Our History

The Performing Arts Centre Society Inc. (PACS) was formed in 1989 and is now a leading membership-based not-for-profit resource organisation, dedicated to encouraging and supporting the visions and aspirations of performing arts practitioners in Western Australia.

In 1994, PACS initiated The Blue Room Program with the aim of providing an increased level of support to performing arts practitioners generating and producing their own work. In addition to curating The Blue Room Program, we also support play readings, actors’ workshops, and access to affordable rehearsal space and administrative resources. Become a member to enjoy these benefits and more.

Blue Room Theatre productions are generated and produced by the writers, directors, actors, technicians and managers who create them. Productions selected are given a three-week season at the venue, a small production subsidy and 90% of the door sales. Sixteen new productions are selected each year. Find out more about applying to the Blue Room Season.

For fourteen years The Performing Arts Centre Society also managed The Rechabites’ Hall on William Street – an Edwardian dance hall of significant heritage value and charm.

Artshouse

Artshouse (home of The Blue Room Theatre) was built in 1905 as part of the Perth Central School. It was the first purpose-built monitors’ school in WA, offering students the opportunity to be educated beyond primary level. The cost of building the monitors’ school was £1,506.

From the 1950s to the 1980s, Artshouse operated as part of the James Street Annex of the Perth Technical College. Artshouse is recognised as a building of significant heritage value by the Heritage Council of WA and was placed by on the permanent register in 2000.