Call to pave the way for access

MEMBERS of the Creswick Theatre Company are giving everyone the chance to be part of the history of the group’s venue while also helping to make the site more accessible for theatregoers.

With the aim of constructing an accessibility ramp at the entrance of the group’s Courthouse Theatre, the company is selling personalised brick pavers which will be used to construct a path leading up to the infrastructure.

Creswick Theatre Company secretary and fundraising coordinator Heather Ingram said the initiative is a novel way to generate funds for the project.

“We’re progressing with council and planning permits but in the meantime we need both money and landscaping so I’ve come up with this idea in conjunction,” she said.

“We’re hoping past members and performers, local Creswick people, theatre lovers, anyone can get their name on one of these pavers and they’ll be in perpetuity.

“The building itself is an old one with quite high steps to get in and out so it’s very difficult for anyone with disabilities.

“Access is currently basically non-existent. It doesn’t even have to be someone in a wheelchair; it’s difficult for anyone on a walker or with a bad knee.”

Each brick paver will cost $50 per individual and $75 for businesses. The initiative launched early last month, and orders will close on Thursday 28 November.

Ms Ingram said the company has additional plans to make the venue more accessible.

“Our foyer also has a bit of a rise so we’re going to raise that flooring that leads into the actual floor space,” she said.

“It’s a fairly big project all up but then the theatre will hopefully be able to be used by other groups if they wish.

“It’s a small theatre that holds about 60 to 80 depending on seating, but it’s a very intimate space. If we can get this access, there’s the opportunity for others who’ve been disadvantaged.”

Ms Ingram estimated the ramp and flooring upgrades would cost around $50,000 overall.

Should the funds be raised by the holidays, members hope work will begin on the projects by the first half of next year. To purchase a paver, visit events.humanitix.com/bricks.