Minister for the Arts Joy Burch has encouraged the community to help Canberra Theatre Centre celebrate their 50th anniversary on Saturday 6 June by attending a Family Fun Open Day. The free community event will have something to offer for all ages, including live entertainment for families and backstage tours. Ms Burch pointed out that The Open Day is bringing together some of Canberra and Australia’s best puppets, workshops, comedians, magicians and live bands. The stage adaption of Colin Thiele’s Storm Boy is on in The Playhouse, a Sydney Theatre Company and Barking Gecko production. Patrons can also learn of the history and share memorabilia through a panel discussion with key personalities within the Arts.
“The Canberra Theatre Centre is the main performing arts venue for the Canberra region and this is a day to celebrate all their accomplishments over the last 50 years, as well as celebrate their bright future,” Ms Burch said.
Ms Burch explained that for the last 50 years, the Centre has been a focal point for national and international touring and has been used by Australia’s leading performing arts producers and entrepreneurs showcasing works by Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Dance Company, Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company, to name a few.

Celebrations begin from 11am on Saturday 6 June and will continue into the early evening.