About
Based in Kirribilli, on the edge of Sydney Harbour, Ensemble Theatre is committed to performing and presenting the best of international plays, well-loved classics and new Australian works. Each season we pride ourselves on delivering powerful, memorable and engaging live theatre of the highest standard. Founded in 1958, Ensemble Theatre recently celebrated its 65th anniversary and is the longest continuously running professional theatre in Australia.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ensemble Theatre proudly acknowledges the Cammeraigal people of the Eora nation as customary custodians of the land on which we stand and share our stories.
In harmony with the land and water, its seasons and cycles, the Cammeraigal people practised their culture for thousands of years and the connection continues to this day.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Reconciliation Action Plan
In consultation with Reconciliation Australia, Ensemble Theatre is taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation and provide a safe and respectful environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and audiences.
Download a copy of Ensemble’s 2022-2023 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
OUR MISSION
Ensemble Theatre is a welcoming and inclusive theatre for everyone and gives voice to diverse stories by presenting an annual season of exceptional plays by Australian and international playwrights. Each year we aim to create theatre that is accessible, enlightening, surprising and above all entertaining.
Our Vision
To be a significant influencer in the national performing arts sector presenting established classics and nurturing bold new Australian works. Collaborating with the best playwrights and creative talent to provide unique live theatre experiences that stimulate conversations, reflect contemporary society and trigger the imaginations of audiences across the country.
To be Theatre for Everyone.
A WORD FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Ensemble Theatre’s long success comes from being a very accessible place. Theatre for everyone is not a throw away statement but the core of what Ensemble Theatre means to me. Theatre shouldn’t be exclusive, elitist, but for everyone. The joy of seeing a packed auditorium full of people from all walks of life; subscribers with a long history of support for their favourite theatre; disadvantaged schools witnessing a live experience for the first time; actors and directors discovering classic or new plays; families, teenagers, new couples, theatre groups, all catching the latest play in the season, is why we do what we do. I like the joy of an audience laughing at a classic comedy that has been laughed at in that same place since its long inception; there’s that anticipation and thrill of a new play being seen for the first time; the joy of encouraging emerging and established directors; the delight of seeing plays cast with well-known, new and diverse actors on stage. I love the pleasure of audiences and creative minds meeting in a safe and welcoming environment. Ensemble Theatre is a sharing place; for discussion of the latest play, for meeting family and friends; for an evening out, eating, drinking admiring the view; and then, as the theatre doors open, for travelling into different worlds, remembering, escaping, forgetting but above all – to be entertained.
Ensemble Theatre has a long tradition of contemporary and classic theatre and has transformed over the 60 plus years of its long life building an impressive and strong subscription base. For me that tradition is the core of who we are; good plays done well. In the future we will continue to build on this core vision, developing creative relationships with the best of writers, directors and designers, producing the best of theatre nationally and internationally, maintaining a strong education base and touring model while encouraging a new life force of emerging artists.
The Ensemble Theatre is theatre for everyone — and all are welcome.
— Mark Kilmurry
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Ensemble Theatre offers a number of ways for students and teachers to gain insights and an appreciation of the performing arts through our education initiatives.
Ambassadors and Boards
Ambassadors
Todd McKenney
Brian Meegan
Georgie Parker
Kate Raison
Ensemble Limited Board
Graham Bradley AM (Chair)
John Bayley
Narelle Beattie
Mark Kilmurry
Anne-Marie McGinty
James Sherrard
Ensemble Foundation Board
Paul Clitheroe AM (Chair)
Diane Balnaves
Graham Bradley AM
Alison Cameron
Joanne Cunningham
Ross Gavin
Emma Hodgman
Mark Kilmurry
David Pumphrey OAM
Margo Weston