Our brand new Box Office is here
Published on 21 May 2020
Whilst the Frankston Arts Centre remains closed to the public, works on our new-look Box Office have continued behind the scenes. In a happy coincidence, the renovated Box Office was ready to be unveiled on 20 May 2020 – exactly 25 years after the official opening of the Arts Centre!
Celebrating a quarter century since opening, Frankston City Mayor, Cr Sandra Mayer officially cut the ribbon to open the new Box Office in a small ceremony involving a few past and present staff.
“This box office will improve wheelchair accessibility and security, ease congestion and is easy for visitors to see as soon as they walk through the door. I’m sure it will be a big hit,” Cr Mayer said.
Other improvements include increased office space, a more comfortable break-out area for ushers and direct backstage access which will be invaluable during the times when the foyer is buzzing with patrons.
The Mayor said Prime Minister Paul Keating opened the FAC in 1995 at an official opening gala. Highlights included performances by much-loved actress Evelyn Krape and opera singer Rosemary Gunn.
“I would like to wish our arts centre a very happy birthday,” Cr Mayer said.
“Thank you to all of the staff for the entertainment opportunities they have provided our residents during the temporary closure.
“I know you are all busily preparing for the many good times to come and I’m sure the community will get behind you, the same way you have supported them.”
Our box office manager, Pauline Bagnall, shared fond memories of her time at the Arts Centre, having started in 2001.
“I remember sitting in the office with former manager Jeannie after going live with internet sales and waiting for our first internet sale to come through…
“It took quite some time and we were very excited when it finally happened. Now days we are selling around 54 per cent of our tickets online!”
Pauline added, “We also had a crew of teenagers, mostly the children of staff members, who would do the mail out of our ‘what’s on’ brochure. They used to label 23,000 brochures and sort them into post codes!”
The FAC remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions and will reopen as soon as government health advice permits. We look forward to welcoming our audiences back to enjoy our new Box Office!
