Montreal Community Theatre facts for kids

The Montreal Community Theatre is a special old cinema and theatre located at 46 Russell Street in Tumut, Australia. It was designed by famous architects Kaberry & Chard and built between 1929 and 1930. This theatre is also known as the Montreal Community Theatre and Moveable Heritage Collection. The local council, Snowy Valleys Council, owns the building. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on June 21, 2013, which means it's a very important historical place.

Quick facts for kids Montreal Community Theatre
Montreal Community Theatre, pictured in 2010
Location	46 Russell Street, Tumut, Snowy Valleys Council, New South Wales, Australia
Built	1929–1930
Architect	Kaberry & Chard
Architectural style(s)	Inter-war Stripped Classical
Owner	Snowy Valleys Council
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name: Montreal Community Theatre and Moveable Heritage Collection
Type	State heritage (built)
Designated	21 June 2013
Reference no.	1909
Type	Theatre
Category	Recreation and Entertainment
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A Look Back at Tumut's History

Early Aboriginal Life

Before Europeans arrived, the Tumut Valley was home to the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people. It was a common meeting spot for other groups like the Bigewal, Ngarigo, Wolgol, and Ngunawal people. During warmer months, these groups would travel through Tumut to the Snowy Mountains. There, they held special ceremonies and ate Bogong moths. The name Tumut might come from a Wiradjuri word meaning "a quiet resting place by the river."

European Settlement and Growth

The first Europeans, explorers Hume and Hovell, came to the Tumut Valley in 1824. People started settling in the area in the 1820s. Even after settlement, Aboriginal people continued to visit the mountains for ceremonies. A place called "Yellowin" was important for Aboriginal groups to meet.

The town of Tumut grew slowly. It was planned in 1848, but a big flood in 1952 made people move the town center. By the late 1850s, with gold rushes happening nearby, Tumut began to grow much faster. By the 1880s, it had many hotels, shops, and services.

As the town grew, Aboriginal people were pushed away from their traditional lands. Many families moved to a large station called Brungle. The government provided some housing and food, but it was often not enough. In 1889, about 100 Aboriginal people lived there. A school was built for Aboriginal children in 1888.

Over time, the government's approach changed. The Brungle Reserve officially closed in 1951. Many families moved to Tumut or other places. In the 1980s, some Aboriginal families moved back to the reserve, and new homes were built.

The Theatre's Story

How the Theatre Began

The Montreal Community Theatre was built by John J. Learmont in the late 1920s. The name "Montreal" is actually a mix-up of the letters in "Learmont," showing his family's connection to the building. The Learmont family had a long history in Tumut. John J. Learmont's father had a shop next to where the theatre now stands.

John J. Learmont opened his own shop in Tumut in 1912. In 1927, he built a new brick shop. By 1929, he asked architects Kaberry and Chard to design a movie theatre next to his shop. John J. Learmont was very involved in the design. He visited many theatres in Sydney to get ideas for his own. The Learmont family owned the theatre until 1998. They still own the shop next door.

Famous Architects Kaberry & Chard

Kaberry and Chard were well-known architects who designed many cinemas and theatres in Australia. They designed over 150 theatres across the country, with 57 of them in New South Wales. Many of their smaller theatres have been torn down or changed a lot. The Montreal Community Theatre in Tumut is one of only three Kaberry and Chard theatres in New South Wales that are still mostly in their original condition.

The Tumut theatre is still very much like it was when it was built. Some parts, like the stage exit fins, were removed in 1955 to fit a wider screen. The Athenium Theatre in Junee and the Roxy in Leeton are the other two theatres designed by these architects that are still standing. The foyer floor of the Montreal Community Theatre was once carpeted but now has tiles that match the theatre's style.

The Laurantas Family's Role

Local builder Joseph Nyson finished building the theatre in early 1930. Nicholas Laurantas, a businessman from Greece, along with his brother George Laurantas, leased the theatre.

Nicholas and George Laurantas came to Australia from the island of Kythera in Greece in 1908. Nicholas became a successful businessman, owning or leasing many cinemas in the Riverina area. These included theatres in Gundagai, Cootamundra, Corowa, Lockhardt, the Montreal in Tumut, the Athenium in Junee, and the Roxy in Leeton. George helped manage Nicholas's businesses.

Nicholas became a leader in the Australian Greek community. He helped people and supported Greek language and culture. He helped set up schools and even a special course for Modern Greek at Sydney University. He also helped services for the elderly. For all his contributions, he was knighted in 1979.

Peter Stathis, Nicholas and George Laurantas's brother-in-law, managed the Montreal Theatre every day from its opening in April 1930. He would meet the train to get new films for the Laurantas cinemas. Peter also ran the refreshment room in the theatre. In 1937, Peter bought the lease for the theatre and he and his sons ran it until 1965.

Grand Opening Day

The theatre officially opened on April 2, 1930. The local Shire President, Mr. Godfrey, was there. A local entertainer, Stan MacKay, performed for the opening. A few days later, on April 5, the first movie was shown: 'The Iron Mask,' starring Douglas Fairbanks.

Theatre Improvements Over Time

Since the 1930s, the theatre has continued to show films and host live shows. It has been a central place for community events like dances, fundraisers, and charity drives. In the 1950s, the Tumut Review Club often performed there.

The theatre was also important for young Aboriginal people from the Brungle Mission. In the 1930s, they would ride their horses into Tumut to watch movies at the Montreal. Later, in the 1960s, some would hitchhike to the theatre.

Big changes were made to the theatre's technology. In 1937, a new sound screen was installed. In 1955, a new, wider screen was put in. At this time, the stage was made bigger by covering a small orchestra pit.

From the 1970s to 1998, different people operated the theatre. In 1993, it was put up for sale, but the community started a campaign to save it. Because of strong community interest, the theatre was taken off the market in 1994. A group was formed to look into buying the theatre.

In 1995, volunteers cleaned and painted the theatre. They also found and installed used projectors and heaters. A grand opening night was held in April 1995, with a full audience.

In 1997-1998, the community raised $40,000 in donations. With help from a foundation, the theatre was bought for the community. A government grant helped buy a new screen and stage curtains. In 2000, air conditioning was installed. The roof was repaired and painted in 2004. Much of this work was funded by heritage grants.

What the Theatre Looks Like

Outside the Building

The Montreal Community Theatre is built in the Inter-war Stripped Classical style. This style mixes older classical designs with newer, simpler looks. The building includes a shop, the theatre entrance, a foyer, box office, auditorium, and stage area.

The front of the theatre is simple but impressive. A large awning sticks out over the footpath. This awning used to have a special metal ceiling, which has been replaced. Above the awning, the building has two slim columns and a stepped top part. The word "Montreal" is written in the center. Above this are three windows for the projection room.

Below the awning are four sets of glass double doors for entry. The theatre shop has two large windows and a recessed entrance.

Inside the Foyer

When you enter, you find a small foyer. The box office is in the middle of the back wall, with its original copper security grille. Above the box office are vents with a cool spider web pattern. Steps on either side of the box office lead to the main theatre area. The foyer floor was once carpeted but now has white tiles with a black star design in the middle. The walls have been painted. You can see the original architectural plans for the theatre and old light fittings in the foyer. A staircase on one side leads to the dress circle, which is the upper seating area.

The Main Auditorium

A narrow hallway connects the foyer to the auditorium. This hallway also has an emergency exit. A glass case in the hall displays items related to the theatre's history.

The auditorium floor is made of timber. The aisles are carpeted in a color and design similar to the original floor covering. The dress circle, or upper seating area, sticks out over the main floor. It has stepped sections along the sides, which are now used for lights and sound equipment.

The roof is vaulted with a geometric design of sunken panels. This design gives everyone a clear view of the stage and looks very nice. A decorative metal border runs along the top of the side walls. Most of the seats have been replaced, but some original blue leather and velvet seats remain, including a few "love seats." Each row of original seating has a wrought iron support at the end.

At the back of the dress circle are the projection box, a work room, and a store room. The original projectors are gone, but there is one similar to what was used.

The auditorium walls are painted a deep cream color, with red details. Large windows on the side walls have shutters. These shutters were important for air and comfort before air conditioning. An old ventilation system, which drew cool air from under the floor, is still there but not used. Original night lights are along the walls, and both modern and old kerosene emergency lighting systems mark the exits.

The stage has a large, decorative arch made of pressed metal, painted in blue, off-white, and gold. The stage curtains are blue velvet with gold embroidery. The stage floor has been made larger over time to fit orchestras and school performances. The decorative stage exit fins were removed in 1955 for a wider screen. Now, an electrically controlled screen is used for both films and live shows.

Backstage Area

The backstage area is small. It has storage space and ropes for curtains and sets. Behind the stage, there's a small dressing room and a small greenroom/kitchen. There's also a storage area under the auditorium floor.

Special Items from the Past

The theatre has a collection of old items from its early days, including:

• Ticket machines and ticket stub boxes.
• A 1930s pedestal fan.
• Handmade timber and glass exit signs.
• The original stage curtain valance (the decorative border at the top).
• A 1930s 35mm silent movie projector with sound heads.
• The box for the projector reels, with old carbon arc lamps.

Many of these items have been stored away and are being organized.

Why the Theatre is Important

The Montreal Community Theatre is very important because it's a rare example of an old movie theatre from a time when going to the cinema was a huge activity in Australia. It has been used continuously as a cinema and live theatre for over 80 years, serving as a social hub for the community. Its importance grows as many other old rural theatres have been torn down. In 2008, only 11 theatres out of 351 surveyed in 1951 were still recognizable as theatres.

The theatre also shows the important role of the Greek community in developing cinemas in Australia, especially in country areas. This is seen through its management by Sir Nicholas Laurantas and his family.

It's also important because it was designed by Kaberry and Chard, who were famous theatre architects. They designed many theatres, and the Montreal is one of the few that remain in good condition. The theatre's unique design makes it a landmark in Tumut. The community values it highly, which was shown when they raised money to buy the building in 1998.

The theatre's almost original condition and its collection of old items help us understand the history of movies and cinema-going in New South Wales over the past 80 years. It's a rare example of an interwar country cinema in the Interwar Stripped Classical style. It's one of only three remaining theatres in NSW designed by Kaberry and Chard.

Images for kids

• 

  Montreal Community Theatre, pictured in 2010

See also

• Australian non-residential architectural styles