Things are said to be tough in the performing arts at the moment but the Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has nevertheless reported its highest revenue in the company’s 45-year history, with total income reaching $47 million in 2024. The company has reported a dramatic rise in operations revenue, audience reach and national and international touring.

Sydney Theatre Company Wharf Theatres, Walsh Bay. Photo © Brett Boardman

The result is a robust bounce-back after years of sector-wide instability post-COVID. Notably, the theatre’s operations revenue surged from $10.1 million in 2023 to $37.7 million, thanks in no small part to the amount of touring the company undertook. This figure includes box office returns, royalties, touring income, venue hire fees, and food and beverage commissions.

The company also generated good income from hosting external arts companies and commercial producers at its Roslyn Packer and Wharf Theatres. An additional 51,476 people attended non-STC events at its venues in 2024, including Sydney Festival performances.

Core government funding from Create NSW and Creative Australia represented 6.7 percent of STC’s total revenue and income in the reporting period. In 2024, STC received just over $3 million in...