As one of the longest running youth theatre companies in Australia, GSODA provides production-based theatre and performance training to young performers aged between 10 and 17 years old.

Each year, the organisation produces several high-standard amateur theatre experiences for the community, including specific school performances to provide students with the opportunity to experience live performance and engage in creative learning.

After being without a home since 2022, GSODA has continued to deliver programs, rehearsals and performances from multiple venues across Greater Geelong while searching for a permanent base.

Following an open Expression of Interest process to lease the hall at 50 Westmoreland Street, Whittington, the City selected GSODA as the successful applicant.

The appointment provides long-term certainty for the much-loved community organisation and creates a pathway for the site to evolve into a vibrant hub for local performing arts activity.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

For generations, GSODA has nurtured young talent, created opportunities for participation in the arts and brought our community closer together through live performance.

Despite the challenges of operating without a permanent home, they have continued to inspire young people and deliver outstanding opportunities for our community.

After years of uncertainty, we are delighted to support GSODA’s long-term future by selecting the organisation as the preferred tenant for this site.

We look forward to partnering with GSODA and watching this facility evolve into a vibrant community hub that supports creativity, connection and performance for years to come.

GSODA Inc President Bernadette Uzelac AM

For nearly 100 years GSODA has been at the heart of community theatre in Geelong. We are incredibly grateful to City of Greater Geelong for the opportunity to secure a permanent home for our young creatives aged 10–17.

The City’s strong support for the performing arts, and particularly community youth theatre, is deeply appreciated.

A permanent home will provide our young people with a dedicated space to learn, create, perform and develop their confidence and creativity, while helping to build the next generation of local performers and theatre-makers.

This is an exciting opportunity for GSODA and the wider community, and we look forward to continuing our long-standing contribution to the cultural life of Geelong for many years to come.