Built in 1920 as the Victory Theatre (a cinema), the National Theatre was converted into a live performance venue in 1972-74. It functions today as a community arts centre for over 70 groups including musical comedy performances, dance companies, multi-cultural events and school groups. Annual Festivals are held by groups as diverse as the Latvian Community, Surfing Films and the St Kilda Writers' Festival. Commercial events recently have included Janis Ian, Henry Rollins, Rufus Wainwright and Edgley Productions' Swan Lake. School holidays usually feature the Reel Holidays programme - recent release films shown at very low prices (usually free to adults accompanied by children). As the events vary it is wise to check the box office on 95254611.

Beneath the theatre in what was the original theatre stalls seating are Australia's oldest performing arts schools. The National Theatre Ballet School was begun in 1939, just a few years after the Drama School in 1936. The Company itself celebrates its 70th birthday in December 2005. The schools offer training for all ages in both unaccredited "hobby" courses as well as Diploma and Advanced Diplomas of Arts. The Ballet School also accepts international students in its full-time courses. Drama contact is 95340223 and Ballet 95340224.

Historically the conversion saved the bulk of the auditorium and all of the main foyers which are now protected by heritage controls, as is the exterior. The existing building is substantially the 1928 renovation undertaken by then owner Frank Thring (snr), father of the actor. Frank Thring Snr was very involved in both the film making and film distribution businesses in early Australia so the site is important for that reason.

The venue itself is open to hire as well as the home of many performances by the schools themselves.

Payment methods accepted

Cancellation and booking policy

No refunds or exchanges on ticket sales after purchase except as required by law. In the event of a cancellation of the performance, a full refund will be provided.

Local directions

Immediately behind the Acland St Tourist Precinct and two blocks from Luna Park, Palais Theatre and the St Kilda Pier. You can reach the National Theatre easily by Light Rail (96 down Bourke St). By car down Carlisle Street off the Nepean Highway or down Barkly St after St Kilda Junction if coming from the city.

Facilities

Activities

Opening hours

Box Office open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and one hour prior to an advertised performance. Schools operate slightly different hours. Call 95340223 (Drama) and 95340224 (Ballet) to confirm.

Monday to Saturday
8:30am -7:30pm
Acting and Dance Schools are open

Memberships

• National Trust

Disabled access

Lifts and stair crawler for mobility impaired.Hearing amplification loop for hearing impaired.Toilet facility with shower and access.

Additional business information

National Theatre Ballet School
From DancePlay for the very young through to senior classes and Adult Beginners in Ballet the School offers a wide range of dance training. Jazz, tap and contemporary, as well as the full-time Advanced Diploma of Arts (Classical Dance) over 3 years. The School offers a Certificate 4 and Advanced Diploma in Classical Dance as well.

National Theatre Drama School
Offers three types of training. The part-time school (up to age 17 from DramaPlay for the very young); the 18+ classes and a Three Year Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting). A full-time Certificate 3 in Theatre Practice is offered as well.

The National Theatre
A wide variety of professional, community and amateur events. Please call the box office for details as many of the performances are not advertised in the daily press or sold through the main ticketing agencies. The venue is also available for hire at very reasonable rates. Contact the theatre manager for more information.