HISTORY OF ATHERTON PERFORMING ARTS. INC.
(first published in 2015 by Judy Snelling)
Atherton Performing Arts (APA) was the name adopted for the new music and drama society formed on 4th June 1979 when the assets of the Atherton Choral Society and Atherton Players were combined in the hope that eventually the APA could acquire its own building to store sets props and perform plays musicals exhibitions theatre restaurants etc. This was achieved 3 years later when the Atherton Shire Council granted the lease of their old workshop in Silo Rd.
This workshop happened to be a Quonset hut erected in Tolga by the American army in 1942-43 to house ordnance – ammunition material . After the war the building was obtained by the Maize Board, relocated to its current location and used as a workshop. A separate building was erected to house a service hoist for trucks on the side closest to the [once-existing] silos.
The buildings were later acquired by the Atherton Shire Council and used for a workshop until a new depot was built at Tolga Industrial Estate.
The next 33 years saw the transformation of this Igloo into a functional theatre by members and friends.
1981…….Building cleaned with pressure hose to remove grease and dust
1982……Lease signed with council. Stage built by volunteers. Electrical wiring installed
1983……Roof replaced and front of building reclad with $ for $ Grant from Queensland Government. Mezzanine floor erected for lighting area
1986……$ for $ Grant to construct kitchen, office and toilet block
1987……New seating banks purchased
1989……Theatre lighting purchased and installed . Carpet laid in auditorium. Official opening of theatre by patron Ivan Wilkinson
1998……$ for $ Grant obtained for installation of dressing rooms, makeup area and upstairs wardrobe
1999……Opening of new back stage area by patron Louise De Marzi
2009….Gaming Grant to purchase interlocking theatre seating
2011……..Reef Casino grant for purchase and installation of new carpet
2012…….Purchase of new Yamaha piano for community to encourage visiting pianists and local eisteddfods
During the past 33 years the APA attended to most of the general maintenance of the building and are continuing to improve the appearance of this historical building [through their consistent approach and numerous applications for Grant funding].
