The Living Room Theatre

The Living Room Theatre is an independent contemporary company with an explicit mission to challenge systemic attitudes toward violence and trauma through multi-sensory, non-linear performance practice. Its programming includes a mixture of live events, concerts, forums and long-form research projects that foreground trauma, memory and the female body. Recent and upcoming activities referenced on the site include performances and conversations such as BELIEVE & BUCK/SPENCE, Culture Is Not An Industry, album launch concerts by Asteroid Ekosystem, and inclusive ensemble projects like Splinter Orchestra; the company also publishes sector reflections and an annual report documenting governance and strategic development. 21 Shepherd is the company’s purpose-designed, warehouse-style rehearsal and event venue in Marrickville (on Gadigal land). The site is presented as a durable creative home intended to support sustained performative research rather than transient hire. It comprises two large studio spaces that convert to event areas for rehearsals, workshops, classes, talks, informal showings and private or commercial functions, with a stated maximum gathering capacity of up to 100 people. The venue’s technical and amenity profile includes an expansive sprung vinyl dance floor, a Kawai grand piano, a naturally lit “sound club,” kitchen and bathroom facilities, a shower and production area, two loading docks and high-speed Wi‑Fi. All onsite amenities are available to hirers. Practical details relevant to community-oriented operators and co-living groups: standard access hours are 9am–10pm daily, with the possibility of out-of-hours hires by request. Users are warned the venue sits under a flight path and some events may be affected by local aircraft noise (“the Marrickville Pause”). Booking requires signing a 21 Shepherd Hire Agreement at time of reservation; public liability insurance must be held and made available on request. Signing the agreement constitutes acceptance of the venue’s Conditions of Hire. The space is operated by The Living Room Theatre with philanthropic support credited to Peter Keogh and Michelle St Anne; enquiries are directed to the Artistic Director via michelle@livingroomtheatre.org. For co-living platforms assessing shared-use creative spaces, 21 Shepherd offers a stable, well-equipped studio model that supports both ongoing artistic practice and occasional community-facing programming. Its combination of performance-grade infrastructure, adaptable event capacity and clear hire protocols positions it as a venue suited to collaborative rehearsal, workshops and social events, subject to scheduling and acoustic considerations related to the local flight path. The Living Room Theatre maintains cultural protocols, acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodianship of the land.