Managed Venue

The Empire

Share
Overview

Known as ‘the jewel in the crown of the Darling Downs’

The Empire is home to the largest regional theatre in Australia, Empire Theatre, and boasts several heritage-listed performance and function spaces. Wholly owned by Toowoomba Regional Council and managed on behalf by Empire Theatres Pty Ltd, the thriving precinct is a cultural and entertainment hub of the community.



Details

Southern Queensland Country

Interactive / Immersive, Interdisciplinary / Multi-media, Visual Theatre / Puppetry, Music Theatre / Opera, Live Music (Classical), Live Music (Contemporary), Drama, Dance, Comedy, Circus / Physical Theatre, Cabaret

Map

Southern Queensland Country

56 Neil Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350
Southern Queensland Country
#

Performance Spaces

The Empire

56 Neil Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350

Performance Space

Capacity

Venue Type

Empire Theatre
Empire Theatre

Theatre

1561

Stunning in its individual beauty and rich art-deco architecture, the heritage-listed Empire Theatre is home to the only grand proscenium arch of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

The striking mainstage offers a unique theatre experience with incredible atmosphere, beauty and state of the art capabilities. With sophisticated sound and lighting technology, a range of multi-media and special effects are available. 

The Empire Theatre can fit and move anything with notice.

  • Seating – Raked (Fixed)
  • Orchestra Pit (Moveable)
  • Stage (Fixed)
  • Grid – Truss
  • Grid – Flies
  • Layout – Proscenium Arch
Armitage Centre
Armitage Centre

Black Box / Studio

350

Opened in 2014, the Armitage Centre is a black box theatre space purposefully designed for complete versatility and adaptability. A true blank canvas, the unique flexible auditorium is equipped with state-of-the-art technical equipment and facilities including fully retractable rows of tiered seating that can be easily stowed away to provide 400m2 of open space.

Fully retractable seating for up to 350 patrons, up to 470 patrons can be accommodated for a standing event such.

Fully retractable seating for up to 350 patrons, up to 570 patrons can be accommodated for a standing event such. Round table seating capacity of up to 300.

  • Grid – Fixed
  • Layout – Cabaret
  • Seating – Raked (Moveable)
  • Seating – Flat Floor (Moveable)
  • Layout – End-on
Church Theatre
Church Theatre

Hall / Found Space

280

Originally built in 1877 as a Wesleyan Methodist Church, now deconsecrated, the Church Theatre is a venue rich with historic atmosphere, gothic beauty and classic charm, complete with breath-taking stained-glass windows, original organ pipes and stunning arches and beams.

Completely versatile as a space this venue offers the flexibility to transform the room from theatre style to elegant reception banquet in just a matter of hours.

Seating Capacity:
- 300 Theatre Style
- 150 Classroom Style
- 150 Seated at Round Banquet Tables
The Empire Theatre can fit and make anything work with notice.

  • Layout – Cabaret
  • Seating – Flat Floor (Moveable)
  • Layout – End-on
  • Stage (Moveable)
Studio
Studio

Black Box / Studio

120

Located immediately behind the Empire Theatre main stage, separated by large soundproof double doors, the Studio is a fully functional performance venue perfectly suited for rehearsals, workshops and intimate performances. 

Full technical capabilities and removable tiered seating or table seating transform this space for an ideal intimate theatre experience or private event. The Studio can be transformed further with the opening of the large double doors, which can extend the space onto the Empire Theatre main stage for a unique events experience.

Seating Capacity:
- 250 Theatre Style
- 75 U Shape
- 100 Classroom Style
- 100 Seated at Round Banquet Tables
The Empire Theatre can fit and make anything work with notice.

  • Layout – End-on
  • Grid – Fixed
  • Seating – Raked (Moveable)
Lawn
Lawn

Outdoors

The beautifully maintained gardens and grounds of The Empire precinct, the Lawn is an outdoor multifunctional space, perfect for events with a touch of ambiance—whether it's an outdoor film screening, children's arts festival with lawn games or evening cocktail function complete with festoon lights under the stars.

Acknowledgement of Country

We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

QTouring acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands, winds and water ways.

ContinueContinue

Stay up to date