National Theatre

Welcome to the National Theatre in Melbourne, a cornerstone of the Australian performing arts landscape. Located in the vibrant seaside suburb of St Kilda, this institution is more than just a venue; it is a vital training ground…

To understand the National Theatre, we must look back to 1921 when the building first opened as the Victory Theatre. Designed during the height of the cinema boom, it was a 'picture palace' of immense scale, seating over 2,000…

Entering the main auditorium, you are struck by the sense of history and the sheer volume of the space. While the seating has been reconfigured for better sightlines, the room still exudes the grandeur of its cinematic past. …

On the upper floors and in the surrounding wings, the building houses the National Theatre Drama School, Australia's oldest professional acting school. Established in 1935, the school has been the launching pad for many of the…

The National Theatre is equally renowned for its Ballet School, which occupies several sun-drenched studios within the complex. The sound of pianos and the rhythmic tapping of pointe shoes are the soundtrack to this part of the…

One of the most remarkable aspects of the National Theatre is its capacity to create almost everything you see on stage within its own walls. This is a tradition shared with other great national institutions. …

No visit to the National Theatre is complete without acknowledging Gertrude Johnson, the soprano and visionary who founded the National Theatre Movement. After a successful career in Europe, Johnson returned to Australia with a…

As you leave the National Theatre and step back onto the streets of St Kilda, take a moment to reflect on the immense creative energy that resides within these walls. We have explored a building that has transformed from a…