New Building Grand Opening

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Monday night to celebrate the grand opening of Theatre Works' new architect-designed, fully accessible Backstage and Rehearsal Space.

It was a truly special evening filled with love, support, and excitement for the bold future this space represents. Officially opened by Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks MP, the redevelopment marks a major milestone in our 40-year commitment to independent theatre making. The event was attended by Theatre Works friends and colleagues as well as Josh Burns (Federal MP), Nina Taylor (State MP), Mayor Louise Crawford and Councillors Heather Consulo, Libby Buckingham and Serge Thomann (City of Port Phillip).

This major redevelopment was an initiative of the Victoria State Government through the Creative Victoria Infrastructure Grant Scheme. The new building was designed by Nelson Koo Architects and built by TURN Construction. The project’s patron was Martin Foley and it was overseen by Robert Buckingham (Chair), Guy Mendelson (Treasurer) and Dianne Toulson (Executive Director/Creative Producer). Dianne also project managed the redevelopment that involved replacing the roof of the historic theatre, installing a new lighting rig and the construction of a new backstage with rehearsal space and set workshop.

Theatre Works would like to thank our major donors: Jane & Stephen Hains, City of Port Phillip, MacKenzie Gobbo Foundation, Naomi Milgrom Foundation, Jo Horgan & Peter Wetenhall, Robert Buckingham & John Betts, Reece Plumbing, Susan Thacore, Clearview Blinds, Ann Ryan & John Bennetts, Tony Isaacson, Kane Construction, Jane & Roger Nelson, Luke Aulich and the many generous community members who donated their time, expertise, and funds.

Inspired by the generosity of the many donors to our new building, Greg Day, the editor of This Week in St Kilda, has made a significant donation to Theatre Works' operations over the next two years and in recognition, our new facility will be named the TWiSK Rehearsal Space.

Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us create a more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring home for artists and audiences alike.

Read more about the new building on the TWiSK website - and be sure to subscribe for local St Kilda news each week!