Community Theatre
Hobsons Bay has a thriving community theatre scene with three community theatre companies.
Our local community theatre companies owe their success to the vision and support of extraordinary individuals. Whatever your interest in the theatre, they can offer you great opportunities to get involved, and share skills and experience.
Altona City Theatre
Altona City Theatre (ACT) is an amateur theatre group that produces live musical theatre productions. They are an incorporated not-for-profit organisation governed by a volunteer Committee of Management.
The group was formed in 1972 staging their maiden production of HMS Pinafore and originally performed in a local high school assembly hall until the Hobsons Bay City Council completed construction of the Altona Theatre in 1988.
They are currently based at the Altona Theatre, located at 115 Civic Parade, Altona, where they conduct auditions, rehearsals and performances.
For more information please call Altona City Theatre on 0423 247 770 or visit their website www.altonacitytheatre.com.au
Williamstown Little Theatre
Formed in 1946, Williamstown Little Theatre is one of the leading non-professional theatre companies in Melbourne.
The aim of the company is to present quality, affordable theatre to the people of Hobsons Bay and the wider community. They have a large and loyal subscriber base covering metropolitan Melbourne and beyond.
Since 1967 their home has been a converted bakery at 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown. Their cosy auditorium holds 69 patrons and they have a fully licensed bar for your enjoyment. They also have extensive wardrobe, furniture and properties departments on site.
Since its inception, WLT has presented over 200 plays including several Australian and Victorian premieres. Their programs have included the classics from Shakespeare, Wilde and Coward to the contemporary works of David Williamson, David Hare and Terrence McNally. They are particularly proud of their record of presenting Australian plays. Each year they produce 5 shows, mainly plays with the occasional small musical.
Manned entirely by volunteers, the company provides a variety of creative opportunities, ranging from acting and production to backstage, front of house and administration.
WLT has enjoyed many successes over the years including wins at the Moomba Festival, the Waverley Festival and the VDL Awards. They also present their own in-house awards for excellence. They are delighted to see many of their members and former members appearing on the professional stage and on film and television.
Williamstown Little Theatre is a member of the Victorian Drama League.
For more information please call Williamstown Little Theatre on 9397 6705 or visit their website www.wlt.org.au
Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Inc
Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Inc is a non-profit incorporated association and is administered by a volunteer committee of management.
Formerly known as Williamstown Light Opera Company, they have staged numerous productions for both theatre-lovers and the Hobsons Bay community for over fifty years at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute on the corner of Melbourne Road and Electra Street.
Williamstown Light Opera Company was first formed in 1954 and their first production was The Pirates of Penzance in 1956. Since then they have staged three shows per year until 2002 when the theatre underwent renovations to improve its facilities.
Re-launched in 2005 under their new name, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Inc, they aim to establish and develop, nurture and encourage the performing arts and musical theatre within the City of Hobsons Bay and the broader community.
The company membership is comprised of people of a wide range of ages and backgrounds with a common interest in vocal music and theatre.
They believe their company is an ideal opportunity for local community involvement, at any level, with musical theatre. A theatre company isn’t all about acting, dancing and singing, they offer the opportunity for all aspects of the community to get involved, from performers, musicians to set builders, scenic artists, lighting designers, production team personnel, local businesses, and promoters – even people who can sew – to get together and support the local community whilst putting on a great show.
A successful theatre company is the sum of all its parts; it cannot work without a supportive network. They welcome anyone who can help out in any way from volunteers to sponsorship.
From 2018, due to building works at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, they will be staging their productions at the Centenary Theatre located at Williamstown High School.
For more information please call Williamstown Musical Theatre Company on 1300 881 545 or visit their website www.wmtc.org.au