Our story begins in 1935 when Miss Gertrude Johnson OBE, a dynamic figure in the performing arts in London and Melbourne, founded the National Theatre Movement, Victoria – an enterprise dedicated to nurturing the talents of young Australians in the performing arts.
Gertrude was the National’s Director – an honorary position she held for the rest of her life. She established the National Theatre Drama School in 1936 and the National Theatre Ballet School in 1939.
In 1969, Gertrude appointed Melbourne music identity John Cargher to be the schools’ administrator.
Three years later in 1971 the National Theatre Movement purchased the 2500 seat Victory cinema, which opened in 1921. Preserving the building’s striking Beaux-Art architectural style, extensive renovations were undertaken in 1972 and the newly formed National Theatre opened in 1974.  Read More