The National Theater

The National Theater - St Kilda

Charity organisation with live performances and community events

PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS FOR ALL TO ENJOY

The National Theatre has been a vital part of Melbourne’s creative landscape for over 90 years. However the grand 700+ seat theatre often proves too large for community groups to fill.

The organisation is now working towards opening its Mezzanine level to the community as an affordable and accessible space for a variety of activities. These will include workshops, presentations, meetings, artist talks and performances. All activities will align with a philosophy of inclusion and connectedness; hosting events that engage its participants in fostering a strong community spirit.

The aim of the project is to run the space at cost with the majority of hires being provided at little to no charge. We hope this will then provide a hub for community conversations and meetings, promoting creativity, social exchange and positive community outcomes. A community calendar will be created via the website so the general public can view the events being held and opportunities to register for attendance.

 

New Mezzanine Cabaret/Stand Up Space

Approx 50-70 Seats

As finalists for Nabo community funding, the theatre would welcome your support and vote.

Landmark status in St Kilda

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL THEATRE:                    
 

• Building commenced 1920, opened 1921 as a cinema 3000 seats. 

 

• By 1924 Mr Thring was on the board of Hoyts, and the Victory entered the Hoyts chain until 1971

 

• Major reconstruction undertaken in 1928 reduced seating capacity to 2550 and made theatre more luxurious to compete with new Palais and Regent Theatres.

 

• June 26 1929 converted to talking pictures

 

• October 6 1937 seating was 1650 (stalls), 354 (lounge) and 537 (dress circle)

 

• Purchased by National Theatre Movement 1971

 

• September 1972 - conversion of former stalls into Studios completed & schools moved in.

 

• 1972-74 Work underway to add new stage to former dress circle continued

 

• Opened as National Theatre 1974 - live venue using former dress circle as auditorium (800 seats). Current capacity 783

The national Theatre

THE NATIONAL THEATRE - ST KILDA

The National Theatre is a not-for-profit charity organisation that plays host to hundreds of live performances and community events every year.

This heritage 1920's building has been a cultural icon in the heart of StKilda for over 90 years and continues to support the performing arts across Melbourne and beyond.

Mezzanine

Not For Profit, Registered Charity Status

The Australian National Memorial Theatre Limited is a Company limited by Guarantee and under its Memorandum and Articles of Association is prohibited from making any distributions to members.  Any profits made by the organisation must be used for the purposes and in the manner set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Check out here to find there's a whole lot more to this Melbourne icon and why not get involved.

Click to go straight to the Website

Events to look forward to

Ballet School

Drama School