THIRTY fake people to throw from balconies and a pumpkin carriage from Sleeping Beauty are among props to be stored at the Australian Ballet’s production centre at Altona.
Expected to be open by this time next year and cost about $12million, the building will house about 29,000 costumes and sets worth $40 million, which are used in the company’s 90 ballets.
Four radio-controlled rats and the flying goose from The Nutcracker will live there, among more than 400 tutus, 26 bags of snow and petals, and other props.
Australian Ballet currently stores these items at an old wool store in Kensington, but the lease expires this year.
Federal Gellibrand MP Nicola Roxon last week announced a $2 million grant for the new centre, proposed near the corner of Kororoit Creek and Millers roads.
“The 10,000-square-metre centre will house costumes, a 12-metre-high scenery assembly area, two recessed loading docks, wardrobe and scenery workspaces and a virtual design studio,” she said.
“The project is expected to deliver over 100 jobs during the construction phase and support for 200 ongoing jobs across the company, including specialist artisans and technicians with expertise in costume, set and lighting design.”
AB chairman Chris Knoblanche said the money was a timely gift as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary. He hoped it would encourage further funding.
