With almost 20 years at Canberra Theatre Centre, Jarrad West reflects on his journey and the city he has come to know. When he first arrived in 2006, the theatre was undergoing construction, a process that was soon tested by a massive hailstorm. Now, as the ACT Government plans a major revamp, including a new 2000-seat lyric theatre, Jarrad anticipates a transformation that will attract larger productions to the city.
Back in 1965, the Canberra Theatre Centre made history as Australia’s first dedicated performing arts center. Its opening gala hosted by the Australian Ballet marked a significant milestone, drawing hundreds of guests to the 1200-seat theatre. Since then, over 10 million visitors have experienced the diverse performances across its three venues: Canberra Theatre, The Playhouse, and The Courtyard Studio.
Recently, the theatre celebrated its 60th birthday with a grand party, where Jarrad, one of the longest-serving staff members, found himself reminiscing about his journey. Originally from Perth, Jarrad ventured to Canberra in pursuit of new experiences. Starting in the programming team, he eventually transitioned to the front-of-house manager role and now contributes to the Box Office team.
Throughout his tenure, Jarrad has witnessed the evolution of the theatre under various directors and program heads. Despite the transient nature of Canberra, Jarrad’s commitment to the theatre has been unwavering, driven by his passion for the arts and the flexibility the job offers for his personal artistic pursuits, notably through his theatre company, Everyman Theatre.
Among the myriad performances hosted at the theatre, Jarrad fondly recalls the visit of Carrie Fisher, an event that, despite its star power, struggled to draw an audience. Recognizing the limitations of the current venue size, Jarrad sees the upcoming expansion as a crucial step in accommodating larger productions and meeting the growing demands of the local arts community.
Looking ahead to the future revamp, which includes a larger theatre and enhanced hospitality facilities, Jarrad remains dedicated to his role, eager to witness the theatre’s next chapter. As Canberra continues to evolve culturally and artistically, the Canberra Theatre Centre stands poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the city’s vibrant arts scene for years to come.
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