The long-awaited transformation of historic Perth Theatre will begin next week.
After years of planning, the £16.6 million project will swing into action on Monday.
Crews from Robertson Construction Tayside will begin by stripping out existing fittings. Some parts of the building will be demolished to make way for a new extension.
The work is a key part of a wider city centre regeneration scheme, aimed at attracting more visitors and businesses.
Magnus Linklater, chairman of Horsecross Arts, the organisation behind the city’s theatre and concert hall, said: “It has been a long wait to see construction work starting on our new theatre, but believe me an awful lot has been happening in the background to prepare for this moment.”
He said: “Now, as the building begins to take shape, we will see great strides being taken towards the completion of an exciting project a new theatre with its historic auditorium lovingly restored, newly designed facilities for a 21st Century audience and community participants. It will be a place where we will see great drama being performed for and by all ages.”
Mr Linklater added: “We are on schedule to reopen in late 2017, on budget. And our team is working hard to secure the remaining funds to make it one of Scotland’s great theatres.
“We hope the people of Perth will join with us in ensuring that this is a place we can all be proud of.”
Council leader Ian Miller said: “The refurbishment of Perth Theatre is a key element of our plans to create a vibrant cultural sector in the city of Perth.
“I am hugely excited about the prospect of having a state of the art theatre complementing our existing facilities in the city, with Perth Concert Hall providing a fantastic multi-purpose venue for concerts, conferences, shows and many other diverse events drawing performers and organisations from around Scotland, the UK and across the globe.”
The work will include a revamp of the Edwardian auditorium, as well as the creation of a new 200-seat studio theatre. The High Street entrance will be retained, with a modern new front on Mill Street.
Horsecross Arts has already been pledged £15.1 million for the project but still needs another £1.5m.
Kevin Dickson, regional managing director for Robertson Tayside, said: “Working getting under way marks an important milestone in the redevelopment of Perth Theatre.
“This is a major project for the city of Perth, providing a significant boost to the local economy.”
He added: “We are delighted to be transforming this historic building, restoring it to its former glory while offering modern, dynamic facilities for performers and theatre-goers to enjoy.”