Canberra Theatre Centre: A Strong Start to 2026
The year has already begun on a high note. Cirque Alice exceeded all expectations, welcoming 14,800 patrons and demonstrating strong appetite for the Centre’s new audience focused strategy.
Bangarra’s Sheltering (Photo credit: Daniel Boud)
From Apr to Jun, CTC will present a vibrant mix of programming and venue hires, ranging from bold reinterpretations to beloved classics. Highlights include Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Big Live’s The Great Gatsby, and a return season of the acclaimed Trophy Boys. Music audiences can enjoy The Whitlams performing with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, while dance lovers will experience the premiere of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sheltering. The season also features the iconic Steel Magnolias, starring Lisa McCune and Belinda Giblin.
The Sapphires – co-produced by Queensland Theatre and CTC (Photo credit: Sam Scoufos)
A major highlight will be The Sapphires, a coproduction between Queensland Theatre and CTC directed by Wesley Enoch. For more than 25 years, this multi award winning play—and the hit film it inspired—has captivated audiences nationally and internationally. The new staging at the CTC Playhouse will showcase emerging First Nations talent during Reconciliation Week.
Sector Development and Education
CTC continues to champion education and artist development through several cornerstone programmes.
In education, the Centre will welcome secondary students and teachers to the 12th year of ACT Up!, its annual performing arts showcase. Students devise and perform original 5-10 minute works inspired by a shared stimulus sourced in partnership with Canberra Museum and Gallery. CTC provides professional learning workshops, in school incursions and ongoing creative support across two terms, culminating in a live performance on The Playhouse stage. Students also attend a professional production as part of the programme—this year, Wright & Grainger’s Helios.
As part of its New Works and Sector Development initiative, CTC will again host four Canberra based artists for the New Ideas Lab, a paid, immersive five-day programme supporting the exploration of new performance concepts under the mentorship of industry leaders. CTC will also continue its partnership with Sydney Fringe, supporting two Canberra artists to present tour ready works across both the Independents – Festival of New Works and Sydney Fringe Festival. In addition, CTC is proud to contribute to the 2026 Next Level Creative Mentorship programme, supporting artists with disability or who are d/Deaf to develop new work across disciplines including writing, music, dance, choreography, acting, directing and producing.
Georgia Hendy
Looking Ahead
Adding momentum to an already transformative year, Canberra Theatre Centre has welcomed Georgia Hendy as its new Executive Director. Beginning in early February, Hendy will guide CTC through its next phase of evolution and growth, including preparations for the opening of the Lyric Theatre—a new 2,000 seat venue and a major expansion of the Centre’s cultural footprint.