History of the ACT
The Arena Complex Theatre has enjoyed an interesting past...The theatre opened in 1968 with seats which had been moved from what is now known as the Harborfront Restaurant by way of what is now known as Europa Inn and Restaurant.
At that time, there were 160 seats -- but no stage.
The theatre was used quite regularly during the 1970s but not much during the 1980s.
The stage was added in 1994 as 40 seats were removed. For many years following, movies were enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
In 2004, thanks to generous donations from the Tecolote Foundation, the Town of St. Andrews and the St. Andrews Community Players, volunteers from the St. Andrews Centre for the Arts, as well as members of the general public, undertook to revive and rejuvinate the Arena Complex Theatre.
From a new roof, refurbished bathrooms and a light & sound booth, to a stage enlargement, wings and freshly painted walls, the theatre has undergone an enormous facelift. Most recently new seats - actually used seats, salvaged from the Fredericton Playhouse - have been restuffed, reupolstered and installed in the theatre, thanks to a successful fundraiser.
Below are some before and after photographs and in the pages following are images of the renovations which took place between Spring 2004 and Spring 2005.
Enjoy the show!
The Theatre -- Before and After
Select each image to see a larger version.
 Theatre Lobby - Before |
 Theatre Lobby - After |
 Theatre Lobby - Before |
 Theatre Lobby - After |
 Theatre Lobby - Before |
 Theatre Lobby - After |
 Theatre Lobby - Before |
 Theatre Lobby - After |
 Theatre - Before |
 Theatre - After (But Before the New Seats) |
 Theatre - Before |
 Theatre - After |
See the Renovations - In Progress
