Project 01


The refurbishment of the Millbank Theatre began on March 4th 2002.

Thecontract was awarded to T.P. Wallace Construction at a cost will be €1.3m,
and was supervised by architects, Whelan Corcoran Smyth.

Completed in December 2002, the extended and refurbished theatre
re-opened on January 8th 2003. By far the largest project undertaken
by the Society in its 75-year history, the project resulted in the Millbank
Theatre becoming a state-of-the-art building with the latest in stage
technology. Some of the improvements included:

· An increased stage area from 450 sq. ft. to 900 sq. ft.
· Increased seating capacity to 145
· Provision of full disabled facilities, including lift
· Upgraded lighting and sound system
· Improved backstage facilities
· Additional rehearsal rooms
· Upgraded dressing rooms
· Full modernised foyer and bar area for customer comfort
· Installation of air-handling equipment in main auditorium
· Additional Office and Administration space

Rush Dramatic Society contributed over 50% of the project cost and the following bodies
assisted in funding of the project:

· Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism
· The National Millennium Committee
· Fingal County Council

Since the theatre first opened its doors in 1988 over 50,000 patrons have
enjoyed over 42 productions by the Society. With this new upgrade the Society
can now broaden its current repertoire and increase the number of productions
on offer to the public. Some of the events to look forward to in the NEW Millbank Theatre
aside from the normal main productions by the Society will be:

· Theatre Festivals
· Visiting professional and Amateur productions
· Fringe/experimental productions by new Directors
· Structure Junior Drama Programme
· Workshops
· Integrated drama educational programme
· Works by new writers