Case Study: Merrigong Theatre Company achieves centralised, best-practice venue management with Priava

Wollongong’s Merrigong Theatre Company Aims for Best Practice Venue Management With New Central Bookings System

Merrigong Theatre Company, which runs the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) and recently took on Wollongong Town Hall, faced high demand across four performance spaces (main auditorium >80% utilised, smaller theatres ~50%, Town Hall 20–30%) and a fragmented on‑premise booking system that left event data scattered across spreadsheets. To create a single, easy‑to‑use repository and improve operational productivity, Merrigong selected Priava’s cloud‑based venue and event management software.

Priava implemented a centrally accessible cloud platform with configurable reports, crew/equipment scheduling and one‑click estimates, enabling staff to plan shows in advance, access information remotely and generate quotes instantly. As a result, Merrigong reports reduced last‑minute firefighting and post‑event invoicing queries, measurable time savings in debriefs, higher staff productivity (teams using Priava throughout the day) and greater confidence to expand services such as managing the Town Hall — all delivered via Priava.

Merrigong Theatre Company

Trevor Ahearn

Director of Operations