Joburg Theatre

The idea for a theatre has its origins in 1959 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Union of South Africa called the Union Festival; an initial fund of R100,000 had been set aside by the Johannesburg City Council for an event and when the city was excluded from arranging a cultural event by the South African government, the idea of using the money for a civic theatre was introduced. The theatre, owned by council, would be managed by the non-profit Johannesburg Civic Theatre Association which up until 1992 was made up of all white governors and management committee consisting of city council members and civic leaders. On 1 January 2013, the Joburg Theatre, Soweto Theatre and Roodepoort City Theatre were integrated into a single theatre management company called Joburg City Theatres. Michal Grobbelaar was the first managing director of the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, from 1960 until his retirement in 1993. Alan Joseph was appointed as executive director in 1993 and held the position until 1996. ==Theatres and facilities==

Outside the main entrance to the theatre stands a statue called The Playmakers, crafted by Ernest Ullman, while at the south end of the theatre complex entrance are the terraced Theatre Gardens that are used by local office workers and students. Also outside the theatre is a 'Walk of Fame' where over the years, famous performers handprints and names have been inscribed into the concrete pavement. The theatre complex hosts six 5-star hospitality venues available for private hire. The Masekela and Broadway rooms each have a capacity of 20 patrons. The main stage has five computer controlled stage lifts that can raise the sets up to 3.9 metres above the stage and five stage wagons to move sets across the stage as well as a circular stage wagon. Space.com This theatre can house 110 patrons and it is used for experimental works, play readings, rehearsals, classes, workshops as well speakers. ==References==