Ensemble Theatre is Australia’s longest continuously running professional theatre company. Based in Kirribilli, on the edge of Sydney Harbour, Ensemble pride themselves on presenting and performing the best of international plays, beloved classics and new Australian works. Founded in 1958, Ensemble continues to produces live theatre of the highest quality that entertains, educates, enlightens and challenges.
Since 2016, The Balnaves Foundation has supported Ensemble Theatre to resource its philanthropy, marketing and public relations functions, with the aim of growing Ensemble’s subscriber base and single ticket sales, and strengthening its place as a significant theatre company in the Sydney market.
In 2023, The Balnaves Foundation provided additional funding for Ensemble to engage a part-time Education Coordinator in order to strengthen and facilitate the existing education program and provide access to live theatre for young people who might not have access otherwise.
In addition to the ongoing support for Ensemble, the Foundation has also supported the creative development and cultural consultancy on the 2019/2020 production of BLACK COCKATOO by Geoffrey Atherden. This landmark production, directed by Wesley Enoch with an all First Nations cast tells the story of Johnny “Unaarimin” Mullagh, a Jadawadjali man from Western Victoria and his unique experience representing Australia as a member of the first Australian international cricket team, comprised of 13 Aboriginal men from Victoria who toured England in 1868.
Find out more about Ensemble Theatre here