The tradition of theatre in Australia began with the advent of Europeans on its shores in the 1780s. However, most of the features of Australian Theatre are remnant of the traditions that were carried over from Europe. Of course, over time, with local and indigenous influences like culture, tradition and practices, these forms have metamorphosed and developed into distinct and individual forms altogether. The earliest Australian theatre, between the years 1788 and 1849, showcased a distinctly British operas style. However, the 'Golden' era of theatre and plays in Australia lasted between the years 1850 and 1899. It was in this era that Australia got over its European hangover and acquired an individuality that rendered most of the plays written in this era a masterpiece. Moreover, in this era, production houses staged a majority of indigenously written plays. In the 1920s there was a boom of musical comedies in Amireca; as a result the tradition followed suite in Australia and this genre acquired considerable fame. Even through all this, it was not until the 1950s that a proper theatre academy was set up in Australia. The first such institution was the National Institute of Dramatic Art or NIDA. It began operating in 1958 in Sidney.

Today there are several, theatres, production companies, playwrights and even festivals to further the cause of theatres and plays in Australia. Of the theatre festivals, the South West One Act Drama Festival and the Adelaide Arts Festival are the most popular. Also theatre companies like the Stage Artz Theatre Company have become a popular phenomenjon. A few names of popular theatres and playwrights scattered throughout Australia are given below:

Theatre Name: The Little Theatre (Bunbury), Cube 37 - Frankston Art Centre, QUT Gardens Theatre, Dolphin Theatre, Charlton Bar and Theatre Restaurant, New Fortune Theatre, Lazy Susan's Comedy Den, Octagon Theatre, Bakehouse Theatre, Cardinia Cultural Centre, Scienceworks, Heidelberg Theatre, Basement Theatre, Burnie Civic Theatre, Wollongong Workshop Theatre, CAVERN THEATRE, Ararat Performing Arts Centre, Erindale Theatre, The Playhouse, Kucom Theatre,

Illustrious Playwrights: Frederick Knott, Michael Dalton, Charles and Ellen Kean, Harry Rickards, JC Williamson, Betty Roland, Katharine Susannah Pritchard, Sumner Locke Elliott, June Jago, David Williamson, Barry Oakley, Jack Hibberd, Jack Davis and Jimmy Chi.