Joan Sutherland Theatre
Machinery Package

Comprehensive Theatre Renovation by Corellian at Sydney Opera House

The iconic Sydney Opera House underwent a major renovation of the theatre machinery within its Joan Sutherland Theatre. As a leading rigging and construction expert, Corellian was subcontracted to spearhead the extensive deconstruction, preservation, and installation work.

The Job

Deconstructing the Existing Theatre Space

The initial phase involved the complete deconstruction and removal of extensive theatre machinery by Corellian's skilled team. They carefully dismantled the theatre's intricate stage lifts, equalizer platforms, hoists, winches, portal bridge, orchestra pit, and counterweight system. Corellian's crew systematically removed every associated cable, rope line, fly batten, and curtain.

Preserving Heritage Theatre Elements

With the Opera House holding heritage listing status, the project required meticulous handling of certain original components. Corellian collaborated closely with the Sydney Opera House Trust to properly salvage and catalogue all heritage-listed machinery elements for preservation.

Rigging and Positioning New Theatre Machinery

Once the existing machinery was deconstructed, Corellian commenced their vital role of rigging the newly supplied theatre equipment into position by collaborating with stakeholders. This included the complex lifting, positioning and installation of the new rear stage elevator, windlass, and cable reelers that will enable the theatre's productions going forward.

Corellian's exceptional skills for large-scale theatre deconstruction and new equipment rigging were on full display during this project. Their successful execution showcased their unmatched capabilities for managing comprehensive theatre renovations while upholding heritage preservation standards.

No theatre renovation project is too large or complex for the specialized team at Corellian. Their experience with delicate rigging work in heritage venues is unparalleled. Corellian's commitment to quality and safety makes them a trusted partner for upgrades to performance venues, theatres, and other challenging renovation projects requiring rigging expertise.