About Us

Foundation Theatres is a wholly Australian owned theatre owner, operator and production investor. Our current venues include the Sydney Lyric, Capitol Theatre and Foundry Theatre.  Foundation Theatres is continually seeking opportunities to develop its theatre offerings with new live performance venues that support a wide variety of performance types.

Our purpose is to operate thriving, internationally renowned, first-class theatres that present the best commercial theatrical product from around the world to the widest possible Australian audience.

Our mission is to provide exceptional experiences for theatre makers and theatre goers and contribute meaningfully to a thriving and robust Australian theatre industry for generations to come.

Our vision is to deliver unforgettable and inspiring experiences to all those who visit our theatres. 

Foundation Theatres is renowned for its innovative approach, determination, focus on excellence and passion for the live performance industry. These qualities are the foundation of all that we do. We appreciate the social and cultural benefits that a vibrant performing arts community can deliver, and we are committed to ensuring that the whole community can experience and participate in live performances.

In 2009, Foundation Theatres acquired full ownership of the 2000-seat Capitol Theatre in the heart of Sydney. After an initial restructuring of the business and a multi-million-dollar upgrade of facilities, our management team transformed the Capitol Theatre into one of the most desirable venues in Australia to launch and play leading musical theatre, opera and ballet productions.

In March 2011, Foundation Theatres announced the purchase of the 2000-seat Sydney Lyric at The Star entertainment complex. In 2017, we completed an $18.2 million rebuild of the theatre’s auditorium and technical facilities, foyers, bars, ticketing and merchandising outlets, transforming the auditorium into a flexible 1350, 1550, 1750 and 2000 seat performance space. The auditorium transformation was recognised by the NSW Master Builders Association with the 2017 Award for Excellence for Entertainment Buildings. The purchase of Sydney Lyric delivered a complementary commercial theatre offering in Sydney.

Our objective is to continue to develop the theatre business around Australia by strategic acquisition, or by building new theatres, and creating venues that are at the cutting edge of design and operations internationally.