Genesian_Theatre_Sydney-1.jpg) The exterior of the Genesian Theatre fromKent Street | |
  Genesian Theatre, Sydney Location within inner Sydney | |
| Address | 420Kent Street Sydney CBD Australia  |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 33°52′19″S151°12′17″E / 33.8720248°S 151.2046834°E /-33.8720248; 151.2046834 |
| Public transit | Town Hall station |
| Website | |
| genesiantheatre.com.au | |
TheGenesian Theatre Company is anamateur theatre company based inSydney,Australia, named in honour ofSaint Genesius, patron saint of actors. Formed in 1944 by members of the Sydney Catholic Youth Organisation, it has since evolved into acommunity theatre in the heart of theSydney central business district.
The Genesian Theatre Company operated from historic St John The Evangelist Church which through long association became known as theGenesian Theatre inKent Street since January 1954.[1] St John's Church dates from 1868. It has served as both a church and a poor school until 1932 when it became the Kursaal Theatre, housing the Sydney Repertory Company. In 1938 it became the firstMatthew Talbot Hostel.[2]
Alumni of the company includeJohn Bell,Bryan Brown,Baz Luhrmann,Coral Lansbury,[3]Judi Farr,Nick Enright,Angela Punch[4]Peter Carroll.[5]
Membership is open to any members of the community that are over the age of 18. Members are invited to participate in all aspects of theatre production, including acting, designing, back-stage work, directing and administration.
The Genesian Theatre Company produces six main stage productions each year as well as running classes, workshops, and many other activities.
In September 2017, theCatholic Church advised the Genesian Theatre Company that they had sold the building to a developer for over $6 million and that the company would be required to vacate by November 2018. The company later negotiated with the new owner of the building to remain at Kent Street until 2020.[6] The company announced a further year at Kent Street in October 2019, with a likely move from the building to a new venue in 2021.[7] The church is heritage listed.[3][4]
The company reopened at a hall at St Joseph's ChurchRozelle in early 2025, following renovations.[8]