Charcoalblue celebrates a decade in Australia with two landmark project openings
06/07/26
Here at Charcoalblue, the world's leading integrated theatre, acoustic and experience consultancy, we are celebrating a decade since opening our Australasian studio. Our Melbourne-based studio is one of six globally that have opened since the company was founded in the UK in 2004.
The ten-year milestone aligns with the completion of two landmark projects, the BNZ Theatre in Hamilton, New Zealand, and the city campus of Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth.
Eric Lawrence leads our Australasian studio and says the two projects demonstrate our value to theatre companies, architects, educational institutions and contractors.
The BNZ Theatre is a prime example. A world-class destination for arts, performance and community life, the project took a decade to come to fruition after Hamilton's much-loved Founder's Theatre closed in 2016 due to structural issues.
"We worked with Momentum Waikato Community Foundation to develop the vision for the project," says Eric. "We built the brief for them, found the best architect, Jasmax, and built the team. It turned into a great collaboration that overcame big challenges to deliver a transformative building for the region."
BNZ Theatre, Waikato
At ECU, we were initially engaged directly by the university. Home to the world-renowned Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the university's theatre and rehearsal spaces are critically important. Working alongside lead architect Lyons, our technical design went well beyond the client's initial ambition.
"Our integrated technical design connects all the teaching streams across theatre, screen and media," says Lawrence. "It empowers everyone to collaborate and is a game-changer for teaching and learning, preparing students for real-world careers."
Edith Cowan University, Perth
Other projects delivered across our Australasian studio's ten years include the refurbishment of the Sydney Theatre Company's two Wharf Theatres at Walsh Bay in Sydney (with Hassell), the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (with ARM), the Court Theatre in Christchurch (with Haworth Tompkins and Athfield Architects), and the Padua College Performing Arts Centre on the Mornington Peninsula (with Baldasso Cortese).
Lawrence's early career as an architect at a leading UK specialist theatre design practice complements the technical experience of co-director Erin Shepherd. Shepherd spent many years working in theatre buildings around the world, initially as a performer, then later as a touring stage and production manager.
"Most of our team members have come from hands-on roles in performance spaces," says Lawrence. "Bringing design and technical skills together helps realise the potential in projects.
"We are immensely proud of the work we have done over the last decade, from large cultural venues to schools and community centres. Spaces for storytelling are evolving, and we're excited to work with theatre companies, architects, and educational institutions to imagine the spaces of the future."
Supporting the industry internationally since 2004
