Theatre companies in Newcastle and the Hunter, and how to join one
Most of the Hunter's plays and musicals are made by a handful of community and youth companies, some of them older than the theatres they perform in. Here is who they are, where they work, and how to get on stage or backstage with them.
The companies
Newcastle Theatre Company, Lambton
The longest-running adult company in Newcastle. Shirley and Peter Bloomfield founded it in 1957 as the Newcastle Repertory Club; it now owns and runs its own home, the Laneway Theatre at 90 De Vitre Street, Lambton. It is a not-for-profit run by its members, close to 200 of them, who act, direct, build sets and run the front of house. Its auditions are posted on its website.
Maitland Repertory Theatre, Maitland
An unfunded community company in a former Congregational church on the corner of James and High streets, opposite Maitland Town Hall, which it bought in 1964 and turned into a theatre in 1965. It runs acting classes for ages 6 to 18 and Reamus Theatre for performers aged 18 to 30.
Young People's Theatre, Hamilton
"Theatre for young people, by young people". Billy and Betty Ford started YPT in 1948, and it is still a community-run, not-for-profit school and company with its own theatre in Hamilton, teaching drama, dance, musical theatre and singing. It also runs classes for adults.
Hunter Drama and The Very Popular Theatre Company, Islington
Two companies under the Stoddart Entertainment Group, the Hunter's largest independent theatre producer. Hunter Drama, founded in 2007, is a youth drama school teaching drama, musical theatre and screen acting, and stages its shows at the Civic Playhouse in Newcastle and at the Cessnock theatre. The Very Popular Theatre Company, founded in 2006, stages large musicals that sit between community and professional theatre.
Tantrum Youth Arts, Charlestown
A youth arts company for new artists, which began in 1976 as the 2 Til 5 Youth Theatre, a Saturday-afternoon class in Charlestown. It turns 50 in 2026 and now works from The Place, the community centre at Charlestown Square.
How to get involved
- Audition. Community companies cast each show by open audition, usually a few months before the season. Watch each company's website and social pages; Newcastle Theatre Company lists its current auditions online.
- Join as a member. Most companies are member-run associations. Joining is how you get backstage work, front-of-house shifts and a say in the season.
- Take classes. For under-18s, YPT, Hunter Drama, Tantrum and Maitland Repertory's classes are the usual way in.
- Bring a show. If you want to stage your own work, our venue hire guide covers what it takes to book a Hunter theatre, and arts grants covers who funds it.
What theatre companies are in Newcastle?
The main ones are Newcastle Theatre Company (Lambton, founded 1957), Young People's Theatre (Hamilton, 1948), Hunter Drama and The Very Popular Theatre Company (Islington), Tantrum Youth Arts (Charlestown) and, in Maitland, Maitland Repertory Theatre.
How do I audition for community theatre in Newcastle?
Companies cast each show by open audition and post the details on their websites and social pages a few months ahead. Joining as a member is the easiest way to hear about auditions early.
Are there theatre classes for kids in Newcastle?
Yes. Young People's Theatre, Hunter Drama, Tantrum Youth Arts and Maitland Repertory Theatre all run classes for children and teenagers.
Sources
- Newcastle Theatre Company, About us (founded 1957 as Newcastle Repertory Club)
- Newcastle Theatre Company, home page (Laneway Theatre, 90 De Vitre Street, Lambton)
- Maitland Repertory Theatre, About us
- Young People's Theatre Newcastle, home page
- Hunter Drama, current productions
- Tantrum Youth Arts, About (50 years in 2026)
- Newcastle Herald, "Explore the diversity of Newcastle's vibrant theatre scene", 17 August 2025