Wollongong’s premiere performing arts organisation, Merrigong Theatre Company, has today cautiously announced plans to reopen for a small number of COVID-safe events from mid-September, six months after theatres were closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement follows the extension of the Federal Job Keeper program, which coupled with generous private donations to the not-for-profit organisation, have provided the short-term lifeline needed to ensure that the Company can continue to deliver world-class performing arts experiences in the region.

The re-opening of Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and Wollongong Town Hall to events will see a number of changes to ‘business as usual’, including reduced audience capacities, increased distance between patrons, and new ticket refund terms for patrons who are unwell.