About The Latrobe Theatre Company

Aims

To perform and promote quality theatre for and within Gippsland as a credible and valuable leisure-time pursuit.

To foster an appreciation of theatre and the development of related skills within the community including the development of youth interests.

The Company is a non-profit organisation that endeavours to promote both musical and theatrical works and involvement can include on stage, directing or production team, backstage crew, set and costume construction, orchestra, front of house or administration.

The Company thrives on the level of commitment from its members.

The path to staging high quality shows presents challenges that the philosophy of Latrobe Theatre Company encourages us to face and conquer. This determination to face challenges and master them has been with us from our very beginnings…

The LLOS was born one night late in 1962 when schoolteacher and Morwell resident Isobel McLaren invited Harry Dougan, Austin Lynch and Frank Branson to join her and her husband Archie to discuss the possibility of forming an opera company in Morwell.

The foundations for what was to become the Latrobe Light Opera Society were laid that night and after much hard work the decision was made in March 1963 to stage a production of the Johann Straus operetta Die Fledermaus. This first production was booked for Morwell Town Hall and Isobel McLaren was appointed producer and musical director.

Many of the original cast members remained involved in the Company for many years and have watched it grow into the thriving, vital company that we now enjoy. The company has become a highly regarded community group, a highly respected member of the Arts community and continues to strive for excellence through sheer determination. The skills taught and the forum provided for people who share a love of theatre ensures that the theatrical life of Gippsland remains well and truly alive!

From its inception, one of the strengths of the company has been the families who share their love of theatre through performing or crewing together. Some of the children who initially watched as their parents trod the boards or crewed for a show, are now active members themselves, As time marches on, the next generation of children are continuing the family passion of theatre.

We are fortunate to have AGL (formerly Loy Yang Power) as our Corporate Patron. And so into the Future…