Who We Are
Established in 1926
Formed in September 1926, the Launceston Players is one of the oldest – if not the oldest – community theatre group in Australia. We have entertained audiences in Tasmania with world-first, innovative and fun productions for over 90 years.
The founders of the Players were striving for excellence in local theatre and that continues to be the Players’ aim.
Over the years, we have staged everything from theatre-restaurant music hall to fully staged musicals, and classic and modern plays. We produced the first community productions of the Australian classic Dimboola and the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita. The latter was a world premiere community production attracting much attention and high acclaim for the level of standards set.
2001 saw Launceston’s first production of Les Misérables and the Players continue to stage box office hits including Picnic at Hanging Rock and "1984" in 2019 and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest in 2018.
We strive to encourage new talent in writing, performing and directing.
But the Players could do none of this without the support of the local community. We live or die on community support both from individuals and organisations including local businesses and government.
One of our community services is the running of a comprehensive theatre wardrobe which holds a range of classic costumes as well as pieces from all periods. These are made available to other local groups and community organisations for a donation or by negotiation.
However, it is our program of theatre that continues to attract the widest community support. As in the last 94 years, the Players will continue to entertain and inform current and future Launceston audiences.
Life Members:
Margaret Dick
Jeff Hockley
Jacqueline Horne (1926 -2017)
Linda Madill OAM
Gerard Maloney (1933 - 2014)
Ray Sangston
Elizabeth Santamaria
Patron:
Her Excellency, The Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania
Costumes
The Launceston Players has a most extensive range of costumes covering the styles and periods of many centuries. Some items are authentic vintage pieces and many have been donated to the company by well-wishers. However, due to the talented work of costume designers and teams of sewers, a great number of the costumes have been specially made for our productions over the years.
Currently, costumes are hired by arrangement with our wardrobe manager and it is by donation or negotiation. Please contact us to make an enquiry and for more details regarding terms and conditions.
Please Note – due to changed circumstances the Launceston Players can no longer receive donations for the wardrobe.
Set Pieces and Props
We also make our sets and props available to the community. Our range of props includes items from different periods as well as items bought or made for specific productions.
Our storeroom has a number of re-usable standard set pieces as well as unique items from the talented work of past set designers and builders.
Currently, set and props are hired by arrangement with our wardrobe manager and it is by donation or negotiation. Please contact us to make an enquiry and for more details regarding terms and conditions.
Constitution
Click here to read The Launceston Players Society Constitution