Avalon Theatre

The University of Queensland

The Avalon Theatre is a fit-for-purpose venue with modern performance amenities and technology, capable of hosting a range of productions.

The Theatre houses two soundproofed performance spaces - a large performance space with up to 112 seats, and a smaller performance space with up to 50 seats. With tiered retractable and adjustable seating, the Avalon Theatre can transform from a dedicated teaching and learning space to a fully equipped theatre for performances.

The venue includes a lighting and sound control room, full lighting rigs, theatre amenities, box office, bar and office space.

Backstage, users have access to a green room, dressing rooms, shower facilities, and storage for wardrobe, props, sets and lighting.

A historic venue set for its encore performance

Built in the 1920s, the Avalon Theatre has a long history in the St Lucia community as a church hall and later a community hall and cinema.

Acquired by the University in 1963, the Avalon Theatre quickly became a thriving hub for both drama performances and cultural activity.

Recognising the significance of the Avalon Theatre, UQ worked closely with heritage architects and design experts to restore the venue to a fully functioning teaching, learning and performance space, while paying homage to its history.

Where possible, original elements were retained and restored, including the weatherboard from the original timber hall, window frames, brickwork and front steps. The Avalon Theatre's facade was sympathetically recreated to honour the building's heritage and preserve its identity in the wider community.

The landscaped area surrounding the Theatre was extended through the UQ-owned properties adjacent to the Theatre and designed in line with UQ's Campuses on Countries Design Framework.

On display in the foyer, vibrant artwork featuring programs and posters from past performances pay homage to the Theatre's cultural history.

Parking
The site has an additional 20 parking spaces, including 2 disability parking spaces.