History

Welcome To The Pavilion Theatre… The Home of The Castle Hill Players

In 2006 the Castle Hill Players Celebrated 40 years in The Pavilion Theatre

The Pavilion Theatre is a non-profit theatre located in the Hills District, Sydney. It is home to The Castle Hill Players, one of the most respected amateur theatre companies in Australia.

Every year, the Pavilion Theatre presents a season of entertaining, exciting and thought-provoking plays — and we are always seeking new members to join us in this exhilarating endeavour. Whether your dream is to dazzle an audience on stage or take part in the demanding, rewarding world of ‘back stage’ as a stage manager, lighting designer, sound technician, costume co-ordinator or even try your hand at directing — we’d like to hear from you.

Auditions and calls for backstage crew are announced in the Members’ Newsletter, and on this website. Lack of experience is no barrier — many of our most experienced members came to the Pavilion with very little previous theatrical involvement. Enthusiam is all you need. We also hold workshops from time to time, in areas such as acting, lighting, directing, to help our members widen their skills.

So if you’d like to get involved with the Pavilion Theatre don’t be shy — call or email and we’ll put you in touch with our Membership Officer.

Back in the old days…

Since the 1920s, a rustic pavilion with an elegant A-line roof has sat at the heart of the Castle Hill Showground. Originally known as the Taylor Pavilion, it was home to prized chickens on Show Day. In 1966, it was re-opened as the new home for the Castle Hill Players, who transformed the building into a unique community theatre – which continues to delight local theatre lovers 40 years later. Since its earliest years, the Pavilion has been a forum for members to gain new skills and expand their knowledge and experience of theatre craft. The hundreds of diverse members include highly-skilled amateurs, theatrical novices, university students, and arts industry professionals. All have a committed and enthusiastic approach to live theatre as an exciting and rewarding cultural activity. Our policy of holding public auditions also ensures that we attract members from all areas of Sydney.

Hills Young Playwright Awards

In 2004 the Pavilion Theatre instigated the Hills Young Playwright Awards (HYPA). Young people residing in the Hills District were eligible to enter an original play, no longer than ten minutes, with a chance of winning a share of $1000 prize money.  Sponsored by the Baulkham Hills Shire Council and the Pavilion Theatre, HYPA attracted 13 entries in two categories, 12 to 15 years and 16 yo 19 years.  The plays were judged by a panel on the writing of the plays.  The ten finalists saw their plays produced and performed as play readings by the Castle Hill Players at two gala evenings in December when the winners were announced.   HYPA was mounted again in 2005, this time adding to the criteria that young people who studied and worked in the Hills District could enter, not just those residing in the area.  Again sponsored by the Baulkham Hills Shire Council and the Pavilion Theatre, two successful gala nights were staged in December 2005, with play reading performances of the finalists’ entries.

The Castle Hill Players 50th Birthday Gala

In 2004, the Castle Hill Players reached a milestone: 50 years of providing quality theatrical entertainment to the Hills District. To celebrate this fabulous achievement we held a celebration cabaret. The performances consisted of a selection of patrons and members’ favourite plays, memorable skits and amusing anecdotes, with a dance and a song thrown in for good measure. Those who took part were members past and present, many of whom have been involved with the theatre for decades. It was a wonderful chance for Pavilion Theatre supporters and members alike to party and reminisce about the good old days … and eagerly anticipate the next 50 years.