Frankston Theatre Group has been operating for more than 70 years and has continuously provided opportunities for involvement in community theatre.

The group started as a fundraising activity for the Red Cross in 1942, but it quickly developed with the enthusiastic support of the Frankston community.

As a founding member of the Victorian Drama League, FTG hosted its early one-act play festivals that ran for a few weeks. These plays would draw entrants from all over the metropolitan area. Consistently producing three to four productions annually, the group showcased new actors and directors.

Its vision statement proclaims: “Frankston Theatre Group seeks to be a vital, financially sound organisation committed to presenting a broad range of theatrical work to the widest possible audience, at a very high level of quality, while affording members the opportunity to develop and contribute their skills for their own satisfaction and for the entertainment of the public.”

FTG would regularly perform in the Frankston Mechanics Hall from the 1940s until 2001, even after it was rebuilt after a fire in 1954.  The group also performed in high school auditoriums, St James the Less Church Hall, Mt Eliza Community Centre and George Jenkins Theatre. More recently, FTG has staged productions at the Frankston Arts Centre after it opened in 1995, and at Cube 37.

Many members have been inspired by their experiences in community theatre and have moved on to undertake studies in the field, chasing professional careers within the performing arts.

The group’s next production, A Sting in the Tale, will be performed on Friday, July 28, Saturday, July 29, Friday, August 4, and Saturday, August 5, at 8pm, with a matinee on Sunday, August 6, at 2pm.

To become a member or find out about upcoming auditions and plays, visit the FTG website at frankstontheatregroup.org.au