The Genesian Theatre Company came into being from a meeting of members of the Catholic Youth Organisation intent upon forming a full-scale dramatic group. This meeting was held on 15th August, 1944. Named for St Genesius, Patron Saint of Actors, The Genesian Theatre Company has developed into a strong theatre company over the years.

Monday 29th January 1945 was the Opening Night of the Genesians’ first production. This was The Comedian by Henri Ghèon, a drama about St. Genesius, reputedly martyred by Diocletian in the year 303 A.D.

Between 1945 and 1954 the Genesians used a variety of venues for their productions. Some of the theatres used were the Australian Hall (later Rivoli Theatre), the Sydney Radio Theatre, the Conservatorium, Manresa Hall, and the Capitol Theatre. For 70 years the Company operated from the former St. John the Evangelist Church at 420 Kent St, an historic 1868 church with a long tradition as a theatre in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Since January 2025, the Genesian Theatre Company has been at a new home at St Joseph’s Church Hall, 2B Gordon Street, Rozelle.

We boast among our alumni numerous household names in Australian theatre and film such as Angela Punch, Bryan Brown, Baz Luhrmann, Coral Lansbury, Judi Farr, John Bell, Peter Carroll, and Nick Enright. We’re thrilled that some of our more recent cast and crew members have gone on to carve out their own space professionally in the industry in the past few years. We are also just as proud of the hundreds of other talented actors, directors, stage managers, set and costume designers, lighting and sound specialists, stage and production staff who have contributed to Sydney’s unique little theatre. We are particularly proud of all our members who volunteer their time to work Front of House.

Photo: 420 Kent Street circa 1927