Glen Street Theatre marks a wonderful milestone, as the beloved local venue celebrates 40 years of exceptional entertainment on the Northern Beaches.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said Glen Street Theatre’s longevity is thanks to its devoted patrons.
“Congratulations to Glen Street Theatre; what a milestone! I am delighted to celebrate the 40th anniversary.
“This venue has been a beacon of culture and creativity in our community, and its success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
“Glen Street Theatre has played a pivotal role in bringing people together, fostering a love of the arts, community and supporting local talent. We look forward to many more years of exceptional performances and community engagement,” said Mayor Heins.
Built by the community for the community. Envisaged by the Forest Community Association, with the support and funding of what was then Warringah Shire Council, the 400-seat theatre we all enjoy today opened on 6 July 1985. Its ambition was to provide facilities for community groups and attract professional theatre productions.
Forty years on, Glen Street Theatre now regularly attracts over 65,000 visitors and stages close to 200 performances and events each year. It is safe to say the aspirations held by the passionate and committed community members who brought the beloved venue to life 40 years ago has come true.
The theatre has seen many exciting changes over the years and has always been a special space for creativity and inspiration, showcasing a diverse range of performances and engaging the local community through the arts.
Glen Street Theatre is now a nationally recognised venue, a thriving part of our community, a cornerstone of entertainment on the Northern Beaches – and a special place where we have come together for decades and will continue to do so into the future!
History
The need for the forest community centre grew out of the 1970s population growth in Belrose, Davidson, and Frenchs Forest. The community’s vision for the centre was to provide a venue for local youth, performing arts and cultural groups.
The Forest Community Association took up the cause and by 1976 the concept of Forest Community Centre was approved by Warringah Council.
The Forest Community Association worked very effectively throughout the next 28 years. It was a relatively small organisation of dedicated residents working together for a better community with an emphasis on youth.
Stage One consisted of the Forest Squash Centre. The squash courts were leased in 1979 and provided a source of income for the centre. Today that area houses Energise Health Club.
Stage Two, which included a 400-seat theatre, officially opened in 1985. The purpose of Glen Street Theatre was to provide facilities for community groups as well as attracting professional theatre productions. The Forest Community Association contributed hard-earned funds to the complex and members who were on the original project team later served on the Advisory Board.
The Forest Youth Theatre Company was thriving during this period and the addition of the theatre at the centre enabled this young, vital company to present their productions in a professional environment.
Since the early 1990s, Glen Street Theatre has programmed a professional subscription series as well as providing community access to the venue. The theatre has operated successfully for 30 years as part of the Australian theatre touring network and still maintains strong relationships with community groups who perform annually in the space.
In 2012 the foyer area did not accommodate patrons attending the theatre. Acknowledging the evolution of Glen Street, Councillors unanimously supported upgrading the theatre foyer and forecourt areas as Stage One of the Glen Street Cultural Hub.
The success of the Glen Street complex has always depended upon the generous support of the community and the Council and has built a national reputation.
Related upcoming events:
Forest Youth Theatre Company 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Saturday 5 July and Sunday 6 July
https://glenstreet.com.au/whats-on/forest-youth-theatre-company