Drum Theatre operations manager Stuart McKellar with heavyduty ropes which will eventually hang backdrops and curtains on the theatre’s stage.Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG’S Drum Theatre is a dream come true for stage enthusiast Stuart McKellar.
The 46yearold Cairnlea resident last week said his appointment as the Drum Theatre operations manager would allow him to be part of the birth of a performing arts venue.
Mr McKellar will be in charge of lighting, sound and other technical facets of the new theatre, which is set to open in February.
With a majority of the theatre already completed, the emphasis is on bringing the interior up to scratch.
On a tour last Friday, Star noted the theatre was approaching its interior design phase, which would include plumbing, carpeting, decorating and finishing the stage.
Mr McKellar said riggings were already in place for hanging backdrops and heavy curtains.
The elevated level of seating had been constructed, although seats had not yet been placed.
Mr McKellar said the theatre did not yet have a wardrobe but had every other luxury including a green room for performers, several change rooms and a rehearsal room.
Mr McKellar’s experience includes work as the operations manager at Her Majesty’s Theatre, but it is The Drum he finds the most endearing.
“I hope to bring knowledge, experience and efficiency (to the theatre),” he said.
“It will be a great venture to set up a theatre from scratch.”
Local businesses supporting the theatre were also on the tour, with the City of Greater Dandenong naming those supporting The Drum as Dandenong Town Hall Member Partners.
