A disused Frogs Hollow warehouse turned into this not-for-profit arts centre in the 1970s and today houses an art gallery space in its gritty upper echelons and theatre by emerging playwrights and directors downstairs.

Metro Arts acts as an incubator of embryonic talent (Deborah Mailman and Sue Rider started out here) as well as hiring itself out to touring performers, with an ever-changing program of works.

School holidays might see offbeat child-pleasing acts like Green Smelly Things while nights can mean anything from one-man show comedies to three act plays about gay single motherhood to choreographed dance works to free opera. Nothing is conventional here and a $12 ticket might afford a glimpse of a future theatrical giant.