National Theatre

Mission / Objective

The National Theatre exists to provide Australian and international students with affordable, world-class training in Ballet and Dance, Drama and Music Theatre in a dynamic, caring, non-discriminatory environment that recognises the potential of the performing arts to enhance life skills as well as provide a career. Our Schools are complemented and supported by a versatile, professional performance space that is available to community and educational institutions at favourable rates, enhancing our links with the City of Melbourne, its residents and the wider community.

Services

Accredited classes in acting & classical dance to Advanced Diploma level. Recreational & casual training for all ages in both areas. Theatre is available for hire (783 seats proscenium arch). As a community arts centre the theatre offers reduced rates & support to charitable, educational and community groups.

Beneficiary Group

All ages, non-discriminatory. Company has received Awards for both Community & Multi-Cultural Services at both State & Local level.

Mission from 1935 to promote and encourage the performing arts (learning by doing) not just as a career but as a life skill.

Currently also in a partnership arrangement with The Opera Studio Melbourne who shares our goals.

Projects in Progress

Currently  a major fund-raising effort to restore, conserve & protect this heritage building (c1921). Heritage-listed 2006, Conservation Plan 2009.  Still trying to find
sponsors & on-going supporters of student scholarships in Acting, and
Classical Dance. Over the next few years hope to expand our role as a
community arts centre by expanding dressing rooms and continual technical
upgrades - particularly lighting.

CEO

Robert Taylor BDA NIDA, Managing Director

Robert Taylor BDA NIDA is Managing Director of the National Theatre (since
2007, having been General Manager since 1995). He was Administrator of
Playbox Theatre 1991-1995, and Production Manager of Playbox 1987-1990, a
period that included the opening of the CUB Malthouse Theatre Complex in
August 1990. During 1986 he was Technical Director of Anthill Theatre
(Melbourne) and previously worked in stage management for Melbourne Theatre
Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Victoria State Opera, The Australian Opera,
National Theatre (WA), NSW Opera, Canberra Theatre Trust and many others in
venues ranging from the Sydney Opera House to the Myer Music Bowl. As a
Lighting Designer he has lit over thirty productions of operas, musicals and
plays. In 1995 he toured to The Edinburgh Festival as Lighting Designer/Stage
Manager of What's A Girl To Do? for BackRow Productions/Playbox. His
management appointments include the Green Room Awards Committee (Secretary
and member of both Drama & Music Theatre panels 1996/9) and as a member of
the Entertainment Industry Employers' Association (representing Playbox)
1994/5. From 2008 he was appointed to the Board of the Opera School
(Melbourne).

Board Members

David Temple (Chair),Susan Thacore, Angie Scanlon, Don Mackay, , Robert Taylor (Secretary), Janine Barrand

Number of Employees

124

Number of Volunteers

30

ABN

78 007 306 283

Tax Deductible

Yes

Wills and Bequests

 

Bequests can be to the general operations of the Schools, the theatre or to a
particular project. Both the Jeff Warren Awards (since 1996) and the Gertrude
Johnson Scholarships (since 1973) are examples of ongoing use of funds from
deceased supporters. All supporters are remembered on our stationery, annual
reports and in the naming of major projects (Dame Jacobena Angliss Studios
for example)

Contact Name: ROBERT TAYLOR
Contact Position: MANAGING DIRECTOR
General Donations:
Arts Education & Training Fund donations are fully tax deductible. They are
used to support the schools & community arts centre, which are unfunded by
Government

General Donations

Arts Education & Training Fund donations are fully tax deductible. They are
used to support the schools & community arts centre, which are unfunded by
Government

Volunteering

Ballet School Productions: (03) 95340224
Drama School Productions: (03) 95340223

Jobs available on Pro Bono Australia

No recent jobs.