12 Best Performing Arts Venues in Melbourne, Victoria

In the 2,000-seat State Theatre at the Arts Centre, the Australian Ballet stages six programs annually, and presents visiting celebrity dancers from around the world.

Revues and plays are staged at the Comedy Theatre, which along with the Princess, Regent, and Forum theaters is owned by the Marriner Group and uses the same telephone numbers.

A cutting-edge, not-for-profit theater, visit for independent theater, cabaret, and exhibitions.

This ticket booth sells tickets to theater attractions at half price on performance days. It's open Tuesday--Friday, 11 am--4 pm. Phone for information about shows on sale (recorded message), or see listings on the website.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs year-round in the 2,500-seat Hamer Hall.

Australia's oldest professional theater company stages up to 12 productions per year in various venues around the city, including the Southbank Theatre and the Arts Centre in St. Kilda Road.

Opera Australia has regular seasons, often with performances by world-renowned stars. The length and time of seasons vary, but all performances take place within the Arts Centre.

The city's second-largest company, the Malthouse Theatre, stages about 10 new or contemporary productions a year. The CUB Malthouse is a flexible theater space designed for drama, dance, and circus performances, with a café and bar on-site.

An ornate 1920s building, the Regent originally opened to screen movies but nowadays presents mainstream theater productions, including The Lion King and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Open-air concerts take place December through March at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

This theater concentrates on contemporary Australian plays.

This is Melbourne's premier concert venue and home to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.