Theatres’ start from an idea and a small group of either actors or technical practitioners and from that with enthusiasm and good management flourish despite the continual frailties of the profession. Starting with Camberwell Youth Theatre in 1974 within the former City of Camberwell, with limited local Council help but with some 120 members CYT was able to stage a wide range of Theatre performances from Drama, Comedy, Musical to Dance and then an Orchestra with the formation of the Camberwell Youth Orchestra. This supported the many musicals at a time when muso’s were starting to want to charge amateur theatres’ for their expertise. With many workshops both in the evenings and more particularly for full weekends, the Theatre grew rapidly to some 160 members. Although not having a designated home to perform or rehearse the Theatre managed to exist moving from venue to venue, something that still exists today.

The former Camberwell Civic Theatre (now the Parkview Room at the Camberwell Centre), built in 1969 was home for major productions into the early 1980’s while smaller productions were stage at many Church halls and other centres around the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Storage of resources, scenery, props and archives has been difficult, from garages, old church halls, an old scout hall, an old council library, the old Civic Offices in Camberwell (now being refurbished) to shipping containers. With changes in education strategies the role of a community youth theatre changed and during the 1990’s it became ever increasingly difficult to engage youth away from then drama resources and opportunities provided by most of the 26 primary and secondary schools within the Boroondara municipality. With the amalgamation of Councils in 1993, the older concept of the Theatre arose in Camberwell Theatre Company and they did over several years mount many successful musicals and dramas.

By changing the name in 2002 to Boroondara Theatre Company it was deemed to reflect the demographics of the area and a new direction with an expectation that Council would embrace the Theatre as part of their mantra. That is still to happen fully but our expectation is that it will become a reality when the Theatre becomes a resident of the refurbished former Kew Court House as the Boroondara Arts Centre @ Kew Court House in 2010. In 2000, the Theatre started the National Playwright’s Competition that has just finished its successful ninth year. One Act Play writers from around Australia submit their work for judging and the two judging panels, one for Youth Award and one for Open Award nominate the finalist plays. They are then prepared for staging by individual Directors and cast, with cash awards being presented after the premiere performance. Some 400 plays have been submitted with many writers progressing to have their work recognised nationally by other Theatre groups and have their work performed at other Play Festivals and Competitions.

2009 will be the 10^th Anniversary and entries are now open and will be received until the 30^th June 2009.

Check our menu for future production and audition information and for your future involvement, in being part of Boroondara Theatre Company, be it on stage, technical or administration.