Will State of the Art Sydney Theatre Precinct be Saved

Hugh Jackman has joined Dean Carey in raising the final dollars needed to save the Forum performance precinct in Leichhardt from being converted into a child care facility.

The Forum Theatre Precinct in Sydney - a state of the art theatre complex - was completed only months ago. The company owning the precinct, the Italian Forum Limited (IFL) is a not for profit company and has gone into administration. The fit out of the complex was completed at a cost of 8 million dollars and the IFL has ownership of the entire cultural centre including the piazza and amphitheatre.

To save the complex as a commercial Sydney performing arts venue and an ongoing cultural centre will cost just 3 million dollars.

A donor of one million dollars or 10 donors of $100,000 (tax deductible) would make a massive difference and get this deal over the line and Hugh is ready to call serious contenders who want to save this incredible site.


ACA have an unconfirmed partner at $1.5 million, however there is a long way to go and only a short time to make this happen.

An arts benefactor would partner with ACA and secure the future of this extraordinary theatre precinct.

This money would save what will be called the Norton Street Theatre (NST) and the donor could have naming rights to the theatre itself. The building of the precinct was facilitated by the NSW State Government and purpose built as a legacy to the arts, community contribution, the fostering and promotion of live theatre, music, dance, visual art and cultural diversity.

ACA have until 5pm next Tuesday, November 26, 2013, when this site will most likely be handed over to a child care facility.

Dean Carey said today, “There must be someone in Sydney willing to step in and make a massive difference here - not only to save the theatre, but allow this facility to be relaunched, creating jobs and a hub of activity which will revitalize Leichhardt and help return it to the thriving business and social destination it once was. This precinct was funded and created to be the very heart of culture and performance for the inner West. We must do all we can to ensure this occurs”.

Last week in an IFL members and Leichhardt resident meeting of 250 people, the child care facility ready to purchase the IFL was voted against (although now back in the race) and ACA was deemed the most suitable and capable candidate to allow the precinct to do what it was intended to do – become a vibrant hub of community involvement, cultural exchange and training and performance delivery.

ACA, Est 1987, Patron Hugh Jackman, would undertake the occupancy and daily operations of the precinct and institute a commercial and cultural agenda which would ensue ongoing profitability and financial certainty, guaranteeing this state of the art complex will serve as the unique cultural and educational hub for the people of Sydney.

ACA has a 26-year trading history and would move its 45 staff and 450 students to the new venue activating Leichhardt’s commercial district, the Forum and the surrounding community immediately.

The company under administration owns the title consisting of:

• A 350 seat performance hall fitted out with acoustical insulation and state-of-the-art sound, lighting and cinema screen equipment

• Two foyer areas including large box office

• An area designed for art exhibitions

• Four fully equipped conference/rehearsal rooms

• A soundproofed film studio equipped with lighting bars/curtain tracks

• A bar with an additional mobile bar in the upper foyer

• A fully equipped commercial kitchen serving up to 300 guests

• A kitchenette /VIP function space

• Backstage areas

• Dressing rooms and green room

• 47 car spaces

• 1100 square metres piazza including amphitheatre.

ACA’s annual program will include:

• Italian film festival

• Young film director’s Festival

• Academy of Chamber Music

• Open Program for community creative classes/courses

• Youth Development Program

• School’s Shakespeare Festival Program

•Cabaret Festival

• Vocational Advanced Diploma in Acting Training (now in its 14th year of operation)

• An annual commercial program bringing the best of directors, productions and actors to the stage

• 8 ACA productions per year showcasing the best emerging talent

• Activation of piazza events.

This is an urgent, final stand. Please call Allan Rendell, Operations Manager of Actors Centre Australia +61 (0) 477 640 552 or email on allanr@acasydney.com.au