Scott Theatre

The University of Adelaide acquired the Scott Theatre, along with the Schulz and Hartley Buildings in 1991 as part of the merger with the City Campus of the South Australian College of Advanced Education (formerly the Adelaide College of Advanced Education and the Adelaide Teacher’s College amongst other names).

It is named in honour of Andrew Scott (who died suddenly in 1907, aged 56).  He was the second Principal of the College (from 1897 to 1907).  His Excellency, The Governor of South Australia, Sir Edric Bastyan, officially opened the theatre on 25 September 1964.

Designed by architects and engineers of the Public Buildings Department the Scott Theatre is constructed using a steel frame with pre-cast concrete exposed aggregate slabs.  It has a seating capacity of 635 and is fitted with two revolving stages while the foyer contains an impressive chrome-plated suspended steel staircase.

The attached studio (once named the Madley Dance Studio) was originally the Gymnasium providing facilities for physical education training and for indoor sports including basketball, volleyball and table tennis.  In 2003-2004 this underwent internal renovations and modifications as part of the refurbishment for the Elder School of Music.

The Scott Theatre is the largest lecture theatre on the North Terrace campus and is a popular venue for theatre, dance and musical performances.

Taken from University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.19