Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (The Joan)

The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (The Joan) was opened in 1990 with a community celebration and a Gala Concert performance by Dame Joan Sutherland accompanied by Richard Bonynge. The Centre initially housed the Penrith Conservatorium of Music, the Richard Bonynge Concert Hall and the Allan Mullins Studio but in 2005 it was upgraded to include the Q Theatre, extended Conservatorium facilities and a large atrium foyer.

Since 1990, The Joan has continued to attract musicians and performers of the highest international standard and has developed a deserved reputation as a performance venue and teaching centre of excellence with many thousands of talented musicians and performers making use of the Joan and our teaching facility – the Penrith Conservatorium of Music.

Boasting facilities to accommodate from 1 to 580 people, the Joan is an ideal venue for your next conference or event, with access to professional staff, catering and conference equipment. The Joan boasts a 660 seat concert hall, 380 seat drama theatre, 90 seat performance studio, 2 Foyers, 2 Bars and 27 Meeting Rooms — it’s the perfect venue.

The Joan is also now home to the relocated Q Theatre Company (formerly Railway Street Theatre Company and originally the Q). For over thirty years the company has presented the very best in theatre performances and is, without question, one of Australia’s great theatre treasures. Through the year The Joan will present some of the best theatre for young audiences made by some of Australia’s top touring companies.

Penrith Conservatorium of Music offers professional tuition for students, from beginners to concert standard, in most musical instruments including voice, theory, musicianship and composition.

The Q is a contemporary theatre production program based at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith. StudioQ is the Q’s theatre training program for young people aged 5-18 years.

Facilities:  The Joan is committed to ensuring access for all people. The theatres are equipped with space for wheelchairs, hearing loop for patrons with impaired hearing, audio described performances for visually impaired patrons.

There is a lift to all levels of the building and flat, accessible pathways to seating.

Getting There:  Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is at 597 High Street, Penrith (next to the Penrith Plaza shopping centre and Penrith Library). From the M4 motorway take the Mulgoa Road turn-off to Penrith. Fast train services leave regularly for Penrith from the country train platforms at Central Station.

Parking: Accessible parking (nearby Council car park and Westfield car park) and accessible pathways to venue. You can view a map here.

Places to visit nearby: Council Chambers, Penrith City Library and Westfield shopping centre.