Venue Finder
Image: Club Clocktower: Kong's Takeover by Florence Albert
In need of a venue?
Midsumma Festival is open access, which means that anyone can register to be part of the program.
You will need a confirmed venue to register your event for the festival. Registrations close on 1st September 2023, so ensure you have secured a venue in good time to complete your registration.
The venues below are currently seeking expressions of interest from those interested in performing at their venue as part of Midsumma Festival 2024. Any other venues wishing to be included in this list are invited to do so by emailing [email protected] after registering on Eventotron.
Get in touch with venues directly to discuss your event's needs and see if you're a good fit. Once you have secured a venue, you will need to add the venue to your event in Eventotron and your venue will need to accept.
Adding a Venue in Eventotron
- Log in to Eventotron
- Go to Step 9: Add Venue on your event registration.
- Once you find a venue that you like, select "More Info" and then "Apply to...". You'll then be prompted to provide a brief introductory note.
- We strongly advise that you then contact the venue directly to discuss your event in more detail.
- Once the venue accepts your application, it will appear in the next step. You will then be able to input the dates, times, duration, capacity and pricing details of your event.
You can also request venue advice from the Midsumma team by emailing [email protected].
Venues Seeking Expressions of Interest
CBD & DOCKLANDS
A bar and arts space in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
SPACE CAPACITY
35-40 people
ACCESSIBILITY
Not wheelchair accessible - the venue has 4 steps to enter it and a set of stairs to get down to the event space
CONTACT
For enquiries contact Matthew Molony 0481 134 686 or [email protected]
A small, intimate theatre in Melbourne CBD dedicated to presenting small independent works.
SPACE CAPACITY
76 people and 48 people
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility (for performers and audiences) - Not wheelchair accessible, but open to working in other ways to provide a more accessible space.
CONTACT
For enquiries contact The Butterfly Club at https://thebutterflyclub.com/enquiries.
Located on Flinders Street, diagonally opposite the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium, Speakeasy Theatre is located in a stunning 1850s built heritage listed building, and comprises two theatres, the Apollo (60 seat drink table seating) and the Vault, an intimate 30 seat theatre.
APOLLO
The Apollo Theatre comprises three small stages; the main one at the front and one at the side and back which can be used during performances.
SPACE CAPACITY
60 people
ACCESSIBILITY
Assistance is required for wheelchair access - one step into the theatre hallway, and one step down into the theatre. Please note the toilets are NOT accessible, however neighbour The Waterside Hotel offers their facilities. There is a parking special exclusive to secure a spot in Flinders Lane directly behind the Speakeasy building.
CONTACT
For complete details see speakeasytheatre.com.au/venue-hire. To make enquiries, email [email protected].
THE VAULT
The Vault Melbourne is the newest theatre to open in the heart of Melbourne.
With its own entrance in true speakeasy style, bar and service space. The intimate, boutique and bespoke theatre, located in the basement of the building that was once a gold-rush era bank, The Vault Melbourne presents a stunning environment to showcase the greatest live performance. Capacity is 20-30 seats with various layout and furniture options available from decadent lounges to theatre seating its completely versatile.
SPACE CAPACITY
30 people
CONTACT
For complete details see speakeasytheatre.com.au/venue-hire. To make enquiries, email [email protected].
NORTH
Beans, located at 325 Smith St Fitzroy, is Melbourne’s first lesbian, trans, non-binary and neurodivergent friendly bar! With comfy indoor seating and an adorable courtyard!
SPACE CAPACITY
110pax
CONTACT
Email [email protected] to enquire.
Located in the heart of Brunswick, the historic Brunswick Town Hall offers a large hall space with polished floorboards, along with an optional raised stage.
SPACE CAPACITY
- 180 banquet style set-up
- 200 theatre style set-up
- 350 standing room
ACCESSIBILITY
- Disability accessible and DDA compliant toilets that are shared with the general public during business hours.
- Building accessible from footpath, with slight lip over foyer doors.
- Road access onto Sydney Rd via curb cutout. Please note cobblestone gutters along street.
CONTACT
For more information, please contact [email protected]
Darebin Arts Centre is the home of choice for artists, creators and innovators in Melbourne’s north.
Their mission is to provide an accessible, affordable and fit-for-purpose arts facility. The venue offers exciting opportunities for artists to engage with each other, their audiences, and the community. It includes a welcoming foyer and bar, which offers barista coffee, snacks and beverages from local suppliers.
SPACE CAPACITY
Darebin Theatre: Seated Capacity 385
Grevillea Room: Seated Capacity 150
Studio Room: Seated Capacity 50
Banksia Gallery: Seated Capacity 30
Unique Performance Space 1: Orchestra Pit: Seated Capacity 30
Unique Performance Space 2: Dressing Rooms: Seated Capacity 40
ACCESSIBILITY
There is a wheelchair lift that can provide access between the ground floor level and stage level of the theatre.
There is an accessible entrance, reception, and theatre seating
Assistive hearing system and bathroom facilities (including the option of gender-neutral toilets) are available
There are 136 free onsite car parking spaces including four accessible parking spaces.
CONTACT
Please contact [email protected] to enquire.
BLACK BOX THEATRE
Image: Matto Lucas @mattolucasphotography
The Motley Bauhaus' Black Box Theatre is the largest and most equipped of their performance spaces. Located to the rear of the ground-floor main bar, it features a full RGBA LED lighting rig with either manual and digital control, a solid sound system, 4k projector and stage sized screen. It suits anything from solo comedy shows, to full original musicals and everything in between.
It has a raked seating bank of vintage cinema seats, but sightlines do decrease further back in the room.
The space is almost entirely sound and light proof.
Typically programming spots are for shows under 60 mins, who can changeover with another production in 30 mins - but we can accomodate works with different requirements on discussion
SPACE CAPACITY
67pax
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible for audiences and performers
CONTACT
Email Program Manager at [email protected] to enquire
CABARET STAGE
Image: Matto Lucas @mattolucasphotography
Located upstairs on the first floor of the venue, this flexible performance space is best suited to productions with small casts, and limited set and props. It is a long room closed off from the gallery via curtains, and as such has mild sound-bleed during busy times. It features a small wooden thrust stage, a mix of LED and conventional lighting, a sound system, and a 4k projector with roll down screen.
Typically programming spots are for shows under 60 mins, who can changeover with another production in 15 mins - but we can accomodate works with different requirements on discussion
SPACE CAPACITY
This space seats 58pax in standard flat rows, or 44pax with 20pax on cabaret tables, and 22pax on rows.
ACCESSIBILITY
This space is not wheelchair accessible.
CONTACT
Email Program Manager at [email protected] to enquire
GALLERY
Image: Matto Lucas @mattolucasphotography
The Motley Bauhaus' visual arts gallery is located upstairs on the first floor of the venue. This tucked away gem features over 17m2 of white wall space and positionable rail lighting in a stunning light-filled interior. Exposed brick and dark stained wood are highlighted by the high pitched roof with massive skylights - bringing light and warmth into the space. The gallery extends in a 'U' shape, around a central green space and staircase.
They are seeking exhibitions from individuals or groups looking to fill the space. Artistic mediums can range from traditional works on canvas, to sculpture, digital and interactive... and more, your creativity is the limit!
Included in hire is 1x opening night event.
ACCESSIBILITY
This space is not wheelchair accessible.
CONTACT
Email Program Manager at [email protected] to enquire
Studio Nexus is a purpose-built, black box style circus venue in Preston as part of Circus Nexus' new home. A versatile space with 6 and 8 metre high rigging points, in a 100 seat accessible theatre space. The venue offers a licensed bar.
SPACE CAPACITY
100 people
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible for audiences and performers.
CONTACT
Please email [email protected] to enquire.
HOUSE OF LOVE
Located in Fitzroy.
Stage 6.4m wide, 2.2 deep, cordless mics available.
SPACE CAPACITY
70 seated.
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible.
CONTACT
Email [email protected] to enquire.
SHOWROOM
Located in Fitzroy.
Stage 4.4m wide, 3.3 deep, cordless mics available.
SPACE CAPACITY
120 seated at tables/200 standing only or mixed seating and standing also available
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible.
CONTACT
Email [email protected] to enquire.
WEST
The Bluestone Church Arts Space is a flexible performance space at 8A Hyde Street, Footscray. he former Wesleyan Church offers an open plan, flat wooden floor space and exceptionally high ceilings, with a performance area of approximately 120m². For Midsumma Festival the venue is programmed through an Expression of Interest process (with a focus on supporting artists from Melbourne's West), and is suitable for small-scale performances including comedy, cabaret, live music, dance, theatre or similar.
The Visual Guide for this venue can be found here.
SPACE CAPACITY
80 pax (seated) / 100 pax (standing)
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible for performers and audiences via Napier Place entrance. Once inside, all facilities are level.
CONTACT
Expression of interest form and further details available here.
Maribyrnong City Council are looking to support local event producers, artists and venues with discounted registration fees. If you’re thinking about registering an event in Maribyrnong’s Municipality or if you’ve already submitted an event registration then they would love to hear from you!
CONTACT
Please email [email protected] for further information.
SOUTH
CHAPEL THEATRE
The Chapel’s unique history and heritage allow it to offer a truly iconic venue which lends itself to live music, drama, music theatre, opera and dance.
SPACE CAPACITY
240 people - Raked seating bank - stage flat to the floor (rostra available)
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible via the main entrance.
Backstage has two large dressing rooms with accessible toilet/shower and lift facilities.
CONTACT
Please email [email protected] for further information.
THE LOFT
The Loft is a versatile black box theatre. The intimate nature of the Loft makes it the perfect venue for cabaret, drama, comedy, music theatre and small dance pieces.
The Loft is a converted Church hall and not purpose built for theatre - site visits are a necessity prior to booking.
SPACE CAPACITY
The stage is flat to the floor and there is a raked seating bank with a capacity of 150.
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible via the main entrance.
CONTACT
Please email [email protected] for further information.
The MC Showroom is known as an off-broadway style venue located in the heart of Prahran, Victoria. Committed to delivering a premium, professional, yet affordable theatre experience for artists and the general public alike, it contains two performance spaces, as well as an in-house music production suite. A creative hub that offers credibility and versatility.
THE CLUBROOM
The Clubroom is a 30 - 35 seat theatrette, with a luxurious salon-lounge style atmosphere. Equipped with a basic sound and lighting system, it is a great space for stand-up comedy, intimate cabaret performances, open mic, spoken word, close-up magic, burlesque, piano bar and the testing of new material.
SPACE CAPACITY
30-35 people
ACCESSIBILITY
We are situated on the second level (Level 1) of 50 Clifton St. We can be accessed by stairs only.
There are 25 steps (including 2 landings) and handrails on both sides from street to foyer. Despite our efforts, due to the age and configuration of the building, unfortunately wheelchair accessibility cannot be accommodated.
CONTACT
Please email [email protected] to enquire.
THE SHOWROOM
The Showroom is a black-box theatre with a generous sized stage, it accommodates a comfortable capacity of 80 - 100. Its classy theatrical atmosphere and great acoustics make it a perfect venue for musicals, drama, cabaret, circus, music & dance. The well-appointed backstage area allows co-existence of two to three production teams concurrently, with assignments of their own dressing room(s) and exclusive zones.
SPACE CAPACITY
80-100 people
ACCESSIBILITY
We are situated on the second level (Level 1) of 50 Clifton St. We can be accessed by stairs only.
There are 25 steps (including 2 landings) and handrails on both sides from street to foyer. Despite our efforts, due to the age and configuration of the building, unfortunately wheelchair accessibility cannot be accommodated.
CONTACT
Please email [email protected] to enquire.
Theatre Works is a creative centre and venue in the heart of St. Kilda. TW supports innovative arts practitioners through collaborations, partnerships and the imaginative use of its space and resources. Theatre Works is a venue focused on providing a flexible, friendly, technically equipped, well-maintained and financially viable theatre space supportive of emerging artists and artistic trends.
Theatre Works is now accepting project proposals for our 2024-25 mainstage seasons (including Midsumma Festival). Victorian and interstate indie artists, companies, collectives, directors, writers, producers and makers are invited to apply.
Deadline: Sunday 20 August at 5pm. A.E.S.T
CONTACT
Please see Theatre Works' expressions of interest page for more information and to apply.
THEATREWORKS
SPACE CAPACITY
144 people
ACCESSIBILITY
This space is wheelchair accessible via the main entrance.
EXPLOSIVES FACTORY
SPACE CAPACITY
60 people
ACCESSIBILITY
This space is not wheelchair accessible.
The Victorian Pride Centre will celebrate Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQ+ community, paving new directions for its future and honouring its brave, and at times, difficult past. It will provide an uplifting expression of welcome, engagement and belonging.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Victorian Pride Centre welcomes visitors with all kinds of access needs. We are fully DDA compliant, in addition, the following structural design and operational elements have been undertaken
-
- Wheelchair accessible entrance with no ramps
- Accessible toilets on all floors except rooftop
- Accessible toilet with a personal automated hoist on the ground floor (currently under design)
- All toilet facilities are all-gender
- All floors accessible by elevators, positioned by the stairs, with voice descriptions, and slow closing doors
- 2 public accessible carparks in basement
- Lighting design to meet low sensory needs (including dimmable lights in all meeting rooms)
- Assistance animals are welcome
- Floor plan flow ensures movement around all areas of the building
- Wayfinding/directional signage all DDA compliant
- Public reflection room for quiet space
- Platform designed into the main stairs to accommodate wheelchair users
- Hearing loop in theatrette/multipurpose space
- All videos captioned or Auslan interpreted where possible
CONTACT
For further information and to express your interest, please see here. You can also email [email protected].
THE FORUM
SPACE CAPACITY
205 pax
THEATRETTE
SPACE CAPACITY
100 pax
ROOFTOP
SPACE CAPACITY
250 pax
