Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

New box office a success

23 August 2006

The Alexander Theatre's new box office and foyer area.

A new box office, which opened last week for business, is the latest hit at the Alexander Theatre at Monash University's Clayton campus.

The state-of-the-art facility, re-built over six months, replaces the 1970s-style box office located at the front of the theatre.

The designer of the new box office and foyer area was Mr Adel Mousa, architect and project officer in Monash's Facilities and Services department.

The overall cost of the project was $470,000, which included the installation of air-conditioning and heating, and special facilities for people with disabilities, such as a sensor-controlled automated door.

"This is a significant upgrade that took into account a number of long-term occupational health and safety issues with the old box office, which was draughty, cramped and rundown," Mr Mousa said.

"The new box office, relocated to the east side of the theatre, enhances the waiting area and improves the foyer's function enormously."

From left: Box office ticket sales team members Ms Vanessa Pearce, Mr Michael Salahoras and Ms Jenny Ivey, with Ms Wendy West and Mr Adel Mousa.

Monash University Arts Centres' Business Development Manager Ms Wendy West said the hirers of the venue were ecstatic with the final result, which enables their community events to be held in a "venue of excellence".

"This is a great outcome for everyone concerned," Ms West said. "The Alexander Theatre box office processes more than 230,000 ticket sales each year, and the upgrade was long overdue given the ever-increasing number of people now attending performances and events at the theatre, and the number of productions that feature during the year.

"The new box office maximises the space available in the foyer for people attending various productions. Ticket sales staff benefit because the facility is climate-controlled, and theatre patrons benefit because of the state-of-the-art booking facilities that are now available."

Ms West said additional improvements to the area would include a coffee shop, which is expected to open some time in 2007.