About Us

Back in 1964, a small group of people voiced the need for a musical comedy group in Wollongong.
As their enthusiasm grew, a name for the Group was needed. Founder member Dallas Blake perceived
the idea of Arcadian, pertaining to "Arcadia" (L. Arcadius), a place of happiness. Thus the
ARCADIANS was born and their first production - "The Boyfriend" was staged in June, 1964.

The early days of the Group saw properties housed in garages and rehearsals conducted at a
variety of venues. In March, 1979, the Group was at last able to rehearse in its own hall,
on land donated by BHP and subsequently purchased by the Group.

This was our home until 30 May, 1997 when we purchased the Corrimal Community Hall and Library
complex, with the aim of developing it into a state-of-the-art theatre, giving us the unique
position amongst other amateur theatre groups of owning a performance space, building a new home
of our own, and becoming an integral part of the cultural environment of Wollongong's northern
suburbs.

In February 1997, we were listed on the National Cultural Register, enabling corporations and
members of the general public to receive tax exemption's for their donations towards the Group's
building fund.

Today, the Arcadians Theatre Group is quite possibly one of the largest amateur theatrical
families in Australia. Our Group was instrumental in the development of the Illawarra Performing
Arts Centre and in 1993, we celebrated 30 years of entertaining the people of the Illawarra with
the biggest grossing non-metropolitan performance of "Les Miserables".

Many charities and groups in the area have benefited from donations raised by our members, either
through specific fundraising or by donating a percentage of box office. Charities we have supported
in recent times include Camp Quality, the Wollongong Hospital Children's Ward Appeal, the Smith
Family and the Red Cross.

Performing in a range of venues, with a membership of around 200-250, comprising members of general
members, the Arcadian Children's Theatre, the Arcadians' Minstrels and the Arcadians' Lamplighters
choruses we hope to continue the Arcadians tradition well into the 21st century.

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