Schonell Theatre
Encyclopedia
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
s, musical performances, plays and lectures; Theatre 2, a 175 seat cinema and the Cement Box Theatre. It is situated in the UQ Union
UQ Union
The University of Queensland Union is a student organisation established to provide service, support and representation to the students of the University of Queensland.-Aims:The specific aims of the Union as defined by the UQ Union Constitution are:...
complex at the University of Queensland's
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland, also known as UQ, is a public university located in state of Queensland, Australia. Founded in 1909, it is the oldest and largest university in Queensland and the fifth oldest in the nation...
St Lucia
St Lucia, Queensland
St Lucia is an inner suburb of Brisbane, Australia located 4 km south-west of the Brisbane CBD. The suburb is bordered on three sides by the Brisbane River and is dominated by the main campus of the University of Queensland.-History:...
campus. The theatre was constructed in 1970 and underwent refurbishment in 2005. It is owned and operated by the UQ Union
UQ Union
The University of Queensland Union is a student organisation established to provide service, support and representation to the students of the University of Queensland.-Aims:The specific aims of the Union as defined by the UQ Union Constitution are:...
.
For three decades, the theatre hosted regular screenings of popular, alternative, and foreign motion pictures, adding substantially to the income of UQ Union. On 24 June 2006,
however, Schonell Theatre was forced to cease regular cinema screenings. Schonell Theatre remains an important part of campus culture and the theatre community. Live theatre performances are extensive and ongoing throughout the year. And the Schonell is still home to the Cement Box Theatre, situated in a basement level, as well as a popular gourmet pizza
Pizza
Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc-shaped bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings.Originating in Italy, from the Neapolitan cuisine, the dish has become popular in many parts of the world. An establishment that makes and sells pizzas is called a "pizzeria"...
café
Café
A café , also spelled cafe, in most countries refers to an establishment which focuses on serving coffee, like an American coffeehouse. In the United States, it may refer to an informal restaurant, offering a range of hot meals and made-to-order sandwiches...
.
History
The theatre was constructed in 1970 and was renovated in 2005 with $4 million provided by the UQ UnionUQ Union
The University of Queensland Union is a student organisation established to provide service, support and representation to the students of the University of Queensland.-Aims:The specific aims of the Union as defined by the UQ Union Constitution are:...
. Shows during its history include the Brisbane Scouts
Scouts Australia
Scouts Australia is an organisation for children and young adults from 6 to 26 years of age. Scouts Australia is part of the global Scouting movement and has been a national member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement since 1953...
Gang Show
Gang Show
A Gang Show is a theatrical performance with a cast of youth members of Scouts and sometimes Guides too, by invitation. Adult leaders and parents help out behind the scenes. The aim of the shows is to give young people in Scouting and Guiding the opportunity to develop performance skills and...
and Rent.
Closure
The Schonell Theatre closed its regular cinema operations on the 24 June 2006. The UQ UnionUQ Union
The University of Queensland Union is a student organisation established to provide service, support and representation to the students of the University of Queensland.-Aims:The specific aims of the Union as defined by the UQ Union Constitution are:...
cited low attendance rates and the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism
Voluntary student unionism
Voluntary student unionism is a policy, notable in Australia, under which membership of – and payment of membership fees to – university student organisations is voluntary....
(VSU) as the cause. Following the introduction of VSU, the union could no longer afford to subsidise the Theatre. External reports, however, question this claim, and various factions within the UQ Union
UQ Union
The University of Queensland Union is a student organisation established to provide service, support and representation to the students of the University of Queensland.-Aims:The specific aims of the Union as defined by the UQ Union Constitution are:...
either opposed or supported the closure.
In 2008 the Schonell re-commenced regular screenings of film again. Arthouse, foreign language, Australian films and independent releases are screened from Thursdays through to Mondays (closed public holidays). The theatre is still used for live theatre productions, university lectures, and is available for booked special screenings and events.
The Cement Box Theatre has recently been refurbished and re-named the Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio. This venue is now used by the University as a teaching space.