The curtain has been raised on £13 million plans to redevelop Perth Theatre.
The plans will see the heart of the historic building retained while improving access, creating new rooms for youth and community use and adding a new 225-seat performance space.
The period features of the B-listed Edwardian auditorium will also be restored.
A new main entrance will be built in Mill Street while the High Street frontage will also be improved.
Thursday’s unveiling of the scheme coincided with confirmation of a £3 million grant offer from the Gannochy Trust to add to £2 million originally committed to the project in 2008 by Perth and Kinross Council, the owners of the 110-year-old building.
Jane Spiers, chief executive of operators, Horsecross Arts, said the outcome of an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the conservation and restoration of the auditorium should be revealed in September.
She said, “The Horsecross team is passionate about the theatre and we will work as hard and for as long as it takes to raise the funds we need.
“We wanted to take a fresh look at what Perth needs in a theatre and go the extra mile to create a venue that will continue to take centre stage in the community, both culturally and economically, for now and far into the future.
“We aim to consult, and communicate with, the public every step of the way. The people of Perth will take the lead role in this production.”
Gannochy Trust chairman Mark Webster said, “Importantly, the Horsecross business plan includes the use of new space which will be created to develop the range of cultural activities for youth and will also enable many more disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the community to participate in a broader artistic programme.
“At the same time the project should secure Perth’s future as a producing theatre and improve the experience of those who are familiar with the historic and elegant auditorium, which will be carefully conserved.
“The financial hurdle is huge and we hope that our commitment will encourage other funders to add their support to bring the project to life.”
An exhibition of outline plans and drawings of the theatre proposals is on display at the theatre and at www.horsecross.co.uk/perththeatreredevelopment