Plans of Picture Theatre Outlined
CIVIC SQUARE SITE STRUCTURAL NOVELTIES The new Civic picture theatre which is to be built on a civic Square site by Mr. T. A. O’Brien, will have some architectural novelties so far as tranditionat theatre structures are concerned. Details concerning tho new theatre were given by Mr. O’Brien who left Auckland last evening to arrange details for tho opening of the new Empire Theatre in Dunedin. Air. O’Brien said that plans for the Civic Square theatre were going ahead, and in a few weeks he would be able to concentrate on the scheme. The site available on Civic Square would enable a theatre with a holding capacity of 5,000 to be built; but Mr. O’Brien feels that Auckland will not require a theatre of such size for at least 20 years. Revelation In Style The theatre that is to be built will, however, be a revelation in style, yet. at the same time, it will be less costly than many smaller theatres. Tho structure of the ceiling will be one of the reasons for this. This, being a huge dome with sky effects, is simple in construction. The galleries also will be built on a new plan. They will not be supported on cantilevers in the usual manner, but will rest instead, on the shops and other premises on the ground floor. There will probably be a- rtsc and fall orchestral platform. and the stage, being 120 feet wide by 40 feet deep, will be big enough for musical comedy or revue if necessary. It has not yet been decided whether an organ shall be installed, for Mr. O’Brien feels that public opinion is not unanimously in favour of the instrument. BIG DUNEDIN THEATRE The Dunedin theatre shortly to bo opened is the first of the atmospheric type to be built in New Zealand. It has a seating capacity of over 2,000. An English organ has been installed in it. but it is an instrument of ordinary type with theatrical effects added. This means that it can be used for an ordinary recital, as well as for light theatrical music.
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Bibliographic details
Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 401, 9 July 1928, Page 1
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355Plans of Picture Theatre Outlined Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 401, 9 July 1928, Page 1
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