Directory · AU
Performing Arts in Australia
A register of firms and the professionals working at them in the Performing Arts sector based in Australia. Browse the public index, then filter or export on Kipplo.
Companies
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Carriageworks
Carriageworks is one of Australia’s most significant creative industry hubs, renowned for our dynamic cultural events, performances and exhibitions. Housed in a historic railway workshop in Sydney on Gadigal Country, Carriageworks offers a vibrant platform for theatre, music, dance, markets and more. We collaborate with leading local and international artists to foster innovation and creativity in our distinctive industrial setting. Open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm.
11 to 50 staff
Geelong Arts Centre
At Geelong Arts Centre, we believe that the arts have the power to shape people, society and the world. We exist to foster the artists and creative communities of Geelong, and to be the door in which our city can step through to view the world’s creative talent. For over 35 years, we have hosted and presented the best local and international arts experiences to the region.
51 to 200 staff
Opera Queensland
Opera Queensland is the state opera company for Queensland, and is the state's major creator of opera and music theatre. Opera Queensland is committed to celebrating the inherent strengths of the canon, actively engaging artists of the highest calibre to develop and reinvigorate the art form through a contemporary lens. Celebrating and interrogating the extraordinary energy that opera creates, Patrick Nolan’s programming features a balanced repertoire of Classic, Contemporary and Future works.
11 to 50 staff
Sydney Dance Company
Dance changes you. More than simply witnessing something beautiful, or engaging with culture, to experience dance is to be positively altered. From performances at the Joyce Theatre in New York, to the Grand in Shanghai, the Stanislavsky in Moscow and the Sydney Opera House at home, Sydney Dance Company has proven that there are no passive observers in a contemporary dance audience. The reward of truly moving audiences, and the raw pride of sharing Australian art with the world has driven our ensemble of 16 dancers, led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, to become one of the world’s strongest forces in contemporary dance. Alongside Bonachela’s original works, our programs have featured guest choreographers like Jacopo Godani, Alexander Ekman, Gideon Obarzanek and Cheng Tsung-Lung as well as collaborations with the Sydney Festival, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, David Jones and composers Bryce Dessner, Nick Wales, 48nord and Ezio Bosso. Sydney Dance Company has a broad community beyond the practice and performance of our lead dancers. We believe in the universality of dance, and with the largest public dance class program in Australia, we help over people a year connect with the grace, strength and creativity that lives within all of us. Our nation-wide education program offers a strategic curriculum targeting primary and secondary students through to career focused study for pre-professional dancers and university graduates.
11 to 50 staff
Sydney Festival
Every January, Sydney Festival starts the new year with a bang, transforming the city with a bold cultural celebration based on critical ideas and cutting-edge art and performance. 05 - 29 Jan, 2023 |#SydFest
11 to 50 staff
Sydney Theatre Company
Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has been a major force in the Australian cultural landscape since its establishment in 1978. It is Australia’s largest theatre company in terms of audiences and amount of work presented each year, the state theatre company of NSW, and is recognised as one of the world’s most exciting and original theatre companies. The Company presents an annual season of around 15 productions across four harbourside theatres; Wharf 1 and Wharf 2 Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre in Walsh Bay, and as the resident theatre company of the Sydney Opera House. Our current Artistic Director is Kip Williams, who was appointed in 2016. STC has a proud heritage as a creative hub and incubator for Australian theatre and theatre-makers, developing and producing eclectic Australian works, interpretations of classic repertoire and great international writing. STC strives to create theatre experiences of the highest standard that consistently illuminate, entertain and challenge, and that reflect Sydney’s distinctive personality and engage broad audiences. Strongly committed to engagement in the community, STC offers an innovative School Drama™ program; partners with groups in metropolitan Sydney, regional centres and rural areas; and reaches beyond NSW touring productions throughout Australia. STC’s annual audiences throughout Australia are in excess of In recent years, the company's international profile has grown significantly with numerous productions touring extensively to great acclaim in to Europe, USA and the UK. The theatre careers of many of Australia's internationally renowned artists have been launched and fostered at STC, including Benedict Andrews, Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Toni Collette, Judy Davis, Mel Gibson, Richard Roxburgh and Hugo Weaving.
201 to 500 staff
Actnow Theatre
ActNow is a South Australian theatre company that tailors socially conscious performance projects. We work with professional artists to engage diverse communities in conversations around challenging, contemporary issues. Our work is innovative, informed, inspiring, and often confronting but never conventional. Our projects have been critically acclaimed, commended in South Australian Parliament, and highly praised by audiences, participants and community organisations.
1 to 10 staff
Actors Centre Australia
ACA is very proud of its nearly four decades of superb service to arts education. ACA is a national and international destination for premier arts education and excellence in creative development.
51 to 200 staff
Australian Dance Theatre
Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) is one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance company, enthralling audiences locally, nationally and internationally since 1965. Based in Adelaide, ADT has developed a body of artistically innovative work that reflects Australia’s ingenuity and vibrancy. The company is renowned for pushing the boundaries of dance and its collaborations with artists from a wide range of cultural and scientific domains, including robotics, photography, neuroscience, architecture, 3D graphics, video and virtual reality technology. ADT tours extensively across Australia and around the world, and has, since 2001, performed to over people in Europe, Asia and North America at some of the most prestigious theatres in the world including the Sydney Opera House, Sadler’s Wells (London), Southbank Centre (London), Théatre de la Ville (Paris) and The Joyce Theater (New York). For the past 20 years, ADT has been under the artistic direction of Garry Stewart, recipient of the inaugural Australia Council Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance and named as one of the world’s fifty most influential choreographers. With its repertoire extending beyond the stage to include film, interactive installations, gallery exhibitions and works for public spaces, ADT has been the recipient of numerous Helpmann, Green Room, Export and Australian Dance Awards.
11 to 50 staff
Back To Back Theatre
Back to Back Theatre creates new forms of contemporary performance created by artists with disabilities, giving voice to social and political issues which speak to all people. Based in the regional centre of Geelong, the company is one of Australia’s most globally recognised and respected contemporary theatre companies. Seeking to make a body of work that exists in repertoire across time, the company tours extensively locally, nationally and internationally. Over the last decade, Back to Back Theatre has presented 40 national and 70 international seasons of its work. Since under the Artistic Directorship of Bruce Gladwin, the company has nurtured a unique artistic voice with an emphasis on the ensemble’s own commentaries on broad social and cultural dialogue. Created through a process of research, improvisation and scripting, new work is realised across time via collaboration between the ensemble, Artistic Director and guest artists. In addition to its professional practice Back to Back Theatre collaborates intensively with communities around the world, with a focus on artistic excellence and elevated social inclusion for all people of difference. Back to Back Theatre has received multiple national and international awards including in recent years a Helpmann Award for Best Australian Work, an Edinburgh International Festival Herald Angel Critics’ Award, a New York Bessie and the Myer Foundation Group Award for longstanding contribution to the development of Australian theatre. In 2015, Bruce Gladwin received the Australia Council for the Arts’ Inaugural Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre. In 2022 the Ibsen award, theatre’s equivalent of the Nobel prize, and in 2024, Back to Back has been awarded the prestigious Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement in theatre by the Venice Biennale.
11 to 50 staff
Brisbane Festival
Australia’s largest international arts festival, Brisbane Festival, lights up the city each September with extraordinary art, installations, and live performances from home and across the world. 2026 Season: 4–26 September. Boldly Brisbane, we reflect the diversity and unique voice of our river city. Our people make the impossible possible through passion, hard work, and loving care.
51 to 200 staff
Chunky Move
Chunky Move was established in 1995 and has since carved out a place as one of the most influential dance companies in Australia. The company champions visually striking and genre-defying works that merge the body with other artistic mediums, with the program consisting of works by the Artistic Director, the Resident Choreographer and commissioned independent artists. Exploring contemporary themes and culture, Chunky Move’s works interact with varied spaces and presentation contexts, and are underpinned by an ethos of collaboration and experimentation.
1 to 10 staff
Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia
Co3 Contemporary Dance is an artistic house, proudly based in Perth, Boorloo, on the lands of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people. The company produces contemporary dance, delivered by national and international leaders, at the forefront of Australasian art. Since 2016, Co3 has been the creative home for dance pioneer Raewyn Hill, a working artist, maker, educator, performer, and director. The annual artistic program centres on the development, creation and touring of major and minor scale works that are uniquely physical, multidisciplinary in nature, and technological in focus. As a core priority for the company, Raewyn developed the Pathways Program, partnerships with WAAPA and the independent dance sector, demonstrating a commitment to empowering and inspiring the next generation of artists. Resident dance company at the State Theatre Centre of WA.
11 to 50 staff
Dance Central Canberra
Do you remember what it was like as a kid to dance. crazy and free, like no one was watching, with that exhilaration and hilarious abandon? Dance has a tendency to do that. Here at Dance Central, we live for dance. Our passion is contagious. in a good way! Whether you’re new to dance or an experienced dancer, Dance Central skillfully brings out your inner confidence on the dance floor. We can all dance, it’s simply a matter of finding your style. Our mission is for people of all ages to enjoy and explore the art of dance. Whether it’s a choreographed movement or simply getting out and trying something healthy and fun, Dance Central has an abundance of classes to choose from. Since our establishment in 2005, we have taught thousands of dancers, from our adorable teeny tot Blueberries, to our award-winning International Dance Crews. Dance Central provides a positive, nurturing, high-energy environment. Students are exposed to positive role models and cutting-edge trends in the dance industry. This is possible with the help of our exceptional line up of dedicated, professional teachers.
11 to 50 staff
Dead Puppet Society
Dead Puppet Society is an Australian production house and design company with international reach. We create deeply imaginative design-led theatre, producing visual theatre works wrought with spectacle and wonder. Recent box office hits include Holding Achilles, The Wider Earth, Ishmael, Laser Beak Man and Storm Boy. We also create captivating experiences for events and public spaces, from one-of-a-kind, laser-cut artefacts and open-air performances to large-scale installations. Dead Puppet Society continually pushes the boundaries of innovation in design-led theatre, combining timeless craftsmanship with cutting edge technology, to produce visually compelling experiences, unique training and professional development for young people and artists, public activations and exquisite, custom-made sculptures. Dead Puppet Society has a gallery and Fabrication Workshop space in Woolloongabba, Brisbane.
1 to 10 staff
Erth Visual & Physical
Since its beginnings in 1990, Erth has strived to provide audiences with eye popping visual experiences. Giant puppetry, stilt-walkers, inflatable environments, aerial and flying creatures. Erth is all these things and more. Erth have built an Australia wide, and increasingly international reputation based on exceptional work. In demand for events and festivals, the Company inspires audiences with their unique and dynamic vision.
11 to 50 staff
Ilbijerri Theatre Company
ILBIJERRI is Australia’s longest running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Company. We create challenging and inspiring theatre creatively controlled by Indigenous artists. Our stories are provocative and affecting and gives voice to our unique and diverse cultures. Each year we travel to national, regional and remote locations across Australia and the world. Born from community, ILBIJERRI has become a spearhead for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in telling our stories of what it means to be Indigenous in Australia today. Our work possesses the power to reach out and remind audiences of every person's need for family, history and heritage. Our collaborative relationships with communities and artists are at the heart of our creative process and all our work empowers and enlightens our audiences. “ILBIJERRI exudes a defiant sense of honesty and a clear determination to create change through story"- Broadsheet Melbourne
11 to 50 staff
Metro Arts
Metro Arts is developing the future of Australian contemporary arts practice, now. Championing all contemporary art forms, the two core activities of the organisation are developing and co-presenting contemporary arts. Within Metro Arts’ multiple venues, there are artists taking risks, creating, developing, experimenting, and presenting ambitious contemporary art. In addition to the artistic program Metro Arts supports the wider artistic community with low cost short and long term venue hire for creative businesses, photo shoots, rehearsals, exhibitions, performances, auditions, forums, celebrations and more. Metro Arts’ new home at West Village opened in September 2020 and will present an annual program of contemporary and experimental performing and visual arts. This new hub for West End’s diverse community will be the place in Brisbane to experience the work of contemporary artists ranging from the emerging to the mid-career and the established.
11 to 50 staff
Midsumma Festival
Midsumma Festival is Victoria's premier LGBTQIA+ cultural festival, made for and by communities who live with shared experiences around diverse gender and sexuality. We are a champion of LGBTQIA+ cultures, conversations and events. We are the intersection between generations, people, ideas, stories and experiences – a focal point for connections and belonging. We create inclusive and safe social spaces. We provide platforms for shared experience in a world which often under-represents us. We value diversity and we embrace difference. We increase our communities' profiles and amplify the stories that might otherwise not be seen, heard or felt. Although the primary three-week festival is held in summer each year, Midsumma works year-round to provide artists, social-changers and culture-makers with support and tools to create, present and promote their work. Midsumma Festival brings a diverse mix of artists, performers, communities and audiences together under a single umbrella for a celebration and innovative presentation of queer arts and culture. We hope you enjoy our diverse festival program, made up of visual arts, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, live music, parties, sport, social events and public forums, featuring over 175 events in 2019, with involvement by over 500 culture-makers in over 100 different venues across Melbourne and wider Victoria to anticipated audiences of over Our Leadership Position: Midsumma has repositioned itself as a globally-relevant cultural influencer with artistic and thought leadership, learning and diversity at its heart. We have experienced rapid growth in audiences, breadth and scope of artists/community engagement, and depth of artistic partnerships and new work developed.
1 to 10 staff
Milk Crate Theatre
Milk Crate Theatre aims to effect social change through the power of performance. Our vision is for people with diverse lived experiences to have equal access to the transformational power of the arts, are genuine producers of their own narratives and actively take part in shaping Australian culture. Our programs are run for, with and by members of the community that are generally living with, have experienced or are at risk of homelessness and/or housing instability; living with mental health or disability support needs; have experienced domestic violence, or come from First Nations and/or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities including those who are newly arrived, refugees or seeking asylum. Milk Crate Theatre works within a Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) model, meaning our working is community centred and collaborative. Professional practicing artists facilitate programs and projects where participants are encouraged to contribute ideas, share stories and engage in creative expression within a safe and supported environment. Our work offers audiences a new lens through which to view some of society's most pressing issues, both challenging and expanding perspectives to inspire positive change in the world. See what's on and our work in the arts and social impact space by visiting our website.
1 to 10 staff
Norpa Northern Rivers Performing Arts
Based in Lismore in Northern NSW, NORPA is a not-for-profit theatre company with a thirty-year track record of making original Australian work inspired by the country and culture around us. We make bold and vital theatre for everyone and are recognised for creating work at the intersection of community, place and popular theatre. NORPA supports artform and artist development, youth engagement, and is dedicated to supporting First Nations and Indigenous artists through residencies, workshops and new works about Bundjalung country. Having lost our home and theatre in the 2022 Lismore Flood, we have spent the past few years focusing on creating and presenting original site-specific productions through partnerships with local businesses, aligned government agencies, and iconic locations. NORPA holds an awarded track record for creating ambitious theatre works that attracts large audiences. These include Railway Wonderland (2012, 2015) set on a disused railway station, Dreamland (2016, 2019) presented in local halls, and Wildskin (2018, 2024) staged in a large rural shed. Flow (2019, 2023) was restaged as free, outdoor music concerts telling the dreaming story of Bundjalung and Yaegl people’s connection to water. Love For One Night was recognised by the Australian Performing Arts Centres peak body (PAC) winning an IMPACT Award in 2023 and gained national and local media coverage. NORPA bring homegrown stories to life in locations that prove small towns have big creative potential. NORPA is led by Julian Louis (Artistic Director) and Libby Lincoln (Executive Director).
11 to 50 staff
Pac Australia - Australian Performing Arts Exchange
PAC Australia is the national peak body for performing arts centres, presenters and producers across Australia. We connect presenters, producers and artists through our membership program and at our flagship event, the Australian Performing Arts Exchange (APAX) and the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM). PAC Australia advocates for our members on a national level with government and key stakeholders. We conduct research and publish insights on the latest trends and thinking in the performing arts and host training programs specifically designed to develop and enhance the presentation of the performing arts in Australia.
1 to 10 staff
Perform Australia
Perform Australia is one of Australia's leading drama schools and is committed to the development of local talent for stage and screen. We also believe strongly in the value of participation in dramatic art for pleasure and personal growth. Whether you're looking to develop your skills as an actor, public speaker or simply dabble in the art of performance for your own enjoyment, Perform Australia can provide training for your needs.
11 to 50 staff
Performance Space
Performance Space is where exciting futures for Australian contemporary arts and artists are forged. Our mission is for artistic excellence and innovation to inspire, captivate and create audiences. Founded in 1983, we are Australia’s leading agency for interdisciplinary arts, producing and presenting new artistic experiences across a multiplicity of sites, locations and venues. Our program is made up of presentations both at Carriageworks and in spaces around Sydney and beyond. We also offer development and artform advancement opportunities to artists, often in partnership with other organisations. Performance Space is interested in work that takes creative risks, experiments with artforms and creates transformative and captivating new experiences for audiences. In particular, we’re very excited about site-specific work, socially engaged practice, culturally diverse projects, works that incorporate emerging technology, and new performance by queer artists. You’ll see all of this reflected in what we present. We underpin the work we do through the following values: Advancing the contemporary Embracing risk Challenging the normative Innovating processes Bringing diversity Giving respect Ensuring sustainability Performance Space is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; the New South Wales Government through Arts NSW; and the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments. Performance Space is a resident company at Carriageworks, Sydney’s home for contemporary arts. Performance Space is a member of Contemporary Art Organisations of Australia (CAOS) and Mobile States, Touring Contemporary Performance Australia.
11 to 50 staff
