History - Geelong Repertory Theatre Company

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Geelong Repertory Theatre is a vital part of our heritage.

Formed in 1932 as Geelong Repertory Society and led for many years by Dulcie Meakin, the company performed and average of seven plays a year in the old GAMA Theatre where they played everything from melodrama to the classics. With the annexation in 1978 of the GAMA Theatre, Rep performed in various venues, which included church halls, the "Mill", the open-air, drawing rooms, Geelong Racing Club, National Trust properties, the Geelong Art Gallery and the Historical Records Centre.

Since the completion of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) in 1981, Rep has performed a considerable amount of plays in the Blakiston Theatre. In 1981 GAMA purchased "Henry's", a wood and timber store in Geelong West. This was to be used as office space, wardrobe, rehearsal space, workshop area and meeting place for the three GAMA sections and is known as the Lilian Stott centre.

Using GPAC initially had proved successful, but rising costs and falling audience numbers made it necessary for rep to change direction. The Woodbin rehearsal space was converted into a small, intimate and versatile theatre.

The inaugural production was in October 1989 and we have been here ever since. Occasionally we perform at other venues but the Woodbin is our home!