The orchestra pit at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre will receive a major upgrade in early 2027 to improve safety and create a more flexible, comfortable performance space.
The temporary scaffolding beneath the stage will be replaced with a permanent structure, modernising the orchestra pit and ensuring it meets the needs of performers and productions for years to come.
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Technical Coordinator Russell Stewart said the primary reason for the upgrade was to make the space safer for stage performers and musicians.
"The upgrade will expand the size of the pit, make the structure permanent and allow the addition of a safety net to protect the musicians in the pit if an object falls from the stage," Mr Stewart said.
"We researched the option of installing a safety net, but because the orchestra pit has always been a temporary structure, there was no suitable anchor point to attach a net to."
Mr Stewart said the upgrade will eliminate the scaffolding currently in the pit, giving musicians more room to work and reducing potential hazards.
"It will be a bigger, safer and much more comfortable orchestra pit," he said.
The upgrade will also see eight permanent columns installed to reinforce the stage apron. This will increase the stage's weight capacity and allow greater flexibility in how the space is used.
Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris says the upgrade will ensure the theatre's infrastructure continues to meet the needs of performers, productions and audiences.
"Not only does this work address important safety concerns, it also gives us greater flexibility in what we can deliver on stage.
"We'll be able to create a more intimate theatre experience by bringing the grand piano forward, while the increased weight capacity will allow us to accommodate heavier set pieces."
Ms Harris said the improvements would benefit both local performers and touring productions.
"Our local musicians, schools and community groups will have a safer, more secure and more welcoming performance space.
"At the same time, these improvements will help ensure the Civic Theatre continues to attract high-quality touring productions and deliver outstanding live performance experiences to Riverina audiences," she said.
Construction will commence on 22 December and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2027, meaning the main stage of the Civic Theatre will be closed over January and February.
"We generally close in January for maintenance works but keep an eye on the website because in February there will still be events happening at the Riverina Playhouse while the Civic Theatre is closed," Ms Harris said.
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre will launch their 2027 season on Wednesday 2 December.
