Avalon Theatre restoration
UQ has revitalised the landmark Avalon Theatre to provide a unique teaching and performance venue.
Reopened in July 2024, the Avalon Theatre provides a culturally significant venue for the University’s students, staff, and in time, clubs, societies and the broader community.
The Avalon Theatre will initially be used as a teaching and production space for UQ’s School of Communication and Arts’ drama program and the current resident theatre company, the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble.
A modern, multi-purpose performance space
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.
Supporting the next generation of local arts and culture
Through its restoration, the University continues to support the future of local arts and culture, and the next generation of talent at UQ.
In the second half of 2025, the University will review the operating model for the Theatre to explore use by the broader University and local community, while maintaining its primary function for teaching and learning. Until this time, the venue isn’t available for external use.
The community can visit the revitalised Avalon Theatre and learn more about its history on Sunday 4 August as part of UQ’s Open Day. Visit the event page for further information and to register.
Parking
The site has an additional 20 parking spaces, including 2 disability parking spaces.
The Theatre’s day-to-day use will primarily be for teaching and learning, and parking bays will be designated for use by the School of Communication and Arts.
The site is easily accessible via public transport, particularly using Brisbane’s bus and ferry network.
Patrons will be reminded not to park in the nearby ferry terminal carpark.
Contact
For more information about the Avalon Theatre, please contact PF Assist via pfassist@pf.uq.edu.au.
For information about classes at the Avalon Theatre, please contact the School of Communication and Arts via communication-arts@uq.edu.au.
Images of the Avalon Theatre
