Genesian Theatre

The Genesian Theatre Company is an amateur theatre company based in Sydney, Australia, named in honour of Saint Genesius, patron saint of actors. Formed in 1944 by members of the Sydney Catholic Youth Organisation, it has since evolved into a community theatre in the heart of the Sydney central business district.

Genesian Theatre, Sydney

The exterior of the Genesian Theatre from Kent Street
Genesian Theatre, Sydney Location within Sydney
Address	420 Kent Street Sydney CBD Australia
Coordinates	33.8720248°S 151.2046834°E / -33.8720248; 151.2046834
Public transit	Town Hall station
Website
genesiantheatre.com.au

Description and history

The Genesian Theatre Company operated from historic St John The Evangelist Church which through long association became known as the Genesian Theatre in Kent 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 first Matthew Talbot Hostel.^[2]

Alumni of the company include John 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, the Catholic 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 Church Rozelle in early 2025, following renovations. ^[8]