Foundry Theatre

Creating a new theatre within a working theatre.

Foundation Theatres identified an opportunity to create a premium mid-sized performance venue within the Sydney Lyric, filling a gap between Sydney’s large commercial theatres and smaller performance spaces.

The vision was ambitious: transform an underutilised rear-stage dock into a fully independent theatre capable of hosting musical theatre, comedy, cabaret, contemporary music and immersive productions, all while the 2,000-seat Sydney Lyric continued to operate.

The new venue required flexible seating and performance configurations, specialist acoustic, lighting and rigging systems, and new backstage facilities, all within a highly constrained footprint.

Programming around live performances.

RCP provided project management and programming services from planning through to operational readiness, coordinating consultants, contractors, specialist theatre systems and venue operations.

Programming was central to delivery. RCP developed and maintained a detailed programme around Sydney Lyric’s performance schedule, carefully managing site access, construction sequencing and limited shutdown windows to minimise disruption to live theatre operations.

RCP also coordinated the complex interfaces between architectural works, specialist theatre systems and operational requirements, supporting the transition from construction to a fully functioning performance venue.

A new stage for Sydney.

Opened in February 2025, Foundry Theatre transformed a dormant part of Sydney Lyric into a purpose-built live performance venue accommodating up to 360 seated patrons or 630 standing guests.

Its adaptable configuration allows the venue to host a broad range of productions and performance styles, realising Foundation Theatres’ long-held vision and creating a new platform for contemporary performance and audiences in Sydney.