Success message
Error message
St Kilda Theatre is the creative management office of Alex Read Theatre Performances Inc and the owners Alex Theatre St Kilda, dedicated to supporting artists, producers, and creatives in bringing visionary projects to life. Our office is named in honour of the first grand theatre on Fitzroy Street’s historic Grand Boulevard, our office stands as a tribute to St Kilda���s rich cultural past while driving the future of performing arts, theatre, film, and live entertainment. We provide a space where creativity thrives, offering support for new works, artistic collaborations, and innovative productions that push the boundaries of storytelling and performance. As part of St Kilda’s vibrant arts precinct, we are committed to fostering emerging talent, championing independent theatre, and strengthening the local and national creative community. St Kilda Theatre is where history meets the future of the arts.
Empowering creatives
Future-focused creativity
News and Stories
Connect with Us
Owners
Passionate leadership
The St Kilda (Bioscope) Theatre stood as one of the first grand theatres in St Kilda, a beacon of culture and creativity. From vaudeville to early cinema, it brought stories to life and inspired generations of artists and audiences alike. Though lost to time, its spirit endures in the vibrant arts scene that continues to thrive in St Kilda. A cornerstone of our cultural heritage, the St Kilda Theatre remains a symbol of artistic passion, reminding us that the past shapes the future of creativity in our beloved seaside suburb.
We believe the building was demolished in the 1980's - there is still a little confusion to the exact position of the Theatre either it was adjacent to our current site or part of the site where the Alex Theatre is now, cutting into where our main theatre is (the Vass Theatre) and the site next door.
The loss of historic sites like the St Kilda Theatre should have never been allowed to happen, however the spirit lives on in The Alex.
The St Kilda Theatre, originally located at 145 Fitzroy Street, was a key venue in Melbourne’s early performing arts scene. Opened in 1911, it was one of the first grand theatres in the area, showcasing vaudeville performances, plays, and early silent films. With the rise of cinema, the theatre transitioned into a picture palace, reflecting the golden age of film exhibition.
As St Kilda’s cultural heart evolved, the St Kilda Theatre eventually closed, making way for new entertainment venues. However, its legacy laid the foundation for the suburb’s reputation as a hub for theatre and the arts inspiring the Alex Theatre STK Precinct.
St Kilda became a focal point for entertainment in Melbourne during the 20th century, especially with the opening of the Palais Theatre in 1927. Originally a cinema, it transformed into one of Australia's most iconic live performance venues. The Palais remains a treasured landmark, hosting international musicians, ballet performances, and theatrical productions.
Other historic cinemas, such as the Victory Theatre (later the National Theatre), the Astor Theatre, and the now-demolished St Moritz Ice Rink, contributed to St Kilda's cultural vibrancy, making it a major destination for film and live entertainment.
By the 1970s and 1980s, St Kilda had become synonymous with Melbourne’s alternative arts scene. The National Theatre, which took over the Victory Theatre, became a premier venue for dramatic arts training and live theatre productions.
Independent theatres and venues, such as the Theatre Works company and the Esplanade Hotel (the "Espy"), nurtured emerging playwrights, musicians, and performers. The area’s bohemian spirit attracted artists and creatives, reinforcing its identity as a cultural hub.
Today, St Kilda continues to celebrate its artistic heritage through festivals such as the St Kilda Film Festival and the St Kilda Writers Festival. Local venues, galleries, and community arts initiatives ensure that theatre, music, and performance arts remain central to the suburb's identity.
With the revival of interest in St Kilda’s artistic history, the new St Kilda Theatre website aims to honor its past while fostering the future of the arts in this iconic Melbourne locale.
THEATRE WORKS
THE ASTOR THEATRE
MEMO MUSIC HALL
THE SUNSET CINEMA
ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL
ST KILDA FESTIVAL
ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL
VICTORIAN PRIDE CENTRE
FITZROY STREET ST KILDA
Supporting Creative Arts in the City of Port Phillip
Email connect@artperformances.org
Address Creative Office 133 Fitzroy Street St Kilda VIC 3182
The story of theatre on Fitzroy Street begins with the original St Kilda Theatre — a vibrant cultural landmark that once brought the street to life. By building on this rich foundation, we honour its legacy and bring new energy to a place that has always belonged to the arts.
History matters. It shapes the future we create. Today, the Alex Theatre proudly continues this legacy, keeping the spirit of performance alive in St Kilda.