Performing Arts

Shirley Burke Theatre now open!

Following a $1.7million refurbishment, Parkdale's historic Shirley Burke Theatre has now re-opened as a multi-purpose arts venue.

March 2012 saw the grand reopening of Parkdale’s Shirley Burke Theatre. In the past the building has been used as a cinema, a textile factory during wartime, a public library, a community centre, and a theatre, and has now re-opened to the community as a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arts venue.  

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES AND BE PART OF HISTORY:

Kingston Arts is currently seeking stories, memories, and photographs from local community members relating to the venue and its rich history. Submissions will then be curated in to an exhibition at the venue.

Have you used the venue in the past? Share your memories! Perhaps you took your children to the library there? Maybe you’ve been an audience member for theatre productions over the years? Did you ever attend the cinema? Did a member of your family work there producing textiles during World War II?  Maybe you knew former Mayor, Shirley Burke, personally? Have you known the venue to be used as anything else?”

Some of the memories that have already been shared have been collated into a beautiful poster which can be seen in the foyer area of the venue.

Whatever your story, whatever your connection, we want to hear about it. Comments, stories, photos, newspaper clippings, you name it, we’d love to hear from you! Send your memories to Tracey Kean at tracey.kean@kingston.vic.gov.au or call 0400 657 987.

Please contact the Kingston Arts team today!
Location: 64 Parkers Rd, Parkdale (50 metres from Parkdale train station)
Phone: Please direct enquiries to the Box Office on 9556 4440 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Opening hours: Wed-Sat, 12pm-5pm
Email: Tracey Kean, Centre Coordinator - tracey.kean@kingston.vic.gov.au   
Post: Tracey Kean, Shirley Burke Theatre, c/o Parkdale Library, 96 Parkers Rd, Parkdale 3195  

Click here for details about parking near the venue.