Hiring Southbank Theatre

The Lawler is a studio space with a standard capacity of 163. The modular seating can be moved to create multiple configurations, depending on the design of your production or event. As well as theatrical productions, the Lawler can be used for conferences, meetings, rehearsals, auditions and functions or dinners. Supported by a team of skilled stage technicians and professional Front of House staff, benefits of presenting in the Lawler include: an enviable location in the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct, exposure to a large audience already attending other events at Southbank Theatre prior to and during your season, a dedicated full-time Box Office and access to our new in-house restaurant, Miss Pearl Bar + Dining. The Lawler is an ideal performance space for small or independent productions and offers substantial technical equipment and facilities as standard with your hire.

In 2022, the Lawler has a resident organisation in place so availability may be limited.

For enquiries about hiring the Lawler, including Indicative Charges, Technical Specifications and stage plans, please contact the Theatre Manager at enquiries@southbanktheatre.com.au or 03 8688 0803.

Below are a series of images from different events, which have been staged in the Lawler.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, produced by Vic Theatre Company, set design by William Bobbie Stewart, April 2016

Corporate presentation

The Book Club by Roger Hall, produced by Andrew Kay & Amanda Muggleton, set design by Shaun Gurton, July 2016

Thrust stage seating configuration

The Lawler used as an orchestra rehearsal room

The MTC Lounge is an oasis within the bustling Southbank Arts Precinct. These two private function rooms on the second floor can be used together or divided for more intimate events. With views across the city through large windows or from the balcony, the rooms are perfect for cocktail functions for around 60 guests or sit-down dinners for up to 40. Or for smaller functions, enjoy cocktails in one room then move to the other for dinner. The rooms have in-built AV facilities, making them suitable for Board Room style meetings for up to 20 or theatre style presentations for around 30.

The Level 1 Foyer at Southbank Theatre is a large, open room that is filled with natural light during the day and overlooks the city skyline at night. It comfortably accommodates 200 for cocktails and has also been used for sit-down dinners, corporate presentations, and small trade shows. The foyer incorporates a full-service bar and has monitors that can display tailored messages for your guests, or a more detailed AV set-up and staging can be installed, if required. Availability of the foyer will be dependent on performance activity in the Sumner.

For enquiries about hiring the MTC Lounge or Foyer at Southbank Theatre, please contact the Theatre Manager at enquiries@southbanktheatre.com.au or 03 8688 0803.

Melbourne Theatre Company also has a number of rehearsal studios at its headquarters at 252 Sturt Street, Southbank. These studios are used throughout the year to rehearse MTC productions and for other activity but one or more may be available to hire.

For more information about availability and the facilities in the rehearsal studios at MTC headquarters, please contact Alyson Brown, Production Administrator at a.brown@mtc.com.au or 03 8688 0900.