The MTC Theatre is a purpose built theatre with a 500-seat auditorium, studio space, café and bars. Currently under construction at the corner of Southbank Boulevard & Dodds Street, Southbank, the MTC Theatre will open in June 2009.
MTC HQ is the new headquarters to house the Company’s rehearsal rooms, set, props, wardrobe, workshops and administration. MTC will move to these new premises at 252 Sturt Street, Southbank in mid-2008.
MTC Artistic Director Simon Phillips says mtc@home marks an exciting new chapter in the Company’s 54-year history.
“If life imitates art, we need to give Melbourne something to aspire to. Something extraordinary. mtc@home is just that,” says Simon. “It’s the project for our new theatre and our creative headquarters, MTC HQ. But more than two buildings, it’s a new stage for MTC. One of physical development as well as financial, artistic and cultural growth.”
“These two buildings – by providing a new home for both audiences and artists – will enable us to make the best theatre in the world,” Simon says. “The finished products will be places for creation, contemplation, exploration and – dare one say it – entertainment.”
“We are especially grateful to our Leading Donors, Peter & Joan Clemenger, Lyndsey & Andrew Cattermole, The Orcadia Foundation, and Ralph & Barbara Ward-Ambler, whose extremely generous contributions have inaugurated our capital fundraising campaign. We thank them for joining us on the MTC stage, and look forward to growing the ranks of those who choose to play a part in creating a radiant future for MTC.”
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Professor Glyn Davis, says the University has been proud to support the outstanding work of MTC over many years. "The University's association stems from the birth of the Company more than 50 years ago. Now we wish MTC well as it prepares for this exciting next stage in its history: fitting out a new world-class theatre for Melbourne and a new headquarters for the Company."
Support for the mtc@home campaign will supplement the investments already provided by the Company’s key stakeholders. The University of Melbourne owned the Southbank Boulevard land on which the MTC Theatre and neighbouring Melbourne Recital Centre are being built. In exchange for the land, the State Government is contributing $35 million towards the new theatre, and the University of Melbourne is contributing an additional $14.5 million. Similarly the University owns the building on Sturt Street that will be converted into the new MTC HQ, and has committed to contributing $5 million to the refurbishment project.
Further information regarding the mtc@home campaign can be obtained from Julia White, MTC Development Director on (03) 9684 4514 or
