Reviving the Footbridge Theatre

When Alan Hyland reflects on his love for theatre, it's clear that this is a lifelong passion. From his early days hearing The Sydney Symphony Orchestra on a school excursion, to experiencing the magic of large-scale performances, Alan's connection to classical music and the stage has always been a deeply personal one.

Now, he’s channelling that passion into something bigger: supporting the next generation of musical theatre students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. With a five-year commitment to funding student productions in the newly renovated Footbridge Theatre, Alan hopes his gift will give students the practical experience they need to hone their craft and help shape the future of Australia’s theatre scene.

Restoring the Footbridge Theatre

Alan recently had the opportunity to get a preview of the newly renovated theatre, not only getting a view of the stage from the audience’s perspective, but also behind the scenes, at the newly renovated backstage area. A smile remained on his lips the whole time.

“I’m just so happy it’s been refurbished again,” he said.

The Footbridge Theatre holds a rich history in the cultural fabric of Sydney. Originally designed by architect John Roberts, it opened its doors in 1961. The Footbridge quickly became a beloved venue for both students and seasoned professionals alike and hosted performances by legends such as John Bell (BA ’63) and Marcia Hines. In 2006, the theatre was converted into a lecture hall and for nearly two decades its original purpose was all but forgotten.

Now, with renovations complete, the Footbridge is returning to its roots as a performance venue. It will be operated by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to give students enrolled in the Music Theatre degree a facility technically fitted out to mirror professional standards, equipping them with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in the industry.

A gift that keeps on giving

Ruby Baird, is a third-year Music Theatre student at the Conservatorium and will be playing the Baker’s Wife in ‘Into the Woods”, the first production in the revitalised Footbridge.

“It's a pretty unique experience to be able to study full time in a working theatre,” she says. “I can't even describe how special that is. It's an unparalleled experience for the industry that we want to go into. It elevates our education to another level.”

Ruby is excited about delving into the production and as she says, “seeing the theatre come to life".

“Knowing that we’re the first group of students to use the space since its transformation is incredibly special. I can’t thank Alan enough for making this possible,” Ruby adds.

For Ruby, and many others like her, the opportunity to perform in a venue like the Footbridge Theatre will be a memorable moment in their education and future careers. The theatre’s return to its original purpose signals a new era of artistic expression on campus, one that invites collaboration across disciplines and fosters a sense of community both within the university and beyond.

Building a future for the arts

The impact of Alan’s generosity extends far beyond the productions that will take place over the next five years. By supporting the arts at a foundational level, this gift will help to create a pipeline of talented, well-trained performers who will one day grace stages around the world. As Associate Professor of Music Theatre, Narelle Yeo noted: “Our students are benefitting from a purpose-built theatre, with everything a music theatre student needs for success in the industry. Having a professional performance venue on the University of Sydney main campus opens up so many possibilities for collaboration and growth.”

The Footbridge Theatre will offer a range of performance opportunities for students, including cabaret-style shows and new contemporary Australian works. The inclusion of an orchestra pit will allow for multidisciplinary projects, enabling students from various musical disciplines to collaborate and bring the magic of theatre to life.

As the curtain rises on the newly restored Footbridge Theatre, and students like Ruby step into the spotlight, the legacy of Alan Hyland’s philanthropy will be felt for years to come. His gift is more than financial support – it’s a testament to the power of believing in the arts and the young people who will carry them forward.

“Every time I've been to the Con to listen to concerts I’m always blown away by the talent. It's amazing. And that talent needs to be nurtured,” Alan says. “I’m just glad I’m able to help in some way.”