State-of-the-art performing arts venue to open in Melbourne’s East

Melbourne’s East is set to welcome a premier performing arts venue that will boast an inspiring program of professional theatre and music, as well as state-of-the-art function and rehearsal spaces, in a brand-new facility. The Round, due to open in October this year, will build upon the legacy of the former Whitehorse Centre and usher it into a new era, becoming a contemporary hub of art and culture for the local community and beyond.

A place to celebrate, entertain, create and connect, The Round will house a 600+ seat proscenium theatre, 200 seat studio theatre, two multipurpose rehearsal studios and versatile function spaces perfect for business, community or private use.

Cr Mark Lane, Mayor, Whitehorse City Council:

Whitehorse City Council is incredibly excited to present The Round and unveil the new, world-class venue which we hope will become the cultural heart of Melbourne’s East. The Round has been designed to broaden the opportunities for our community to connect with the arts, as well as with one another, and be enjoyed for generations to come.

Hosting a diverse lineup of entertainment from nationally recognised artists to local performing arts groups, The Round’s brand-new theatre will be fitted with world-class sound and lighting technology and extensive back-of-house facilities including dressing room space, fully accessible bathrooms, laundry facilities, green room, production office space, as well as a hearing augmentation system.

The studio theatre also offers a highly versatile performance space with its retractable seating bank and ability to be blacked out making it easily reconfigurable for movie screenings, comedy shows, music acts, dance rehearsals or small-scale plays.

Set in expansive parklands which offer lush suburban scenery, The Round will house a purpose-built sound shell for festivals and outdoor events, creating an entirely new stage for gatherings of all shapes and sizes heading into the warmer months.

Patrons can also pull up a stool at The Round Bar and tuck into a menu of seasonally curated food and drinks, an ideal setting for a pre-show snack or after show nightcap.

To honour the history of the former Whitehorse Centre, The Round will incorporate legacy pieces including a Bicentenary Leadlight Mural from 1988 and two time capsules from 1985 and 2001.

Much-loved Melbourne performers Lucy Durack and Gary Pinto will take to the stage with a once in a lifetime concert at The Round on Friday 13th October for the official Opening Night.

There are also a run of events warming up the venue in the lead up to opening night, including a production of Arthur Miller’s iconic play ‘Death of a Salesman’ (15-16 September),Jodee Mundy’s uplifting show ‘Personal’ which conveys her experience as the child of deaf parents (22-23 September) and The Listies’ ‘Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark’, a cheeky and irreverent riff on Hamlet made especially for children (26 September).

The Round’s season for the remainder of the year will include everything from musicals and cabarets, live comedy and contemporary music.

A stones-throw away from Nunawading Railway Station, the venue is easily accessible via public transport whilst also hosting free guest parking for those who opt to drive.

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