Inducted: The Plaza Theatre welcomed some new volunteers, but is still on the lookout for more interested folks.
The Kyabram Plaza Theatre is on the lookout for some new volunteers to join its ranks.
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The Plaza Theatre has had a tough two years, like many local businesses, with constant reopening and closing in adherence to COVID-19 restrictions.
Now the theatre’s doors are open to the public, the Kyabram Plaza Theatre committee is also looking to take on some new volunteers to keep the show going.
Committee chair Lisa Ratcliffe said the theatre was volunteer-run.
“We probably have around 25 volunteers with 14 more just inducted, so hopefully that’ll continue, it relieves the pressure on volunteers to have some numbers,” she said.
Working on a bi-monthly roster, Ms Ratcliffe said the volunteers could work in different positions, being an usher, in ticket sales or if they’re digitally inclined, projectionist duties.
Depending on the schedule of the theatre, volunteers can expect to be rostered three times in an eight-week block.
Shift work varies in length, with ushers staying throughout the film and tickets sales only staying for an hour or so.
Ms Ratcliffe assures that each volunteer will be paired with a “buddy” on their first shift to learn the ropes.
The Plaza Theatre has a rich history in Kyabram. While it’s now a staple in the community, the theatre has had a rocky 50-odd years.
Rich history: Kyabram Plaza theatre in 1994 after many years of restoration. Photo: Tony Cole.
Beginning in 1929, the theatre ran for many years with different owners, before falling on difficult times in 1968 when screenings ceased completely; the theatre was stripped of all equipment and seating.
The building became a restaurant space for several years before falling into disuse and disrepair in 1979. It wasn’t until 1982 the Kyabram Youth Club decided to turn it all around.
In return for a six-month lease, the club brought the theatre back to its former glory.
Wiring, plumbing, carpet and seating was all installed with the voluntary assistance of local tradies and the committee, while projection equipment and seating were sourced second-hand from Metro theatres.
In 1983, the theatre showed its first film in 17 years.
From then, it was bought by the Shire of Campaspe with a committee of management under the council.
The current committee is made up of six volunteers and while open to new members, people can volunteer at the theatre without joining.
Ms Ratcliffe said while many people had become used to streaming entertainment during the pandemic, the committee was hoping people would continue to come and enjoy the theatre experience.
“It’s a great place, the plaza, that’s why the committee keeps on going, it’s a great facility and terrific asset to the community,” she said.
“We’re just starting to get some new committee members, it would be great to get new people with new and fresh ideas so we can constantly improve what we do.
“We really just want to see it keep going.”
For more information on how to volunteer, visit the Kyabram Plaza Theatre Facebook page or contact the theatre on (03) 5852 3151.
The theatre is reopening on Friday, January 21 with a matinee screening of Clifford The Big Red Dog at 2pm.
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