Are you looking for a thrilling and memorable experience in Sydney? Do you want to witness some of the finest and most diverse theatre productions in the world? If yes, then you should not miss the Sydney Theatre Company (STC), Australia's premier theatre company and one of the leading theatre companies in the world.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about STC, from its history and vision to its productions and performers. You will also find out how to plan your visit to STC's venues and Sydney, as well as how to stay connected and engaged with STC and the theatre community. Whether you are a theatre enthusiast or a casual visitor, this guide will help you make the most of your time and money at STC.
What Makes STC Unique and Outstanding
STC is not just another theatre company. It is a theatre company with a difference. STC is known for its diversity, innovation, collaboration, and social impact. STC produces a wide range of plays, from classics to contemporary, from drama to comedy, from local to international. STC also showcases new and emerging writers, directors, and actors, as well as collaborating with some of the most renowned and respected artists in the industry.
STC's excellence and reputation have been recognized by critics, audiences, and peers alike. STC has won numerous awards, such as the Helpmann Awards, the Sydney Theatre Awards, and the Green Room Awards. STC has also received rave reviews from the media and the public, as well as attracting celebrities and dignitaries to its shows. STC has a loyal and passionate fan base, with over 300,000 people attending its performances every year.
STC is not only a theatre company, but also a cultural and social institution. STC is committed to making theatre accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their age, background, or ability. STC runs various programs and initiatives, such as the education, youth, and outreach programs, that aim to inspire and empower the next generation of theatre makers and lovers. STC also supports the development and sustainability of the theatre industry and the arts sector in Australia and beyond.
What to Expect from STC's Productions and Performers
One of the best things about STC is that you never know what to expect. STC offers a variety of plays and performers that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can enjoy a classic Shakespearean tragedy, a modern Australian comedy, a musical adaptation of a novel, or a cutting-edge experimental piece. You can also see some of the best and brightest actors, directors, and writers in the business, as well as discovering new and emerging talents.
Here are some of the current and upcoming shows that you can catch at STC:
The Cherry Orchard: A stunning adaptation of Anton Chekhov's masterpiece, set in post-revolutionary Russia, directed by Kip Williams and starring Pamela Rabe, Keith Robinson, and Nadia Townsend.
Fun Home: A Tony Award-winning musical based on Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir, exploring her relationship with her father and her sexuality, directed by Dean Bryant and starring Lucy Maunder, Maggie McKenna, and Adam Murphy.
The Picture of Dorian Gray: A dazzling and daring adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel, featuring a live digital collage of actors, cameras, and screens, directed by Kip Williams and starring Eryn Jean Norvill.
The Wharf Revue: Good Night and Good Luck: A hilarious and satirical farewell to the legendary sketch comedy show, featuring a cast of impersonators, parodists, and comedians, directed by Jonathan Biggins and starring Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, and Phillip Scott.
Some of the famous and talented artists that have worked with STC or are currently working with STC include:
Cate Blanchett: The Oscar-winning actress and former co-artistic director of STC, who has starred in plays such as Hedda Gabler, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Present.
Andrew Upton: The acclaimed playwright and screenwriter and former co-artistic director of STC, who has written and adapted plays such as Riflemind, The Maids, and Cyrano de Bergerac.
Hugo Weaving: The iconic actor and STC regular, who has appeared in plays such as Macbeth, Waiting for Godot, and Uncle Vanya.
Tim Minchin: The award-winning comedian and musician and STC associate artist, who has composed and performed in musicals such as Matilda and Groundhog Day.
How to Plan Your Visit to STC's Venues and Sydney
If you are planning to visit STC, you will need some practical information and tips on how to book tickets, find the best seats, and access the venues. You will also need to know about the different venues that STC operates, as well as the travel and accommodation options for visitors who are coming from outside Sydney.
Here are some of the things you should know before you go to STC:
Booking tickets: You can book tickets online, by phone, or in person at the box office. You can also buy tickets at the door, subject to availability. You can choose from different ticket types and prices, depending on the show, the date, and the seat. You can also save money by becoming a season ticket holder, a subscriber, or a member of the under 30s club. You can also get discounts for groups, students, seniors, and concession holders.
Finding the best seats: You can view the seating plans and the seat availability for each show and venue on the STC website. You can also read reviews and tips from other theatre goers on sites such as SeatPlan and Theatre Monkey. You can also ask the staff at the box office or the venue for their recommendations. Generally, the best seats are in the stalls or the dress circle, near the centre or the aisle, with a clear and comfortable view of the stage.
Accessing the venues: You can reach the venues by public transport, car, bike, or foot. You can find the directions and the maps for each venue on the STC website. You can also use apps such as Google Maps or Trip Planner to plan your route and check the timetables and the fares. You can also find parking options and bike racks near the venues, or use services such as Uber or Ola to get a ride. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the show starts, to collect your tickets, find your seats, and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.
STC operates four main venues, each with its own character and charm. They are:
Sydney Opera House:
The iconic and world-famous landmark, located on the Sydney Harbour, hosting the largest and most spectacular shows, such as The Cherry Orchard and Fun Home.
Roslyn Packer Theatre:
The modern and elegant theatre, located in Walsh Bay, hosting the most diverse and innovative shows, such as The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Wharf Revue.
Wharf Theatre:
The historic and intimate theatre, located on a renovated wharf in Walsh Bay, hosting the most intimate and experimental shows, such as The Writer and The Removalists.
Riverside Theatre:
The vibrant and accessible theatre, located in Parramatta, hosting the most accessible and inclusive shows, such as White Pearl and Fangirls.
If you are visiting Sydney for the first time, or want to make the most of your trip, you will also need to know about the travel and accommodation options, as well as the attractions and activities to enjoy in Sydney. Sydney is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city, with a lot to offer for every type of traveller.
Some of the things you can do and see in Sydney
Travel and accommodation:
You can fly to Sydney from any major city in Australia or the world, and land at the Sydney Airport, located about 10 km from the city centre. You can also take a train, a bus, or a car to Sydney from other parts of Australia. You can find a range of accommodation options in Sydney, from hotels and hostels to apartments and Airbnb.
Attractions and activities:
You can explore the many attractions and activities that Sydney has to offer, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Taronga Zoo, the Bondi Beach, the Darling Harbour, the Luna Park, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, the Sydney Aquarium, the Sydney Wildlife World, the Chinatown, the Rocks, the Manly, the Blue Mountains, and more. You can also enjoy the many events and festivals that Sydney hosts, such as the Sydney Festival, the Vivid Sydney, the Sydney Mardi Gras, the Sydney Film Festival, the Sydney Writers' Festival, the Sydney Comedy Festival, and more.
How to Stay Connected and Engaged with STC and the Theatre Community
If you have enjoyed your visit to STC, you may want to stay connected and engaged with STC and the theatre community. You may want to share your feedback and experiences, learn more about the shows and the artists, or join the STC family and support its work and vision. There are many ways you can do that, and here are some of them:
Sign up for the newsletter: You can sign up for the STC newsletter, and receive the latest news and updates from STC, such as the announcements of the new shows, the behind-the-scenes stories, the exclusive offers, and the special events. You can also get tips and insights from the STC staff and artists, as well as the chance to win prizes and giveaways. You can sign up for the newsletter on the STC website or at the venues.
Follow the social media accounts: You can follow the STC social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify, and get access to the latest and most engaging content from STC, such as the photos, videos, podcasts, playlists, and live streams. You can also interact with the STC team and the theatre community, by liking, commenting, sharing, and tagging your posts and stories. You can find the links to the social media accounts on the STC website or at the venues.
Share your feedback and experiences: You can share your feedback and experiences with STC and the shows, by filling out the online surveys, writing online reviews, or sending emails or letters. You can also share your feedback and experiences with your friends and family, by word of mouth, or by using the hashtag #sydneytheatreco on your social media posts and stories. You can also join the online forums and groups, such as the STC Facebook Group, the STC Reddit Community, or the STC TripAdvisor Page, and join the discussions and debates with other theatre lovers.
Join the STC family: You can join the STC family and support its work and vision, by becoming a season ticket holder, a subscriber, a donor, a volunteer, or a member of the various programs and initiatives that STC runs. You can enjoy the benefits and rewards of being part of the STC family, such as the priority booking, the discounts, the invitations, the recognition, and the satisfaction. You can also contribute to the development and sustainability of STC and the theatre industry, as well as the education and empowerment of the next generation of theatre makers and lovers. You can find out more about how to join the STC family on the STC website or at the venues.
Sydney Theatre Company is more than just a theatre company. It is a theatre company that offers you a thrilling and memorable experience, a theatre company that showcases some of the finest and most diverse theatre productions and performers in the world, a theatre company that makes theatre accessible and inclusive for everyone, and a theatre company that inspires and empowers you and the theatre community.
If you are a theatre lover, or want to become one, you should not miss the opportunity to visit STC and see for yourself what makes it unique and outstanding. You will not regret it.
