The Forum Theatre

Melbourne is not only home to the rich history of the gold rush and other mineral expeditions in the early 1900s; it is also one of the residences of performing arts groups in Australia. As a matter of fact, because of the undying support of the place to artists and the creative, Melbourne has even allotted a venue both performers and fans can enjoy - the Forum Centre or the commonly known Forum Theatre. The Forum Theatre, located at the corner of Flinders and Russell Street in Melbourne, is the place-to-be for live performances of various artists, both international and local.

History

Formerly named the States Theater, the Forum Theatre was opened in 1929 with what was then considered the largest seating capacity of 3371 seats. In 1960, the theatre was turned into two movie theaters, which were dubbed as "the Forum and the Rapallo" by the Greater Union. After many years of existence, the Forum Theatre is finally recognized as a historical building by the Historic Buildings Register.

As time and environment wore it out, the Forum Theatre underwent a series of renovations, which included the division and transformation of the two cinemas into Forum I and Forum II; up to now, these Forums still exist with the same names and same functions. Also, nowadays, the Forum Theatre stages both local and foreign artists for different shows like musical concerts, variety presentations, and stand-up comedy specials. Also held in the Forum Theatre are relatively small-scale events such as benefit concerts, business functions, civic gatherings and dance or musical recitals.

Features

As mentioned, the Forum Theatre in Melbourne is distinctly known to be divided into Forum I and Forum II. Situated on the theatre's ground floor, Forum I is an auditorium and has a larger space compared to Forum II. Usually held in the licensed bar are concerts and cabarets, both of which can draw in nearly 2,500 people. Forum II, on the other hand, serves as the venue for screening films and is rightfully situated two floors above the first theater.

Aside from these parts, the Forum Theatre can also be of assistance to its guests and visitors by allowing them to use their production materials. As a matter of fact, equipment used for stage, lighting, film showing, and sounds can be hired from the theatre management. In other floors of the theatre, meanwhile, dressing rooms and a small kitchen can be found and can be used by the performers after their shows.

Reservations

Since the Forum Theatre houses the best in live band and group performances, it is quite expected that a great number of attendees will match each and every show. As such, the place provides for a large space for seating and other materials to be used for every performance. Even better, unlike other stages and show auditoriums, the Forum Theatre also has its own designations for physically challenged guests. For instance, visitors or audiences with sight impairment or wheelchairs may contact the management to have them booked with seats close to the stage or space reservations for wheelchairs in the audience area. The theatre also has made sure that its facilities and walkways, such as its sloped floor and toilets so people with wheelchairs are catered for.

Getting There

Since it is conveniently sandwiched between two major streets, the Forum Theatre is readily accessible to many, depending on their chosen mode of transportation. To get to the theatre, one could ride public transportation like Flinders Street trams, which stop at the corner of Flinders and Russell streets. There are also buses along Russell Street as well as trains passing through Flinders Street Station and trams on Swanston Street, both a short one block walk from Russell Street. The Forum Theatre is also near commercial establishments like Melbourne City Square, Yak Bar and Misty Place, so people who are doing their regular shopping or hanging out can immediately cross the streets to see their favorite stage acts and rock performers.

The Forum Theatre has long been home to various forms of entertainment. Though the venue caters mainly to the band and rock audiences, every show becomes apart of the Forums history.