The Carlton Theatre was separated from the commercial lease operation of Cricket's Bar and Restaurant in mid 2009, and is no longer subsidised. The Carlton Theatre Group was formed in January 2010 by Resort Manager, Leigh Bradley, and by resident volunteers appointed by her, to operate and look after the Theatre. The Group organise and undertake day-to-day cleaning, maintenance and repairs, and improvements to the Theatre. The Group also keeps the master calendar of bookings for hire of the Theatre.

Rejection of an increased budget for cleaning services by a Resident's Meeting means commercial cleaning of the theatre is not available. Many hours of cleaning are done by volunteers from the Carlton Theatre Group. Village based groups including the Carlyle Gardens Social Activities Club and the Carlyle Gardens RSL Sub-branch clean after their own activities.

The Carlyle Gardens Social Activities Club provided funds early on for a large commercial Vacuum Cleaner, and initial cleaning supplies. Our thanks and appreciation also go to the several residents who generously donated funds and equipment to the Carlton Theatre Group.

The majority of the Group’s income is derived from hiring fees and services provided to non-resident users of the Carlton Theatre. A small voluntary donation to the Theatre fund is sometimes requested from individuals organising events for residents. This income is also used to help pay for air conditioning and electricity. The Group operate a bank account for all income and expenditure, and are required to provide accounts to the Resort Manager for audit.

Visible improvements installed by the Carlton Theatre Group in 2010 include Timber Venetian Blinds to control sunlight and glare on the theatre’s seven large windows. A mobile scaffold platform provides safe access to install the blinds and for cobweb removal and cleaning work on the walls and ceilings.

Other improvements will be made as funds become available. This should include glare control for doors, and upgrades of audio-visual systems and lighting. All labour for installation and cleaning work is provided by volunteers from the Group.