Add a Little Theatre to your Event

Ways To Use A Theatre Space For Events

Have you ever wondered what is involved with hosting an event on the world-famous State Theatre stage at Arts Centre Melbourne? Or any other grand performance theatre?

When it comes to hosting an event the ultimate goal is to make it memorable. It can be difficult to find a space that inspires, transports and delights even the most seasoned clientele. Often event planners are confined to one space, a space that has minimal ability to be adapted or changed. So, when looking for a truly unique, iconic venue why not transform a theatre?

For the first time, Arts Centre Melbourne has partnered with Opera Australia to offer clients the opportunity to host events in May 2020, on the State Theatre stage. Ahead of this truly unique opportunity, the Conferences, Meetings and Events team are lifting the curtain to reveal some of the ins-and-outs of producing an event under the spotlight.

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History of the State Theatre stage

At Arts Centre Melbourne we can offer a blank theatre space and transform it into an amazing, unique experience for your next event. This is no ordinary space, no ordinary event, bringing together an unforgettable experience like no other.

As your guests wait for the event to commence on one of the largest stages in the world, sit and relax in one of two thousand plush seats in the State Theatre and tilt your head back a little to take in the amazing ceiling and its 75,000 tiny brass cups.

The State Theatre is home to two of our fabulous resident companies: The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia who perform on this grand stage.

Keeping the event you’re about to see a tantalising mystery is the theatre’s famous curtain, designed by Graham Bennett, emblazoned with hand-painted Victorian wildflowers, the state’s Coat of Arms and an outspread lyrebird’s tail. The curtain was donated by the former State Bank of Victoria when the theatre opened in 1984.

Hiding behind the spectacular curtain is a huge stage that is equivalent to the floor space of eight suburban homes.

How do I host, on stage?

You can’t just set up a couple of tables and chairs and expect to nail it. Ambience plays a huge part in creating the overall feel for your event, especially when transforming a blank space.

It’s important to work closely with your event managers to create a brief that will deliver an event that will last in the minds of guests. Working with your event manager and trusted suppliers to add your own special touches and furniture to customise the experience so that fits the brief perfectly.

Hosting an event on an iconic stage elevates your event. Like a producer coaching a nervous performer backstage before the curtain call, our dedicated events team take the stress out of planning events with their expertise, access to in-house channels, incredible suppliers and innovative ideas and approaches.

At Arts Centre Melbourne with a few clever touches, the Conferences, Meetings and Events team are able to completely transform the State Theatre stage from a performance venue to a spectacular event space. We have not only top-tier lighting setups but also an industry-leading team of lighting designers and experts who know how to make a space pop. From colourful projections and designs to creating the perfect colour balance for presenters on stage, lighting plays a crucial (and often overlooked) role in setting the tone for an event.

Faced with a vast empty stage, the possibilities are endless. Work with your event team to create the event you’ve always dreamed of.

Here’s some examples of events on the State Theatre stage to start the creative planning process.

Example #1 | Networking Breakfast

Guests arrive in style via the grand staircase, and descend to their private pre-function space, Stalls Foyer.

With their bags and coats checked, guests make their way onto the State Theatre stage, their senses are engaged.

From the smell of freshly ground coffee, the whir of the coffee carts, a pianist playing a private show for guests and the sight of 2,000 tiered chairs focused towards the stage; heightens their senses.

As guests network over mouth-watering baker’s baskets, grazing breakfast stations and delicious seasonal produce, the Keynote speaker rehearses out of sight, in a private suite back of house.

A screen lowers on each side of the stage, revealing the morning’s content. The MC approaches the microphone. A moment of levity sweeps through as, from the empty audience, a private band recreates a Love Actually moment, with instruments and band members ‘popping up’ from behind seats, walls and balcony’s.

Example #2 | EOFY Annual General Meeting

Conferencing. Made. Easy

That is the promise events on the State Theatre stage will deliver. From dedicated backstage Green Rooms for Key Note speakers, private foyer spaces for registration and arrival catering, to a dedicated tiered theatre for 2,000 [can be sectioned off if smaller numbers are required], this is a unique and distinctive way for your CEO & CFO to make their address.

With state of the art AV, complimentary wifi for guests [and hardwire lines for presenters], along with every technological accompaniment imaginable; your planning and presentations have been made easy, and you relax in the wings overseeing the show from your monitor.

Whilst guests sit comfortably in their velvet tiered seating, the presenters find their mark.

The curtain raises. The show begins!

Example #3 | Gala Dinner

Imagine this… An usher opens the door to the State Theatre, where your guests enter.

As they get closer to the stage, the world-famous State Theatre curtain draws back to reveal tables scattered amongst the set of Opera Australia’s latest production.

Guests brush past Opera Australia sets and gaze in awe at the unforgettable sight, as they find their seat.

The lights dim.

From high in the balcony, a spotlight finds our singer, who begins her aria.

Dinner is served!

A Feast for your Eyes and your Stomach!

It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a meeting, a breakfast, a cocktail party for 400 – the food and its quality is absolutely one of the main things that will stick in the mind of your guests. It’s about creating a menu that’s most importantly, delicious as well as memorable that will make a huge difference to your event.

Why not draw inspiration from your setting to create some ‘theatre’ with your menus? Taking inspiration from the stage, our in-house Executive Chef and his culinary team work tirelessly to conceptualise and transform what is on the stage, onto the plate. They pair seasonal Victorian-sourced produce with world class wines. Fitting to your theme, the culinary team can develop a creative and interesting menu that fits your brief, and delights your guests and their taste buds.

Final note…

Draw back the curtain and put your next event up in lights.

Available for a strictly limited time in 2020, the State Theatre stage availabilities are date sensitive and will sell out fast.

Enquire now with the event team to register your interest.

For more information about events at Arts Centre Melbourne check out Arts Centre Melbourne Website or the Arts Centre Melbourne Event Birdie page.

Guest post by Alana Wallis, Event Sales Manager | Arts Centre Melbourne

As Event Sales Manager at Arts Centre Melbourne, Alana Wallis brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Working in a fast-paced, diverse environment she maximises venue utilisation across 10 unique function rooms, four theatres and dedicated pre-function areas. Having a passion for creating extraordinary experiences with innovative ideas, Alana brings the WOW factor making your event and vision stand out. Find out about more about unique opportunities at Arts Centre Melbourne and how you can shine in the spotlight!