About Us
The Genesian Theatre Company celebrates our 80th year as a company in 2024! For 70 years we have been operating from our home at 420 Kent St, an historic church that has a long tradition as a theatre in the heart of the Sydney CBD. 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 members such as Tom Tilley, Rowan Witt, Lib Campbell, Aaron Glenane, and Bianca Bradey have gone on to carve out their own space 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 to help you enjoy your visit to the Genesian Theatre.
Over the years the company has developed into a theatre providing a training ground for young theatre professionals and a place where those who love the theatre can meet, share, and extend their knowledge of the performing arts. The Genesian Theatre Company is one of Sydney's most active theatre companies. In addition to six main stage productions each year we run classes, workshops, and many other activities.
Membership of the company is open to all people over the age of eighteen.
The building which houses the Genesian Theatre Company was originally St John's Church, and dates from 1868. It served as both a church and a poor school until 1932 when it became the Kursaal Theatre, housing the Sydney Repertory Company. In 1938 it became the first Matthew Talbot Hostel. Since 1954 it has been the home of the Genesian Theatre Company which was formed in 1944.
The Genesian Theatre Company would like to acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of this land our theatre stands on, and pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.