ABOUT US
From humble beginnings as the Murray River Performance Group to standing strong as one of the last remaining professional theatre companies in regional Australia, HotHouse has a rich and celebrated history of commissioning, producing, nurturing and presenting new, contemporary Australian theatre within a vibrant regional setting.
At HotHouse, we are not just creating productions – we are shaping a culture that is embedded in place and grounded in trust, participation, and shared experience. We believe regional theatre can be an agent of transformation, a catalyst for conversation, and a bright bridge between artists and audiences.
VISION
To be Australia’s most community connected theatre company.
PURPOSE
To create and present irresistible theatre that centres the community, celebrates place, and inspires lasting connections.
VALUES
Courage
Respect
Belonging
Stewardship
Our work reaches beyond the walls of our venues, taking place in unexpected settings – through site-responsive performances, regional partnerships, and digital platforms that extend our reach. Our spaces are places for civic dialogue and social reflection—where stories are not just told but lived and shared across generations.
STRATEGIC GOALS
Community Connection
Theatre That Matters
Artist Development
Outstanding Governance
OUR
HISTORY
In 1996, during a period that saw the demise of many regionally based theatre companies in Australia, the board of the Murray River Performing Group decided that the structure which had carried the Company through its first sixteen years was no longer the most effective way to achieve the aspirations and goals of the Company. Local audiences were now seeking out work of the calibre found on the main stages of major cities.
The mission of the newly formed HotHouse Theatre was to challenge the immediate and wider communities with locally produced, high quality, professional theatre. The role of Artistic Director was expanded into an Artistic Directorate of (initially) 12 key individuals – a mix of local arts workers and others from state capital cities.
The enthusiastic response from a number of prominent industry professionals allowed HotHouse to grow and thrive in the local region. This core group became effective advocates for HotHouse, and were active in liaising with funding bodies and producers on behalf of the Company.
Since its beginning, the Artistic Directorate has always featured an eclectic mix of skills in directing, writing, dramaturgy, design, choreography, music, composing, performing, programming, strategic planning and arts advocacy.
As the company evolved, the return to a single Artistic Director model allowed HotHouse to maintain connections to the local and national artistic community through various consultative groups.