It’s too close for comfort
THE intimacy of the Rhondo Theatre in Cairns is proving to be its downfall during COVID-19 restrictions. Theatre president Kevin Shorey (left), treasurer Cath Willacy and vice-president Frank Joel are trying to work out ways to stage shows for patrons while meeting social distancing and hygiene rules with the hope of reopening soon.
A CAIRNS community theatre has been forced to put its plan of reopening on hold because social distancing restrictions mean the audience would have been literally too close to the action.
The Rondo Theatre announced on Wednesday that a COVID-Safe Plan was being developed to enable the resumption of shows possibly later this year or early 2021.
Committee treasurer and play director Cath Willacy said the small theatre’s layout, which emphasised intimate performances, meant it could not reopen.
“We thought we could open at 40 to 50 per cent full but there were industry guidelines from Stage Queensland we had to comply with,” she said.
“When we went through the document, it said to ensure the onstage performers are a minimum of 4m from the audiences.
“Because of the layout and the way we perform, we could only use the back row, meaning 35 seats at best.
“Bearing in mind you need two empty seats between groups of booking, it’s really not worthwhile.
“The stage is 6.5 by 8.5m. There is an option to take out some of the seats toward the backstage and perform on the stage as if it were real.
“But we’d still be struggling to have any more than 40 people in there.
“And it’s not just that, it’s the queuing in and out, the box office, the bar and the toilets. All done by volunteers, we don’t pay anything.”
The Rondo had a season of five plays lined up for this year, but only one of them, Wife After Death, was able to be performed in February.
Ms Willacy, who had her own play Extinction due to go out in July, said the situation had forced a rethink of the plans.
“We’re thinking positive. Restrictions are easing, so as long as they keep going well, we’re hoping we’ll be able to work something out,” she said.
“Directors are looking for scripts to submit for something then, looking at comedies, something uplifting that people will want to see.”
A light is currently being kept on in the theatre by hosting The Kitchen Sessions run by Cairns musician Roz Pappalardo.
Ms Willacy said the Rondo Theatre committee had put together a risk management plan to look over the stage requirements and would know more about a plan of action in August.