welcome to the Beryl Jane Flett Studio Space
The new state of the art, multi-purpose studio space at the Manning Entertainment Centre officially opened on Tuesday 24 January.
The space will allow intimate and versatile performances by local and visiting producers, seating up to 159 people.
The multi-use space can be configured to accommodate smaller scale events such as intimate theatrical productions, children’s entertainment, choral performances, classical and contemporary music as well as meetings, events, conferences and trade fairs.
It will provide a regional venue suitable for small professional touring productions such as cabaret, comedy, film screenings, and chamber and contemporary music.
The studio will also be capable of supporting large events and performances that require multiple spaces for rehearsal, break-out or performance activities.
Check out the project brochure below
To view the Manning Entertainment Centre project brochure in full-screen in the interactive PDF viewer above, select the bracket icon at the bottom-right side the toolbar to enable full-screen.
If you are having trouble viewing the document in the interactive PDF viewer, you may also download the full Manning Entertainment Centre project brochure in the Document library on this page.
Funding
The project was made possible thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of June Neruda Flett, in honour of her mother Beryl Jane Flett. This enabled Council to obtain further funding from both the NSW and Australian Government.
In 2018 MidCoast Council successfully applied for funding to design and build the new studio space through the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund. The selection process for the designer resulted in Austin McFarland Architects being appointed.In September 2020 Council approved the studio addition and in April 2021 Reeman Construction Pty Ltd was appointed the construction contract with work beginning shortly after.
The design, construction and fit-out of the new studio space in the MEC is funded jointly by Council, the community and both the State and Federal Governments.
The NSW Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead announced in 2018 that the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund would provide $1.55million to the project and Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie announced in December 2020 that the Federal Government would inject $1million into the project, from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
A very generous bequest from the estate of June Neruda Flett in 2007, specifically earmarked for the maintenance or improvement of the Manning Entertainment Centre makes up the remaining funds. June’s only request was that any use of the funds acknowledge her mother, Beryl Jane Flett.
At the Council meeting on 28 April 2021, MidCoast Councillors unanimously agreed to name the new facility the ‘Beryl Jane Flett Studio’ in honour of June and Beryl.
Check out the video below about the existing Manning Entertainment Centre in the 'Arts Mid North Coast - Venues Guide'.
Beryl Flett Studio Space project
Construction updates
Check out the photos below for construction progress on the exciting new studio space at the MEC.
24 Janary 2023 update
The Manning Entertainment Centre’s new Beryl Jane Flett Studio officially opened on Tuesday 24 January.
22 December 2022 update
The contracted works on the project are complete. Works are now underway on the car park, and internally, work will continue in January on installing drapes and lighting bars. An official opening will be scheduled in early 2023.
15 June 2022 update
The latest developments in studio construction include completed installation of windows in the interior space, continued plastering and cladding which now extends to the foyer area, and the grounds of the forecourt being levelled and shaped in preparation for paving.
8 April 2022 update
Beryl Jane Flett studio at the MEC
21 September 2021 update
Overlay of proposed floorplan
31 August 2021 update
Background
What does the project update include?
- An auditorium with a minimum floor space of 400m2 to accommodate approximately 200 people.
- Retractable seating for up to 159 people
- Portable stage
- Front of House facilities including commercial kitchen, toilets and portico between existing MEC foyer and new auditorium
- Back of house facilities including toilets and dressing rooms
- Audio and cinema projection equipment
- Covered loading dock
- Suitable Control Room for Theatrical Equipment Operation
- Versatile rigging system to cater for a range of different shows
- Landscaping, footpaths and associated external works.
Check an artist's impression of the newly improved MEC below.
History of the MEC
The Manning Entertainment Centre, also known as the MEC, is a 505-seat theatre in Taree, that serves the residents of the MidCoast and beyond.
The Centre was built as a bicentennial project in 1987 and has a long history of attracting the highest quality performers to the region including The Australian Ballet, Dame Joan Sutherland, Circus Oz, Bell Shakespeare Company and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Additionally, the Manning Entertainment Centre is an important asset for local performers, with regular use by local schools, dance schools and groups including the Taree Arts Council, Manning Valley Choral Society and Taree & District Eisteddfod.
The biggest structural change at the MEC prior to the Beryl Jane Flett Studio was the addition of the of the fly tower 2005.
