Canberra Theatre Centre

The Canberra Theatre Centre is the Australian Capital Territory's principle performing arts venue and was the first government initiated performing arts centre to be completed in Australia and opened in 1965.

Originally the centre was two separate buildings, being the Canberra Theatre, which was "linked" by a covered walkway to The Playhouse, a 310 seat drama theatre.

Besides the 310-seat theatre, The Playhouse also comprised a small visual art gallery, a meeting room and a restaurant, which proved to be very popular with the Centre's patrons.

There have been a series of extensive capital works upgrades in the life of the Centre to improve the services provided to our patrons.

In 1971 the covered walkway, which "linked" the two venues, was enclosed to create more foyer and function space for the Canberra Theatre and improved box office facilities.

Canberra Theatre Centre is Canberra's premier performing arts venue, providing world class performing arts and entertainment to the people of Canberra and surrounding regions.

The Cultural Facilities Corporation administers Canberra Theatre Centre, with financial assistance from the ACT Government through the Minister for the Arts and Heritage.

Canberra Theatre Centre includes the 1,244 seat Canberra Theatre, The Playhouse seating 618 and The Courtyard Studio, an intimate rehearsal and performance space that seats up to 90 patrons. The Link connects the Canberra Theatre and The Playhouse and includes exhibition and function areas. The Centre also has a comprehensive technical workshop, backstage and dressing room areas, and is fully equipped with up-to-date lighting and audio facilities.

Located centrally in Civic Square, Canberra Theatre Centre is the focal point for performing arts in Canberra and is often considered the heart of the city. The Canberra Theatre Centre was opened in 1965 and The Playhouse was rebuilt and opened again in 1998 with a gala concert.

The Centre's Box Office is located adjacent to the Centre in Civic Square and provides ticketing services for performances at the Canberra Theatre Centre under the banner of Canberra Ticketing or for events at other venues around the Canberra region.

Annually, the Canberra Theatre Centre presents a Subscription Season featuring some of the best performing arts from Australia and overseas. Performances for families and children are presented as part of the annual Playtime season and a range of patron programs are managed for different audiences including Under 27, access services, the social capital program and more.

Canberra Theatre Centre provides the city with the finest performing arts and the most diverse selection of entertainment from around the country including theatre, drama, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, all genres of music, musicals, puppetry and physical theatre. Through the use of The Courtyard Studio it also provides a performance space for many local theatre companies and performers.