Bud Tingwell will open The Factory – Rehearsal Centre for the Arts in Cranbourne East.THE official opening of the much-anticipated rehearsal centre The Factory is set to be a big event, with Australian film legend Charles “Bud” Tingwell doing the honours.
The Cranbourne East Rehearsal Centre for the Arts will be opened on Saturday, 18 November by Bud Tingwell and Casey mayor Kevin Bradford.
“The Factory represents an Australian first, a dedicated space designed for local performers to rehearse, and it is fantastic that Charles “Bud” Tingwell will share his passion for the arts at the opening,” Cr Bradford said.
The chairman of The Factory project steering committee, councillor Wayne Smith, who is a long-time fan of Mr Tingwell, said there was no other actor in Australia who had done so much and continued to contribute so significantly to the stage and screen.
“Renowned for his work in both drama and comedy, nationally and overseas, Bud is respected and admired by audiences of all ages,” Cr Smith said.
“It’s an honour that Bud Tingwell is coming to Casey to open such an exciting venue for our local performing artists, a facility that is set to greatly benefit the arts in Casey.”
Cr Smith said Mr Tingwell had been so impressed by the centre that he was offering his services free.
Mr Tingwell has appeared in films including The Castle, Inside Story, Ned Kelly and Jindabyne.
The opening, a free community celebration, will also include a performance by Warrior Poets, a sausage sizzle supplied by the Rotary Club of Cranbourne and the official unveiling of the public artwork Urban Rhythm created by Anderson Hunt of Down Street Studios.
The Factory offers three large rehearsal rooms and four practice rooms, which all have a sprung timber floor suitable for dance, music and theatre rehearsals. The facility also has a workshop area for theatre set construction.
The Factory is at the Casey Indoor Leisure Complex, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East.
