Totem Theatre facts for kids

The Totem Theatre is a special theatre found in Alice Springs, a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It's where the Alice Springs Theatre Group puts on amazing shows. This group also takes care of the theatre building.

The Totem Theatre is a very old and important building. It's made up of two main parts called Sidney Williams Huts. These huts were built way back in 1945 by the Australian Army during World War II. They have been used for different things ever since!

What is the Totem Theatre?

The Totem Theatre is a place where people can enjoy live performances. It's managed by the Alice Springs Theatre Group. This group creates and performs plays and musicals for everyone to see. It's a great spot for local talent to shine.

A Theatre with History

The buildings that make up the Totem Theatre have a fascinating past. They were built in 1945 during World War II. At that time, many soldiers and workers were in the Alice Springs area. The government was making big improvements to roads, like the Stuart Highway. They also improved communication lines and brought running water to homes.

The Darwin Overland Maintenance Force was a group of soldiers who helped with these changes. They set up their camp near ANZAC Oval and the Todd River. In 1945, they built what we now know as the Totem Theatre. These buildings were first used as a place for soldiers to get medical and dental help. They were a Regimental Aid Post and a Dental Clinic.

From Army Huts to a Theatre

After World War II ended, the army no longer needed many of its buildings. These Sidney Williams Huts were very popular. Many of them were moved to new places. Others stayed where they were and became homes or businesses.

The Totem Theatre buildings stayed in their original spot. They were not used much for a while. Then, in 1963, the Alice Springs Theatre Group took over the buildings. They worked hard to get them ready. In March 1964, they opened their new "Totem Club House Theatre."

Over the years, the buildings have been changed a bit to work as a theatre. But they still have most of their original parts. This helps us remember their history.

A Protected Building

Because of its history and importance, the Totem Theatre is a protected building. It was officially added to the Northern Territory Heritage Register on January 18, 2006. This means it's recognized as a special part of the Northern Territory's history.

What Happens There Today?

Today, the Totem Theatre is a busy and exciting place. It hosts a big musical every year. You can also see many different plays and comedy shows there. People come to listen to spoken word events and live music. The theatre is also a very important venue for the Alice Desert Festival. It's a central place for arts and culture in Alice Springs.