Supported by Jinnie and Ross Gavin, and the estate of Dimitry and Zika Nester.

We’re thrilled to offer two aspiring directors the Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Award. Awarded each year, the successful applicants receive the valuable opportunity to work as an Assistant Director on two of our mainstage productions and Ensemble Development projects.

2021: Rachel Chant, Warwick Doddrell and Ursula Yovich

2020: Rachel Chant and Warwick Doddrell

2019: Adam Deusien and Erin Taylor

2018: Liz Arday and Felicity Nicol

2017: Shaun Rennie and Francesca Savige

2016: Priscilla Jackman and Janine Watson

An exclusive opportunity for theatre-goers and aspiring theatre makers to go behind-the-scenes and see our skilled directors at work. Join a small group for an intimate afternoon in the rehearsal room to discover how a play is brought to life, and share these exciting insights with your friends.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK with Mark Kilmurry
Date: Thu 20 May
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
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HONOUR with Kate Champion
Date: Thu 1 Apr
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
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NEARER THE GODS with Janine Watson
Date: Thu 14 Oct
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
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$35 per session.

Spaces are limited. For bookings call Box Office on (02) 8918 3400 or book on the links above.

The 2021 Director At Work program is proudly supported by Emma Hodgman and John Coorey.

Ensemble Development Play Readings are a unique experience for audiences to discover exciting new and classic plays. Be among the first audience to see a new work in development and help shape its future by participating in  a lively creative discussion with the actors, director and writer to provide feedback about your experience. Play Readings will be announced throughout the year. Make sure you don’t miss out by signing up to our e-newsletter.

The play reading series is proudly supported by George and Diana Shirling ‘Supporting the next generation in theatre’

Ensemble Theatre aims to give voice to untold stories reflecting Australia’s changing cultural identity, and reinforcing theatre’s relevance as a vehicle for social change. We are committed to commissioning and developing new work, and to ensuring the success of these productions by providing dramaturgical support and creative development.

A BROADCAST COUP
By Melanie Tait
Commissioned 2019 / Script and Creative Development 2019 / Produced TBC
Supported by Jenny and Guy Reynolds AO, and Diana and George Shirling

UNQUALIFIED 2: STILL UNQUALIFIED
By Genevieve and Catherine Moore
Commissioned 2019 / Script Development 2019 / Produced TBC

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage by Hilary Bell
Commissioned 2019 / Script Development 2020 / Produced TBC
Supported by Charlene and Graham Bradley AM

OUTDATED
By Mark Kilmurry
Commissioned 2019 / Script and Creative Development 2020 / Produced 2021

KILLING KATIE: CONFESSIONS OF A BOOK CLUB
By Tracey Trinder
Play Reading 2018 / Script and Creative Development 2019 / Produced 2021

KENNY
By The Jacobson Brothers
Adapted for the stage by Steve Rodgers
Commissioned 2019 / Script Development 2019 / Produced 2021

BLACK COCKATOO
By Geoffrey Atherden
Play Reading 2015 / Script and Creative Development 2016-19 / Produced 2020
Supported by The Balnaves Foundation, Australia Council for the Arts, NSW Government and Sydney Festival.

THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE
By Melanie Tait
Script Development and Creative Development 2018 / in production 2019
Supported by Jenny and Guy Reynolds

DIPLOMACY
By Cyril Gély
Translation and adaptation by Julie Rose, commissioned 2017/ produced 2018
Supported by Jinnie and Ross Gavin

THE PLANT
By Kit Brookman
Ensemble Theatre New Writing Commission 2016 / produced 2017
Supported by David Williamson

THE BIG DRY
Based on the novel by Tony Davis
Adapted by Mark Kilmurry
Commissioned 2015 / produced 2016

THE ANZAC PROJECT
By Geoffrey Atherden and Vanessa Bates
Commissioned 2014 / produced 2015

Rory Potter and Noah Sturzaker in THE BIG DRY. Photo by Clare Hawley

Ever wondered how the cast learn so many lines? Or what really resonates about the play with the director? Join us at one of our post-show Q&A sessions for an engaging conversation about the play. Simply purchase tickets to a Q&A performance and stay in your seats after the show.

KENNY

Fri 19 Jan, 8.15pm
Tue 12 Feb, 11am

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OUTDATED

Fri 19 Mar, 8.15pm
Tue 13 Apr, 11am

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HONOUR

Fri 7 May, 8.15pm
Thu 27 May, 11am

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THE WOMAN IN BLACK

Fri 15 Jun, 8.15pm
Tue 20 Jul, 11am

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KILLING KATIE

Fri 6 Aug, 8.15pm
Tue 7 Sep, 11am

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ART

Fri 1 Oct, 8.15pm
Tue 26 Oct, 11am

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NEARER THE GODS

Fri 19 Nov, 8.15pm
Tue 14 Dec, 11am

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Introduce theatre to the teenager  in your life with a free ticket to join you on one of our Free Teen nights. These are subject to availability and can be booked alongside one adult subscription or single ticket.

Wed 24 Feb, 7.30pm KENNY +BOOK NOW

Wed 14 Apr, 7.30pm OUTDATED +BOOK NOW

Wed 2 Jun, 7.30 pm HONOUR +BOOK NOW

Wed 21 Jul, 7.30pm THE WOMAN IN BLACK +BOOK NOW

Wed 8 Sep, 7.30pm KILLING KATIE +BOOK NOW

Wed 27 Oct, 7.30pm ART +BOOK NOW

Thu 21 Dec, 7.30pm NEARER THE GODS +BOOK NOW

Ensemble Theatre also supports PLAYWAVE, a program aimed at connecting 15 – 19 year olds with the arts. Along with discounted tickets to our shows, members of PLAYWAVE can access an array of special events and offers across art forms. See playwave.com.au for details.

Ensemble Theatre’s commitment to developing unique voices in Australian theatre has led to the growth of our touring productions. Following the sell-out success of THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE, Melanie Tait’s heartwarming comedy will visit 13 venues across Australia this year. In addition, Geoffrey Atherden’s landmark play, BLACK COCKATOO, is set to hit the road in 2022.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE ON TOUR