The building was designed by architectural firm Allen Jack+Cottier and was opened in 1975. Internal refurbishments were carried out in 2000, designed by Lahz Nimmo Architects.
As well as the public performance areas, the building provides accommodation for the Department of Music at the University of Sydney.
History
Sydney businessman, Everest York Seymour, died in 1966 and left a significant bequest for ‘...the construction of a building to serve as a centre for the cultivation, education and performance of musical and dramatic arts...'. The University of Sydney became the trustee of this bequest, and Allen Jack+Cottier were commissioned to design a performing arts centre to be known as The Seymour Centre.
In July 2021, the University of Sydney was awarded an A$40 million grant from the Australian Government's Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund for Australia's creative and entertainment sector. The grant enabled the delivery of 178 performances to 19,000+ audiences through 16 months of multi-genre productions and events.[1]
Performance venues and facilities
The York Theatre
The York is the largest theatre in the centre, with seating for 780 patrons. It has a Thrust stage configuration, with seats in a semi-circular, amphitheatre-style arrangement and is used for drama and musical performances, and spoken-word events.[2]
The Everest Theatre
The Everest theatre is an end-stage theatre, seating up to 605, depending on configuration. It was designed for musical performances and includes a variety of acoustic features to manipulate and control sound quality, but is also used for theatrical and dance performances.[2]
The Reginald Theatre
The Reginald Theatre, previously known as the Downstairs Theatre is a smaller, informal Studio theatre, seating up to 200, with a wide variety of uses.[2]
The Sound Lounge
An intimate cabaret style venue for up to 120, which serves light meals and refreshments.[2]
Restaurants and Bars
Refreshments are available on each level, including a coffee cart in the main foyer. A BBQ also operates in the front courtyard opposite the main entrance, from one and a half hours prior to selected shows.
Program
Each year the Centre presents a wide range of performing arts productions and events; plays host to a number of festivals; provides an education program; presents children's theatre; and produces dance, theatre and music productions. The University of Sydney student revues are held at the Seymour each year, as well as many end-of-year dance school concerts.[citation needed]
The Seymour Sessions are an annual series of music events taking place at Seymour Centre.[3] Founded in 2012, they feature emerging local artists, and were for years curated by publisher and events organiser Larry Heath, of Heath Media.[4][5] Running each Friday[6] from early February (formerly January[7]) through to mid-March each year, the sessions feature free live music, food, and drink.[8][5] The event is presented in partnership with the City of Sydney.[9] A special session is run in association with the Sydney Mardi Gras.[10]
