Foundation Theatres

OUR STORY

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

In 2011, Foundation Theatres acquired the 2000-seat Sydney Lyric at The Star Sydney entertainment complex. In 2017 we completed an extensive 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.

In 2024, Foundation Theatres embarked on an ambitious project to construct an intimate theatre in the underutilised rear stage of the Sydney Lyric. Construction on the Foundry Theatre is now complete and, following a $12 million investment, will have its first audiences when it opens in February 2025.  

Our objective is to continue to develop the theatre industry and our operations by building new theatres, and creating venues that are at the cutting edge of design and capability internationally.