The City of Kingston has a range of Council-run and private facilities suitable for arts and cultural activities including theatres and halls, studios, rehearsal and workshop spaces, and galleries. For details click ‘Arts Spaces’ on the Kingston Arts Register.

Kingston Arts Centre and Kingston City Hall Kingston City Hall and Kingston Arts Centre is committed to providing community organisations with affordable and convenient access to community spaces. Not-for-Profit rates are applied to registered not-for-profit organisations and are available for Kingston Arts Centre spaces and Kingston City Hall Function Rooms Monday to Sundays (excluding the Grand Hall). Not-for-profit rates for Kingston City Hall's Grand Hall are offered on Monday to Thursday only. Visit www.kingstonarts.com.au for more information about hiring these facilities.     Southern Poles Outdoor Stage The Southern Poles outdoor stage, at Chelsea's Bicentennial Park (Scotch Parade), was constructed for opening in 2007. It was a project between Kingston Council, Chelsea Rotary and the State Government. This amphitheatre, with removable roof, provides an outdoor cultural space for theatrical, musical and performance-based events. The stage area measures 13m by 8m with an extra area to store equipment. There's no charge to hire the facility as an open air stage, but there's a fee to have Council staff set up and remove the roof structure. The cost to community groups is $150 and the cost for corporate and general hire is $400. Apply by using the event notification form.     Shirley Burke Theatre The grand reopening of Parkdale’s Shirley Burke Theatre (following its $1.7 million refurbishment) has seen the transformation of this much-loved venue. The theatre originally opened in 1928 as a cinema and over the years went on to be used as a textile factory during wartime, a public library, a community centre, a community theatre, and will soon reopen to the community as a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arts venue. The impressive contemporary design of the new Shirley Burke includes new seating in the theatre for 166 patrons, new lighting and sound equipment, the creation of a new sprung floor rehearsal studio, a box office and bar/kiosk, a new-media visual art gallery, public spaces in the foyer and lounge area with free Wi-Fi and a refit of all interiors whilst paying homage to the building’s rich history and art deco vintage. The Shirley Burke is set to become another performing and visual arts hub for the City of Kingston along with Moorabbin’s Kingston Arts Centre. It will be dedicated to the development of arts and culture within Kingston and the Greater Southern Region. The venue will play host to a select program of professional touring shows, whilst providing a platform where the local community can engage in the arts. Community and independent theatre companies such as Mordialloc Theatre Company will continue to bring the stage to life with an annual program of performing arts. The street-facing gallery space will exhibit innovative and thought-provoking new media works by established and emerging artists. www.kingstonarts.com.au THEATRE HIRE INFORMATION Our stunningly refurbished theatre and venue is available for hire 7 days a week. Competitive hire rates and services are available for both commercial and community groups. For further information and bookings please contact The Shirley Burke Theatre Coordinator, Tracey Kean T: 9556 4468 or E: tracey.kean@kingston.vic.gov.au     Affordable Venue Hire for Creative Pursuits Looking for a creative space for rehearsals, workshops or lessons? Kingston Arts has three dynamic and creative spaces that are currently being enjoyed for music lessons, writing groups, text and drama rehearsals, professional development, workshops, meetings and much more. Kingston Arts Centre Theatre, Moorabbin: A multi-faceted, fully equipped state-of-the-art black box theatre with 94 seats (fully retractable). Ideal for performances, presentations, film screenings, seminars, small workshops, and drama and music rehearsals with grand piano available. (11.30m x 10.75m = 121.47m2) Kingston Arts Centre Chamber, Moorabbin: An elegant backdrop for up to 65 people with a warm and comfortable setting for presentations, script read- throughs, meetings, workshops and more. (11.48m x 7.33m = 84.14m2) Studio, Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale: This soundproof studio space has retractable curtains, sprung bamboo flooring, and a mirrored wall. All three spaces have the added benefit of being close to public transport. Rates for standard and not for Profit Hirers Minimum of 3 hours, Mon–fri between 9am–5.30pm Not-for-profit groups: $20 per hour* Standard rate: $30 per hour* *This rate is for venue hire only and does not include assistance with set up, tech services, equipment, catering or security as required. Packages for regular and long-term hire may be negotiated Free quote and tour Explore each space and see for yourself how we can accommodate your requirements. Contact Steve Kingi (Kingston Arts Centre) on 9556 4435 or Tracey Kean (Shirley Burke Theatre) on 9580 4998 to make an appointment.