By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
KEEPING the Drum Theatre full of exciting, local and internationally acclaimed performances is not as hard as one might think.
Director of the Drum Theatre Greg Hordacre said Dandenong’s theatrical hub was constantly approached by performers, musical theatre companies, dance companies and local cultural groups alike.
“Dandenong is a really rich area when it comes to artists – we often have popular and current performers put on shows here that grew up in the area,” Mr Hordacre said.
With up to 30 shows a year, the Drum Theatre is often programmed with the community in mind.
“We’ve got a strong support base from our elderly community and they like to come to the theatre during the day so we make sure we have quality musical matinee performances for them, along with family and children’s shows,” he said.
Having just installed digital lighting and sound equipment, Mr Hordacre said the upgrade meant local schools and cultural groups got the opportunity to perform in a state of the art theatre facility.
“Where possible we look to create opportunities for major touring companies like the Australian Ballet Dancers Company who are performing here this weekend, Opera Australia and Bangarra Dance Theatre Company but also local school shows and cultural groups that are unique to Dandenong,” he explained.
Mr Hordacre says the local performing groups he’s dealt with often have specific ideas about what they want to do and his team looks at ways to assist them.
“We make sure there is always space for good quality performances for all ages and room for local groups at affordable rates,” he said.
The Drum Theatre will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year and Mr Hordacre assured audiences would be in for a jam-packed year of great shows.
“We are a reflection of our community and just through the different performances we can offer we make sure we are responsive to the diversity that’s around Dandenong and I think that’s what makes the Drum Theatre so unique.”
