Theatre and Production Companies at the Frankston Arts Centre
The Frankston Arts Centre is proud to have welcomed some of Australia’s leading artists, performers and performing arts companies to our stages. From acclaimed theatre and dance companies to contemporary circus, live music and family entertainment, our audiences have experienced an incredible diversity of Australian and international talent right here in Frankston. Explore some of the renowned artists and companies who have performed at the Frankston Arts Centre and discover the memorable productions they have shared with our community.
Na Djinang Circus envisions a bold future for Blak circus on unceded Indigenous lands, deeply informed by Indigenous Cultural knowledges and ways of being. Our purpose is to elevate Blak Australian circus nationally and internationally, fostering new practices, works, and futures through research, articulation, and agitation.
From the western suburbs of Naarm we create contemporary circus that works to share unique insights with the next generation's Hands & Feet. Our ambition goes beyond creating work—we strive to create holistic cultural processes that shape the future of our work and the circus form.
We were thrilled to host Na Djinang Circus at the Frankston Arts Centre in recent years for their productions of Arterial and Of The Land on Which We Meet.
Rokitz Entertainment has presented a range of successful live productions, including Cirque Africa and The World of Musicals in Concert. Their latest presentation, Drum Tao, is an internationally acclaimed performance that blends powerful taiko drumming, contemporary music, and dynamic physical theatre. Australian audiences have also embraced Cirque Africa, which combines breathtaking acrobatics, pulsating drumming, and vibrant dance. For those who enjoy world-class live entertainment, The World of Musicals in Concert is another standout production, featuring beloved songs and iconic show tunes from some of the world's most celebrated musicals.
The Frankston Arts Centre was delighted to host Rokitz Entertainment for the powerful and energetic production of Drum Tao: Samurai of the Drum.
Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow as it travels across Australia, bringing the very best of the Festival to audiences far and wide. Featuring a hand-picked line-up of comedy legends alongside exciting new talent from Australia and around the world, the Roadshow delivers a laugh-out-loud evening with something for every comedy fan.
For almost three decades, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow has toured the country, sharing the fun, energy and unforgettable performances of Australia's largest comedy festival with communities nationwide. Now it's your chance to experience the Festival in your own backyard. Gather your friends and get ready for a night of big laughs.
The Frankston Arts Centre has been a proud host of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’sComedy Festival Roadshow, welcoming the popular comedy showcase to Frankston every year
One Fell Swoop Circus is a Melbourne-based contemporary circus company creating bold, visually striking performances that combine exceptional acrobatics with powerful storytelling. Blending innovative apparatus with classic circus techniques, the company delivers dynamic theatre productions and large-scale outdoor works.
One Fell Swoop has performed across Australia and internationally, with appearances at the Xintiandi Festival in Shanghai, IPAY in Philadelphia, and festivals in New Zealand and France. Founded by Charice Rust and Jonathan Morgan, the company is celebrated for its inventive, physically daring approach to contemporary circus.
The Frankston Arts Centre was delighted to host One Fell Swoop Circus for their spectacular contemporary circus production, In Common.
Based in a former factory on Gadigal land in Sydney, Belvoir is one of Australia’s leading theatre companies. Since 1984, when more than 600 theatre lovers saved the theatre from redevelopment, Belvoir has been at the forefront of Australian storytelling. Its annual season features new Australian works, reimagined classics, international plays, and a strong commitment to First Nations stories.
Led by Artistic Director Eamon Flack and Executive Director Aaron Beach, Belvoir has nurtured many of Australia’s leading theatre-makers, including Cate Blanchett, Leah Purcell, Wesley Enoch, and S. Shakthidharan. Acclaimed productions such as Counting and Cracking, FANGIRLS!, Cloudstreet, The Sapphires, and Keating! have toured nationally and internationally.
Belvoir St Theatre brought their thought-provoking production of Lose to Win to the Frankston Arts Centre, captivating audiences with a powerful theatrical experience.
Founded in 2006, Shake & Stir is one of Australia’s leading contemporary theatre companies, touring major metropolitan and regional centres across Australia and New Zealand. Renowned for its dynamic mainstage and in-school productions, the company has created acclaimed works including Frankenstein, 1984, Animal Farm, Jane Eyre, The Mousetrap, Green Day’s American Idiot, and numerous Roald Dahl adaptations. A five-time nominee for PAC Australia’s Drover Award, winning consecutively in 2014 and 2015, Shake & Stir is committed to artistic excellence, innovation, integrity, and inclusivity, creating bold, accessible theatre that inspires audiences and introduces new generations to live performance.
Audiences at the Frankston Arts Centre have enjoyed the theatrical adaptations of Shake & StirTheatre Co, including Jane Eyre, Animal Farm and 1984.
Established in 1964 by The Australian Ballet’s founding Artistic Director, Dame Peggy van Praagh, The Australian Ballet School is Australia’s national centre for elite classical ballet training. Over more than 60 years, it has developed generations of world-class dancers through its accredited full-time and after-school programs, combining professional dance training with academic studies and comprehensive wellbeing support. Based in Melbourne, the School also offers boarding, community programs, and national masterclasses, while maintaining a close relationship with The Australian Ballet. Its graduates include many of the company’s leading artists, renowned choreographers such as Graeme Murphy AO, and internationally acclaimed dancers including Hannah O’Neill of the Paris Opera Ballet.
The Frankston Arts Centre was delighted to host The Australian Ballet School for their spectacular 2026 performance.
Founded in 2017, Alternative Facts creates theatre of social relevance, artistic rigour, and emotional impact, with a mission to inspire change through powerful storytelling. Led by theatre maker David Williams and producer Suzie Franke, the company explores the complexity, beauty, and contradictions of contemporary life through bold, thought-provoking works. Alternative Facts has toured extensively across New South Wales, partnering with the Pam McLean Centre to bring Grace Under Pressure to hospitals and regional communities, alongside statewide tours of Quiet Faith. In 2024, the company produced the award-winning Grand Theft Theatre for the Adelaide Festival, continuing its commitment to creating innovative theatre that connects deeply with diverse audiences.
We were delighted to host Alternative Facts at the Frankston Arts Centre for Is Shakespeare in this Movie?, Sincere Apologies and Grace Under Pressure, showcasing inventive storytelling and contemporary theatre.
For more than 120 years, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has been one of Australia’s leading orchestras, delivering world-class performances that connect communities through music. Led by Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor Jaime Martín, the MSO presents an acclaimed annual program of classical and contemporary works, reaching more than five million people each year through live performances, broadcasts, recordings, and digital platforms. With a strong commitment to education, accessibility, regional touring, and international collaboration, the MSO continues to enrich audiences across Victoria, Australia, and beyond.
Audiences at the Frankston Arts Centre have enjoyed the extraordinary artistry of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra across a series of concerts, including Strauss and Mozart, Storm and Serenity: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, Christian Li Plays Brahms, An Evening with the MSO: Mozart and the Mendelssohns and An Evening with the MSO: Jaime Conducts Enigma Variations.
CDP Theatre Producers is one of Australia’s leading independent theatre production and touring companies, renowned for creating high-quality theatre for children and families. With a strong focus on developing new productions, CDP has brought beloved stories such as The Treehouse series, The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, and Magic Beach to the stage. Winner of the 2022 PAC Australia Impact Award, CDP tours extensively across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally, bringing world-class theatre to audiences in metropolitan, regional, and remote communities.
CDP Theatre Producers have brought two exciting family productions to the Frankston Arts Centre, YOU & ME and the Land of Lost Things and Ratburger, delighting young audiences and families.
RAZ Music is an artist management and concert promotion company led by Reuben Zylberszpic, who has spent more than two decades presenting and touring leading Australian and international artists across the classical, jazz, and contemporary music sectors. The company represents acclaimed musicians including the Grigoryan Brothers, Paul Grabowsky, Lior, Luke Howard, and Slava & Sharon Grigoryan. Reuben also directs Which Way Music, an independent Australian record label founded in 2005 that is dedicated to producing and promoting new work by leading jazz, classical, and contemporary artists.
We were delighted to host RAZ Music at the Frankston Arts Centre for Lior with String Quartet, combining Lior’s acclaimed songwriting with the rich sound of a live string quartet.
Founded by a collective of six artists, The Farm is one of Australia’s leading contemporary performance companies, creating bold, collaborative works that blend dance, theatre, and storytelling. Bringing together performers, choreographers, writers, and designers from diverse backgrounds, the company is known for making contemporary performance accessible, engaging, and deeply human. Acclaimed for its inventive approach and collaborative ethos, The Farm has earned national recognition, including a Helpmann Award, while continuing to create work that connects with audiences through humour, imagination, and shared experience.
The Frankston Arts Centre was proud to welcome The Farm to the Frankston Arts Centre with their acclaimed production of Glass Child.
Founded in 2006, Highwire Entertainment is one of Victoria’s largest independent production houses, creating critically acclaimed circus, cabaret, and family entertainment. Known for blending circus with live music, dance, physical theatre, and social commentary, Highwire produces bold, accessible works that combine artistic excellence with broad audience appeal. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and meaningful storytelling, the company has toured extensively across Australia and internationally, delivering innovative performances that entertain, challenge, and inspire.
Highwire Entertainment brought two entertaining productions to the Frankston Arts Centre with Mission to the Moon and Bon Appetit, delighting audiences with imaginative live performance.
Re: Group performance collective is an award-winning Australian ensemble creating innovative live cinema that blends theatre and filmmaking into immersive, interactive performance. Led by Mark Rogers, Solomon Thomas, Malcolm Whittaker, Steve Wilson-Alexander, and Carly Young, the company creates bold, technology-driven works that are both experimental and accessible, exploring themes including nostalgia, friendship, loss, and the impact of new technologies. Known for transforming the traditional theatre experience, re has presented work at leading venues and festivals including Belvoir, the Sydney Opera House, and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
Audiences at the Frankston Arts Centre were treated to the creative artistry of Re:Group Performance Collective with their production of POV.
Founded in 2004 and based in Brisbane, Circa is one of the world’s leading contemporary circus companies, renowned for redefining the art form through a powerful fusion of circus, dance, theatre, and extreme physicality. Under the artistic leadership of Yaron Lifschitz, Circa has toured to more than 45 countries, captivating over two million people with award-winning productions celebrated for their innovation and emotional impact. Alongside its international touring program, Circa is committed to nurturing the next generation of artists through initiatives including Circa Academy, Circability, and Circa Cairns, expanding access to circus and supporting artistic development across Australia.
Circa have brought three breathtaking contemporary circus productions to the Frankston Arts Centre – Wolfgang in the Stars, Duck Pond and Humans – captivating audiences with extraordinary physicality and artistry.
Founded in 1990 by acclaimed actor and director John Bell, Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s national theatre company dedicated to the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Renowned for its innovative productions and nationally recognised education programs, the company brings classic theatre to audiences in every state and territory, making Shakespeare accessible, relevant, and engaging for contemporary Australia. Through artistic excellence, education, and outreach, Bell Shakespeare continues to inspire audiences while fostering empathy, imagination, and a deeper understanding of the enduring power of storytelling.
Bell Shakespeare brought Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy Macbeth to the Frankston Arts Centre, captivating audiences with a powerful and compelling theatrical experience.
Founded in 1969, Sydney Dance Company is Australia’s leading contemporary dance company, renowned for creating bold, emotionally resonant works that captivate audiences around the world. Under the artistic leadership of Rafael Bonachela since 2009, the company has built an international reputation through acclaimed performances, collaborations with leading choreographers, composers, and musicians, and extensive global touring. Alongside its performance program, Sydney Dance Company delivers Australia’s largest public dance class program and a nationwide education initiative, inspiring dancers of all ages while championing the transformative power of contemporary dance.
The Frankston Arts Centre was delighted to host Sydney Dance Company for their mesmerising production of momenta.
Founded in 2005, Victorian Opera is one of Australia’s leading opera companies, creating bold, accessible productions that honour the rich tradition of opera while championing new Australian work. Recognised as part of the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework, the company has commissioned more than 40 new Australian works and is committed to developing emerging artists both on and off the stage. Through innovative productions, statewide touring, and a focus on creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence, Victorian Opera continues to expand audiences and strengthen Australia’s vibrant performing arts sector.
The Frankston Arts Centre was thrilled to welcome Victorian Opera to the Frankston Arts Centre for their enchanting production of The Lyrebird's Voice.
Terrapin is Australia’s leading contemporary puppetry company, creating imaginative theatre, large-scale public artworks, and interactive installations that connect artists and audiences through the timeless art of puppetry. For more than 40 years, the company has collaborated with writers, designers, performers, composers, and makers to create visually rich, emotionally resonant works that tour across Tasmania, Australia, and internationally. Combining technical innovation with exceptional craftsmanship, Terrapin is renowned for its distinctive storytelling, sustainable creative practice, and commitment to making work that inspires connection, wonder, and transformation.
We were proud to welcome Terrapin to the Frankston Arts Centre with their acclaimed production of The Paper Escaper.
Based in Meanjin/Brisbane, Cluster Arts is a production and touring company working across Australia and internationally to support bold live performance and sustainable creative careers. At its core, the company is committed to valuing artists’ time, labour, and talent, treating touring as real work and building long-term, strategic pathways beyond one-off projects. Cluster Arts specialises in developing sustainable touring models, financial planning, and international market development, helping artists grow thriving creative businesses. Celebrating 10 years in 2025, the company has delivered over 300 tours, supported more than 400 artists, and worked across more than 15 countries, building lasting relationships with artists, presenters, and partners worldwide.
The Frankston Arts Centre was delighted to host Cluster Arts for their compelling production of Breaking the Castle.
Legs On The Wall is a Sydney-based physical theatre company and internationally recognised creator of aerial performance, blending dance, circus, and theatre to create work that transcends language and cultural boundaries. For over four decades, the company has developed bold productions for theatres and public spaces that combine spectacle with urgent social and environmental themes.
Recent works include THAW, a climate-focused durational performance on a melting ice sculpture; BEETLE, a family work inspired by care for the environment; ENDLING, a futuristic exploration of humanity’s survival through immersive technology and aerial performance; and WAVERIDER, a surf-inspired work for young audiences about connection and care for the ocean. The company is also committed to sustainability, accessibility, and artist development through training and mentorship programs.
Audiences at the Frankston Arts Centre were treated to the extraordinary physicality and artistry of Legs On The Wall with their production of Beetle.
Hit Productions is an Australian performing arts company dedicated to bringing powerful stories and diverse voices to audiences across Australia. The company develops and presents theatre, music and live performance that celebrates Australian stories, culture and contemporary experiences, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for First Nations artists and sharing stories of connection, community and identity.
Recent works include Waltzing the Wilarra, a powerful theatrical work exploring the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians; Emma Donovan: Songs, Stories and Soul from Family and Country, celebrating the acclaimed First Nations singer-songwriter's music and stories; and The Sunshine Club, a landmark Australian musical by Indigenous playwright and actor Wesley Enoch and composer John Rodgers. Through its programming, Hit Productions continues to connect audiences with compelling Australian stories and exceptional artists.
Audiences at the Frankston Arts Centre have experienced the work of Hit Productions through Waltzing the Wilarra, Emma Donovan: Songs, Stories and Soul from Family and Country and The Sunshine Club.
Monkey Baa is one of Australia’s leading theatre companies creating innovative, imaginative and engaging theatre for young audiences. Based in Sydney, the company has been creating award-winning productions for children, families and young people for more than 40 years, bringing Australian stories and diverse perspectives to stages across the country and internationally.
Known for its distinctive approach to storytelling, Monkey Baa combines theatre, puppetry, music, movement and visual design to create memorable experiences for young audiences. The company’s work often explores themes of identity, courage, resilience, friendship and belonging, encouraging children and families to see the world from new perspectives.
Audiences at the Frankston Arts Centre were delighted by Monkey Baa’s production of The Peasant Prince, the inspiring true story of ballet dancer Li Cunxin and his journey from humble beginnings in rural China to the world stage.