Our History
A truly inspiring legacy, 60 years in the making
A truly inspiring legacy, 60 years in the making
A truly inspiring legacy, 60 years in the making
A truly inspiring legacy, 60 years in the making
What started in a home in Lindfield has grown into Australia's most fearless theatre company for young people – over half a century of saying yes to the stories few others would tell.
1963
1963
From a series of meetings in 1963, playwright Eleanor Witcombe, and fellow artists, dreamed of a theatre for young people. A committee was formed, with members Alastair Duncan (Chairman), Diana Sharpe (Secretary, pictured) & Nigel Lovell (Treasurer) alongside Ellis Irving, Owen Weingott & Wendy Blacklock. The first shows toured schools in 1964.
1963
1963
From a series of meetings in 1963, playwright Eleanor Witcombe, and fellow artists, dreamed of a theatre for young people. A committee was formed, with members Alastair Duncan (Chairman), Diana Sharpe (Secretary, pictured) & Nigel Lovell (Treasurer) alongside Ellis Irving, Owen Weingott & Wendy Blacklock. The first shows toured schools in 1964.
1963
1963
From a series of meetings in 1963, playwright Eleanor Witcombe, and fellow artists, dreamed of a theatre for young people. A committee was formed, with members Alastair Duncan (Chairman), Diana Sharpe (Secretary, pictured) & Nigel Lovell (Treasurer) alongside Ellis Irving, Owen Weingott & Wendy Blacklock. The first shows toured schools in 1964.
1963
1963
From a series of meetings in 1963, playwright Eleanor Witcombe, and fellow artists, dreamed of a theatre for young people. A committee was formed, with members Alastair Duncan (Chairman), Diana Sharpe (Secretary, pictured) & Nigel Lovell (Treasurer) alongside Ellis Irving, Owen Weingott & Wendy Blacklock. The first shows toured schools in 1964.
1967
1967
First youth workshops
In response to demand, ATYP opened its doors to children aged 10–15. For the first time, young people were not just in the audience — they were part of the action.
1967
1967
First youth workshops
In response to demand, ATYP opened its doors to children aged 10–15. For the first time, young people were not just in the audience — they were part of the action.
1967
1967
First youth workshops
In response to demand, ATYP opened its doors to children aged 10–15. For the first time, young people were not just in the audience — they were part of the action.
1967
1967
First youth workshops
In response to demand, ATYP opened its doors to children aged 10–15. For the first time, young people were not just in the audience — they were part of the action.
1968
1968
ATYP became the first company to stage a children’s play at the Adelaide Festival, with Jacki Weaver starring in The Runaway Steamboat, by Eleanor Witcombe, directed by Alastair Duncan.
1968
1968
ATYP became the first company to stage a children’s play at the Adelaide Festival, with Jacki Weaver starring in The Runaway Steamboat, by Eleanor Witcombe, directed by Alastair Duncan.
1968
1968
ATYP became the first company to stage a children’s play at the Adelaide Festival, with Jacki Weaver starring in The Runaway Steamboat, by Eleanor Witcombe, directed by Alastair Duncan.
1968
1968
ATYP became the first company to stage a children’s play at the Adelaide Festival, with Jacki Weaver starring in The Runaway Steamboat, by Eleanor Witcombe, directed by Alastair Duncan.
1971
1971
ATYP incorporated
ATYP and the Old Tote Theatre Company formed an alliance in 1969, sharing administrative staff and presenting work at the Parade Theatre, Kensington. In 1971, ATYP became a company limited by guarantee, securing its place as Australia’s first national theatre dedicated entirely to young people.
1971
1971
ATYP incorporated
ATYP and the Old Tote Theatre Company formed an alliance in 1969, sharing administrative staff and presenting work at the Parade Theatre, Kensington. In 1971, ATYP became a company limited by guarantee, securing its place as Australia’s first national theatre dedicated entirely to young people.
1971
1971
ATYP incorporated
ATYP and the Old Tote Theatre Company formed an alliance in 1969, sharing administrative staff and presenting work at the Parade Theatre, Kensington. In 1971, ATYP became a company limited by guarantee, securing its place as Australia’s first national theatre dedicated entirely to young people.
1971
1971
ATYP incorporated
ATYP and the Old Tote Theatre Company formed an alliance in 1969, sharing administrative staff and presenting work at the Parade Theatre, Kensington. In 1971, ATYP became a company limited by guarantee, securing its place as Australia’s first national theatre dedicated entirely to young people.
1977
1977
A new branch in Armidale brought drama to regional NSW schools, laying the foundations for what became the New England Theatre Company.
1977
1977
A new branch in Armidale brought drama to regional NSW schools, laying the foundations for what became the New England Theatre Company.
1977
1977
A new branch in Armidale brought drama to regional NSW schools, laying the foundations for what became the New England Theatre Company.
1977
1977
A new branch in Armidale brought drama to regional NSW schools, laying the foundations for what became the New England Theatre Company.
1978
1978
Survival after Old Tote collapse
With the Old Tote gone, ATYP nearly folded. Instead, board members, tutors, UNSW and NIDA rallied, keeping the dream alive by offering premises.
1978
1978
Survival after Old Tote collapse
With the Old Tote gone, ATYP nearly folded. Instead, board members, tutors, UNSW and NIDA rallied, keeping the dream alive by offering premises.
1978
1978
Survival after Old Tote collapse
With the Old Tote gone, ATYP nearly folded. Instead, board members, tutors, UNSW and NIDA rallied, keeping the dream alive by offering premises.
1978
1978
Survival after Old Tote collapse
With the Old Tote gone, ATYP nearly folded. Instead, board members, tutors, UNSW and NIDA rallied, keeping the dream alive by offering premises.
1983
1983
Festival of Sydney
ATYP was the only youth theatre chosen for the Festival of Sydney, presenting The Adventures of Awful Knawful, by Peter Flannery and Mick Ford, to delighted audiences.
1983
1983
Festival of Sydney
ATYP was the only youth theatre chosen for the Festival of Sydney, presenting The Adventures of Awful Knawful, by Peter Flannery and Mick Ford, to delighted audiences.
1983
1983
Festival of Sydney
ATYP was the only youth theatre chosen for the Festival of Sydney, presenting The Adventures of Awful Knawful, by Peter Flannery and Mick Ford, to delighted audiences.
1983
1983
Festival of Sydney
ATYP was the only youth theatre chosen for the Festival of Sydney, presenting The Adventures of Awful Knawful, by Peter Flannery and Mick Ford, to delighted audiences.
1984
1984
Ruth Cracknell appointed
Beloved actor Ruth Cracknell became ATYP Patron, lending her voice and gravitas to the company as it entered its third decade.
1984
1984
Ruth Cracknell appointed
Beloved actor Ruth Cracknell became ATYP Patron, lending her voice and gravitas to the company as it entered its third decade.
1984
1984
Ruth Cracknell appointed
Beloved actor Ruth Cracknell became ATYP Patron, lending her voice and gravitas to the company as it entered its third decade.
1984
1984
Ruth Cracknell appointed
Beloved actor Ruth Cracknell became ATYP Patron, lending her voice and gravitas to the company as it entered its third decade.
1984
1984
Long before Hollywood, Nicole Kidman cut her teeth in ATYP’s Spring Awakening, a performance that hinted at the star she would become.
1984
1984
Long before Hollywood, Nicole Kidman cut her teeth in ATYP’s Spring Awakening, a performance that hinted at the star she would become.
1984
1984
Long before Hollywood, Nicole Kidman cut her teeth in ATYP’s Spring Awakening, a performance that hinted at the star she would become.
1984
1984
Long before Hollywood, Nicole Kidman cut her teeth in ATYP’s Spring Awakening, a performance that hinted at the star she would become.
1988
1988
Toni Collette discovered
ATYP’s Burger Brain – the Fast Food Musical introduced a teenage Toni Collette, who would go on to conquer stage and screen worldwide.
1988
1988
Toni Collette discovered
ATYP’s Burger Brain – the Fast Food Musical introduced a teenage Toni Collette, who would go on to conquer stage and screen worldwide.
1988
1988
Toni Collette discovered
ATYP’s Burger Brain – the Fast Food Musical introduced a teenage Toni Collette, who would go on to conquer stage and screen worldwide.
1988
1988
Toni Collette discovered
ATYP’s Burger Brain – the Fast Food Musical introduced a teenage Toni Collette, who would go on to conquer stage and screen worldwide.
1989
1989
For its 25th anniversary, ATYP toured Michael Gow’s All Stops Out to the UK, for performances at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, and in London, marking the company’s first leap onto the international stage.
1989
1989
For its 25th anniversary, ATYP toured Michael Gow’s All Stops Out to the UK, for performances at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, and in London, marking the company’s first leap onto the international stage.
1989
1989
For its 25th anniversary, ATYP toured Michael Gow’s All Stops Out to the UK, for performances at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, and in London, marking the company’s first leap onto the international stage.
1989
1989
For its 25th anniversary, ATYP toured Michael Gow’s All Stops Out to the UK, for performances at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, and in London, marking the company’s first leap onto the international stage.
1993
1993
Nicole Kidman becomes ambassador
Already an international star, Kidman formalised her ties to ATYP as Ambassador, and in 2002, as Patron, ensuring the company's profile soared.
1993
1993
Nicole Kidman becomes ambassador
Already an international star, Kidman formalised her ties to ATYP as Ambassador, and in 2002, as Patron, ensuring the company's profile soared.
1993
1993
Nicole Kidman becomes ambassador
Already an international star, Kidman formalised her ties to ATYP as Ambassador, and in 2002, as Patron, ensuring the company's profile soared.
1993
1993
Nicole Kidman becomes ambassador
Already an international star, Kidman formalised her ties to ATYP as Ambassador, and in 2002, as Patron, ensuring the company's profile soared.
1993
1993
Experienced tutors begin a programme of workshops in regional residencies all over Australia, assisting local community groups to engage young people in creativity and telling their stories.
1993
1993
Experienced tutors begin a programme of workshops in regional residencies all over Australia, assisting local community groups to engage young people in creativity and telling their stories.
1993
1993
Experienced tutors begin a programme of workshops in regional residencies all over Australia, assisting local community groups to engage young people in creativity and telling their stories.
1993
1993
Experienced tutors begin a programme of workshops in regional residencies all over Australia, assisting local community groups to engage young people in creativity and telling their stories.
1996
1996
After years of moving premises, ATYP found a true home on Pier 4/5 at The Wharf. Nicole Kidman cut the ribbon and launched a new international scholarship program. Nicole Kidman unveiled the ATYP/Lend Lease Scholarships, sending young artists overseas to learn from leading theatre companies.
1996
1996
After years of moving premises, ATYP found a true home on Pier 4/5 at The Wharf. Nicole Kidman cut the ribbon and launched a new international scholarship program. Nicole Kidman unveiled the ATYP/Lend Lease Scholarships, sending young artists overseas to learn from leading theatre companies.
1996
1996
After years of moving premises, ATYP found a true home on Pier 4/5 at The Wharf. Nicole Kidman cut the ribbon and launched a new international scholarship program. Nicole Kidman unveiled the ATYP/Lend Lease Scholarships, sending young artists overseas to learn from leading theatre companies.
1996
1996
After years of moving premises, ATYP found a true home on Pier 4/5 at The Wharf. Nicole Kidman cut the ribbon and launched a new international scholarship program. Nicole Kidman unveiled the ATYP/Lend Lease Scholarships, sending young artists overseas to learn from leading theatre companies.
2000
2000
Launch of National Studio
23 young artists from across Australia gathered in Alice Springs for the first National Studio — a program that would become a national rite of passage for emerging writers.
2000
2000
Launch of National Studio
23 young artists from across Australia gathered in Alice Springs for the first National Studio — a program that would become a national rite of passage for emerging writers.
2000
2000
Launch of National Studio
23 young artists from across Australia gathered in Alice Springs for the first National Studio — a program that would become a national rite of passage for emerging writers.
2000
2000
Launch of National Studio
23 young artists from across Australia gathered in Alice Springs for the first National Studio — a program that would become a national rite of passage for emerging writers.
2003
2003
The trust was established 24 Dec, 2002, but was formally launched 15 Feb, 2003 as part of ATYP’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, at an event held at home of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. The ATYP Foundation was born to secure a future for youth theatre through philanthropy and vision.
2003
2003
The trust was established 24 Dec, 2002, but was formally launched 15 Feb, 2003 as part of ATYP’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, at an event held at home of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. The ATYP Foundation was born to secure a future for youth theatre through philanthropy and vision.
2003
2003
The trust was established 24 Dec, 2002, but was formally launched 15 Feb, 2003 as part of ATYP’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, at an event held at home of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. The ATYP Foundation was born to secure a future for youth theatre through philanthropy and vision.
2003
2003
The trust was established 24 Dec, 2002, but was formally launched 15 Feb, 2003 as part of ATYP’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, at an event held at home of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. The ATYP Foundation was born to secure a future for youth theatre through philanthropy and vision.
2008
2008
Fresh Ink begins
A new program for young writers was born. Fresh Ink went on to nurture voices like Yve Blake, Emme Hoy, Gretel Vella, Jordan Shea, Lewis Treston, Nick Atkins, Jules Orcullo, Nakkiah Lui, and Vic Zerbst - future leading playwrights of Australian theatre.
2008
2008
Fresh Ink begins
A new program for young writers was born. Fresh Ink went on to nurture voices like Yve Blake, Emme Hoy, Gretel Vella, Jordan Shea, Lewis Treston, Nick Atkins, Jules Orcullo, Nakkiah Lui, and Vic Zerbst - future leading playwrights of Australian theatre.
2008
2008
Fresh Ink begins
A new program for young writers was born. Fresh Ink went on to nurture voices like Yve Blake, Emme Hoy, Gretel Vella, Jordan Shea, Lewis Treston, Nick Atkins, Jules Orcullo, Nakkiah Lui, and Vic Zerbst - future leading playwrights of Australian theatre.
2008
2008
Fresh Ink begins
A new program for young writers was born. Fresh Ink went on to nurture voices like Yve Blake, Emme Hoy, Gretel Vella, Jordan Shea, Lewis Treston, Nick Atkins, Jules Orcullo, Nakkiah Lui, and Vic Zerbst - future leading playwrights of Australian theatre.
2012
2012
An initiative of the ATYP Foundation to support the development of new Australian writing for actors aged 10-13, and separately, 14-17. Jessica Bellamy’s Compass became the inaugural Foundation Commission Award winner. Later commissions, like Shack by George Kemp, have gone on to be performed nationally and internationally.
2012
2012
An initiative of the ATYP Foundation to support the development of new Australian writing for actors aged 10-13, and separately, 14-17. Jessica Bellamy’s Compass became the inaugural Foundation Commission Award winner. Later commissions, like Shack by George Kemp, have gone on to be performed nationally and internationally.
2012
2012
An initiative of the ATYP Foundation to support the development of new Australian writing for actors aged 10-13, and separately, 14-17. Jessica Bellamy’s Compass became the inaugural Foundation Commission Award winner. Later commissions, like Shack by George Kemp, have gone on to be performed nationally and internationally.
2012
2012
An initiative of the ATYP Foundation to support the development of new Australian writing for actors aged 10-13, and separately, 14-17. Jessica Bellamy’s Compass became the inaugural Foundation Commission Award winner. Later commissions, like Shack by George Kemp, have gone on to be performed nationally and internationally.
2013
2013
ATYP Livestreams
In 2013, ATYP livestreamed selected productions, including post-show Q&A sessions with cast, directly into schools, pioneering digital remote access to youth theatre.
2013
2013
ATYP Livestreams
In 2013, ATYP livestreamed selected productions, including post-show Q&A sessions with cast, directly into schools, pioneering digital remote access to youth theatre.
2013
2013
ATYP Livestreams
In 2013, ATYP livestreamed selected productions, including post-show Q&A sessions with cast, directly into schools, pioneering digital remote access to youth theatre.
2013
2013
ATYP Livestreams
In 2013, ATYP livestreamed selected productions, including post-show Q&A sessions with cast, directly into schools, pioneering digital remote access to youth theatre.
2016
2016
Past participants, Rose Byrne & Rebel Wilson, take on the role of ATYP Ambassador in 2012 and 2014 respectively. They provide annual scholarships for emerging female leaders in the arts, to 2020, and for female playwrights interested in comedy, to 2021.
2016
2016
Past participants, Rose Byrne & Rebel Wilson, take on the role of ATYP Ambassador in 2012 and 2014 respectively. They provide annual scholarships for emerging female leaders in the arts, to 2020, and for female playwrights interested in comedy, to 2021.
2016
2016
Past participants, Rose Byrne & Rebel Wilson, take on the role of ATYP Ambassador in 2012 and 2014 respectively. They provide annual scholarships for emerging female leaders in the arts, to 2020, and for female playwrights interested in comedy, to 2021.
2016
2016
Past participants, Rose Byrne & Rebel Wilson, take on the role of ATYP Ambassador in 2012 and 2014 respectively. They provide annual scholarships for emerging female leaders in the arts, to 2020, and for female playwrights interested in comedy, to 2021.
2018
2018
On Demand Platform
ATYP launched On Demand, an online learning platform for schools, making theatre accessible nationwide — and even in hospitals.
2018
2018
On Demand Platform
ATYP launched On Demand, an online learning platform for schools, making theatre accessible nationwide — and even in hospitals.
2018
2018
On Demand Platform
ATYP launched On Demand, an online learning platform for schools, making theatre accessible nationwide — and even in hospitals.
2018
2018
On Demand Platform
ATYP launched On Demand, an online learning platform for schools, making theatre accessible nationwide — and even in hospitals.
2022
2022
At last, ATYP has a forever home: the Rebel Theatre on Pier 2/3. With state-of-the-art facilities, it puts young people centre-stage in Sydney’s arts precinct.
2022
2022
At last, ATYP has a forever home: the Rebel Theatre on Pier 2/3. With state-of-the-art facilities, it puts young people centre-stage in Sydney’s arts precinct.
2022
2022
At last, ATYP has a forever home: the Rebel Theatre on Pier 2/3. With state-of-the-art facilities, it puts young people centre-stage in Sydney’s arts precinct.
2022
2022
At last, ATYP has a forever home: the Rebel Theatre on Pier 2/3. With state-of-the-art facilities, it puts young people centre-stage in Sydney’s arts precinct.
Today
Today
2026 marks the start of a new era for ATYP. With a new Artistic Director leading an inspired group of experienced theatre-makers, united by the intent to platform the stars of tomorrow, we can't wait to write the next chapter in our history.
2026 marks the start of a new era for ATYP. With a new Artistic Director leading an inspired group of experienced theatre-makers, united by the intent to platform the stars of tomorrow, we can't wait to write the next chapter in our history.
Today
Today
2026 marks the start of a new era for ATYP. With a new Artistic Director leading an inspired group of experienced theatre-makers, united by the intent to platform the stars of tomorrow, we can't wait to write the next chapter in our history.
As we embark on this future, we owe thanks to our present and past Artistic Directors:
Hayden Tonazzi
2025 – Present
Hayden Tonazzi
2025 – Present
Hayden Tonazzi
2025 – Present
Hayden Tonazzi
2025 – Present
Fraser Corfield
2009 – 2025
Fraser Corfield
2009 – 2025
Fraser Corfield
2009 – 2025
Fraser Corfield
2009 – 2025
Timothy Jones
2003 – 2009
Timothy Jones
2003 – 2009
Timothy Jones
2003 – 2009
Timothy Jones
2003 – 2009
David Berthold
1999 – 2003
David Berthold
1999 – 2003
David Berthold
1999 – 2003
David Berthold
1999 – 2003
Antoinette Blaxland
1998 (Acting)
Antoinette Blaxland
1998 (Acting)
Antoinette Blaxland
1998 (Acting)
Antoinette Blaxland
1998 (Acting)
Neill Gladwin
1996 – 1998
Neill Gladwin
1996 – 1998
Neill Gladwin
1996 – 1998
Neill Gladwin
1996 – 1998
Antoinette Blaxland
1992 – 1996
Antoinette Blaxland
1992 – 1996
Antoinette Blaxland
1992 – 1996
Antoinette Blaxland
1992 – 1996
Penelope Wells
1995 (Acting)
Penelope Wells
1995 (Acting)
Penelope Wells
1995 (Acting)
Penelope Wells
1995 (Acting)
Glen McGillivray
1991 – 1992
Glen McGillivray
1991 – 1992
Glen McGillivray
1991 – 1992
Glen McGillivray
1991 – 1992
Mark Gaal
1998 – 1991
Mark Gaal
1998 – 1991
Mark Gaal
1998 – 1991
Mark Gaal
1998 – 1991
Rowan Greaves
1987 – 1988
Rowan Greaves
1987 – 1988
Rowan Greaves
1987 – 1988
Rowan Greaves
1987 – 1988
Colette Rayment
1984 – 1987
Colette Rayment
1984 – 1987
Colette Rayment
1984 – 1987
Colette Rayment
1984 – 1987
Simon Hopkinson
1984 (Acting)
Simon Hopkinson
1984 (Acting)
Simon Hopkinson
1984 (Acting)
Simon Hopkinson
1984 (Acting)
Jane Westbrook
1981 – 1984
Jane Westbrook
1981 – 1984
Jane Westbrook
1981 – 1984
Jane Westbrook
1981 – 1984
John Wregg
1976 – 1981
John Wregg
1976 – 1981
John Wregg
1976 – 1981
John Wregg
1976 – 1981
Raymond Omodei
1973 – 1976
Raymond Omodei
1973 – 1976
Raymond Omodei
1973 – 1976
Raymond Omodei
1973 – 1976
Alistair Duncan
1965 (as Producer)
Alistair Duncan
1965 (as Producer)
Alistair Duncan
1965 (as Producer)
Alistair Duncan
1965 (as Producer)
Alistair Duncan
1965 (as Producer)
Alistair Duncan
1965 (as Producer)
Nigel Lovell
1964 (as Producer)
Nigel Lovell
1964 (as Producer)
Nigel Lovell
1964 (as Producer)
Nigel Lovell
1964 (as Producer)