Theatre companies in the region are optimistic crowds will flock to local shows after a further increase in crowd capacities was announced by the Victorian government.
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From Friday, indoor seated venues will be able to host audiences to 75 per cent of their capacity, capped at 300 people. Acting premier James Merlino also announced on Wednesday that, subject to public health advice, theatres can return to 100 per cent capacity from July 1.
"This provides certainty for families planning what the next two weeks of the school holidays are like and provides certainty for events and event mangers," Mr Merlino said. "If we think we can ease any settings earlier, of course we always do will look at that."
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Local organisations Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre, Bendigo Theatre Company and Synchronicity Performing Arts all have shows opening in July.
BTC president Bevan Madden said the news had enormous impact for the cast and crew of We Will Rock You.
"The restrictions easing tomorrow are what we expected," he said. "However, it was a line in the official statement from the Acting Premier that was most exciting for us. From July 1st, theatres will be returning to 100 per cent capacity.
"It means that more people will be able to witness We Will Rock You. It means that the cast and crew can display their hard work, having navigated lockdowns and rehearsal group limits to prepare this show for Bendigo.
"The rehearsal room has been alive with energy since the return to full company rehearsals last week and the news announced today will energise the cast and crew further, to bring a top-quality show to the Ulumbarra Theatre."
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Nexus BYT director Julie Lovell said the cast and crew of Oliver could now be confident that crowds would be big enough to make the production of the show financially viable.
"If we can get 300 people in, we know we can put a show on. We budgeted for that," she said. "It is wonderful to know kids will be able to have that knowledge.
"That's what we were hoping for, the idea of having enough people to support a show and having that capacity and numbers to financially be able to put on a show."
Ms Lovell said the tight coroanvirus restrictions in June could be considered a blessing in disguise for Bendigo theatre groups.
"Having safety measures in place for June means it has been at its safest for our shows," she said. "It has been horrible for everyone else but now things are opening up in time for three Bendigo shows to benefit."
Mr Madden said it was now up to the community to come and support local theatre.
"All we need now is the public to get behind the cast and crew," he said. "The easiest and most enjoyable way to do that would be to buy a ticket."
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