expertise again to mount the 'BIG Idea'. It is looking like we will  have to do it all again. In converting our refurbished and gear less performing arts venue, back to what us old farts rigged up originally. In the way of patched lighting battens, adding 20 light patch circuits, dimmer racks, soft hangings & skinning the stage again.

But just as importantly, I;m glad you mentioned your audio/visual skills. as we have the rights to produce DVDs of the performances.

Because as yet our City Council have not found the misplaced budget to equip the venue. Although there is some suggestion by others, it was used for a more vote catching project. In the form of a new youth club centre, which has now a fully equipped recording studio & a 200 seat theatre venue. But far be for me to allege any impropriety or be involved in such unsubstantiated rumours. Anyhow my old china plate, Friend & buddy - are you available again?

Thanks for the suggestion Steve, and it's quite a valid one... but they are not the owners of The Astor. It's up to the Zimmermans as to what happens to their property and until they decide on a course of action there is little more can be done than sit and bite our collective nails. Putting unwanted pressure and demands on them could work against us.

Thanks also to those that have offered assistance, particularly David Ashton for the amazing offer of all the equiptment we could ever need. Your involvement is greatly appreciated.

TIM: The reading group is still a work in progress, but I agree using it as a fundraiser (or as an opener) is an idea with merit. What we need as well as readers is people who want to be read.... Hmmm.... Have a chat to Johny Grim, see if he would like a ready made working group. I'll chat to a couple of writers I know and see what we can come up with.

GAAFA: The re-establishment of Phoenix Theatre in their new (but naked) home is a project I would love to be part of Joe.... and if we can get the bodies that have volunteered to help with The Astor to assist us down there it would be a great bonding experience and a fantastic "getting to know you all" excercise. (Perhaps you can get Piera and Barbara to make some more of those yummy cakes and organise a BBQ to get things off the ground for a busy bee weekend?)

JAGUAR: Hi Jim, thankyou for bring the plight of The Astor to our attention and also for your offer of your renowned building skills. I will catch up with you and Carol soon.

It really is great to see that these well known but low profile players are "coming to the aid of the party" .... Thank you all and we'll all have to wait and see how the cards fall.

"Be nice to your Tech's - or they'll turn out the lights and go home!"

Besides yourself Graeme with Hywell & John, that makes 4 of us, thus far?

Which is not quite true as we have a a good crew of women along with some new gunghoa young blokes in the 'Big Idea''.

We don't actually have to bring in a BBQ, as there is a brand new 5 Star kitchen available. Also a circular Art gallery, all in all, this  project  looks like 'Legoland' & cost a load of gold bricks. Yet we come up short in fitting out the theatre! 

We would certainly love & welcome an further assistance from the ASTAR's  & any other Ita's on the forum. 

The Architect [aka 'Daffodil man'], nice bloke who has not let us down, even though he has left the bleeding ceiling on over the stage area & fell for the oldest blue in the book. He ended up putting the two large Air conditioning Units right above the stage, in what was supposed to be the Fly void.

This is the 3rd venue I have had anything to do with, where the 'Archytek' has utilised the fly area, to accommodate air conditioning. You think I'd learn by now, they just have no idea? Even though at the original building concept meeting, I attended. I stressed loudly to remove the ruddy ceiling over the stage - As the free air space is utilised in theatre. I should have realised when he was waffling on about the ascetic's of the building & surrounding lawns. My mental picture of him prancing about, with a daffodil in his teeth, on the green sward. I likened to "Bunthorne Revenge" in a G&S 'Patience' production, was not that far being accurate. Also when I had visions of him leading a chorus of Heavy Dragoons cavorting about holding sheafs of daffodils. 

I should have cut my wrists then, but my shaver was out of batteries!

 It won't be that much of a drama, even though we are supposedly not allowed to cut holes in the ceiling, to anchor the Lighting Battens, boarders, legs & other soft hangings - but I can't help not having creative accidents & my mind is always vacant & open to accepting these.

"to approach the stranger

is to invite the unexpected,

release a new force,

or let the Genie out of the bottle.

It is to start a new train

of events beyond your control."

TS Eliot 'The cocktail Party"

Besides those hurdles it will be a doddle?

{I just have to ensure, I have on hand a couple of fresh Everyready  batteries, for the old pacemaker.}

"Handa girla spanna' guys or at least a thwaker 'n podger!

Mine is standard NATO - White 'n two , without froff!