About Free-Rain Theatre Company
Founded in 1995 by Artistic Director and Producer Anne Somes, Free-Rain Theatre Company has been bringing theatre to Canberra audiences for more than three decades.
Under Anne’s leadership, Free-Rain has presented an extensive range of productions, including musicals, plays, cabaret, new Australian works, children’s theatre and youth productions. Along the way, the company and its artists have received numerous awards and industry recognition, including seven Canberra Critics Circle Awards.
Free-Rain is passionate about creating engaging theatrical experiences, supporting local artists and providing opportunities for performers and creatives to develop their skills and experience. Through our productions and emerging artist initiatives, we continue to contribute to the diversity and vitality of Canberra’s performing arts community.
Our History
Since its founding in 1995, Free-Rain Theatre Company has grown into an established part of Canberra’s theatre community, presenting productions across a range of venues and theatrical styles.
- 1995: Free-Rain Theatre Company is founded by Anne Somes.
- 1999: Free-Rain becomes Company in Residence at Currong Contemporary Arts Theatre under the auspices of Jigsaw Theatre Company.
- 2000: The company moves to the Courtyard Studio at Canberra Theatre Centre, where it continues to perform until 2015.
- 2002: Anne Somes establishes the Emerging Artists Program, supporting and mentoring actors, directors, writers and production personnel.
- 2009: The Emerging Artists Program expands to include internships with the ANU Drama Department, colleges and high schools. Anne also serves as Director in Residence at Erindale College.
- 2013–2016: Free-Rain presents large-scale musical theatre productions at Canberra Theatre Centre, including The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid and Wicked.
- 2017: Free-Rain establishes its ongoing presence at The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, presenting large-scale musical productions for audiences across the Canberra region.
Free-Rain continues to build on this history, bringing new productions to the stage while creating opportunities for local performers and creatives.
Artistic Leadership
Anne Somes has led Free-Rain Theatre Company since its foundation, directing and producing an extensive body of work across musical theatre, plays, cabaret and youth performance.
In 2019, Anne was a finalist in the ACT Telstra Business Women’s Awards. She also served as a judge for the Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Awards from 2007 to 2017 and has been a judge for The Ovations since 2022.
Our Home at ACT Hub
Free-Rain Theatre Company is one of three theatre companies that make up ACT Hub, alongside Chaika Theatre and Everyman Theatre. Founded by Anne Somes, Jarrad West and Karen Vickery, ACT Hub brings together independent theatre makers to create opportunities for artists and audiences in Canberra.
Located in the heritage-listed Causeway Hall in Kingston, ACT Hub provides a dedicated home for independent theatre, presenting plays from Australia and around the world. Through its productions, development opportunities, learning programs and industry events, ACT Hub supports local artists and encourages new work to flourish.
Free-Rain presents theatre at ACT Hub while also bringing its large-scale musical productions to The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre.
Discover more about ACT Hub, its Hub Learning Program and upcoming productions and events.
As Australia’s capital, Canberra deserves to experience exciting, vibrant theatre, and for it to be performed by the brilliant array of talent this city has to offer.