Foundation Theatres: Legacy Software Out, Modern Tools In

At Digital Directions, we love working with businesses that inspire us—teams with a passion for what they do and a commitment to doing it well. That’s why partnering with Foundation Theatres, a leader in Australia’s live entertainment scene, was such a rewarding experience. In this case-study, we’ll take you behind the curtains of how we helped Foundation Theatres overcome a major HR tech challenge, setting them up for smoother operations and even better performances.  Here’s the story of how we worked together to create an HR ecosystem that’s as dynamic as the shows on their stages. 

Insights from Foundation Theatres

Laura to write…

Client

Meet Foundation Theatres: Bringing Magic to the Stage

If you’ve ever enjoyed a show at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney Lyric, or Foundry Theatre, you’ve experienced the magic of Foundation Theatres. As a cornerstone of Australia’s live entertainment scene, they manage iconic venues that host everything from blockbuster musicals to intimate performances. But Foundation Theatres is more than just a venue operator—they’re a growing business with a passion for the arts and a dedication to their people.  For Foundation Theatres, delivering world-class theatrical experiences starts with their team. That’s why they’re committed to using smart HR technology to attract, retain, and nurture the talented individuals who bring their stages to life. Their team is all about creativity, diversity, and excellence, and they’re constantly looking for ways to improve their HR processes to support their people and their mission.

Headquarters

Sydney, Australia

Org Size

300

HR Need

Legacy Software

The Challenge: A Stalled HR System Implementation

When we first started working with Foundation Theatres, we quickly saw the challenge they were facing. They had invested 18 months of time, effort, and resources into implementing a new HR system, but despite their best efforts, the project never went live.

Here’s what they were dealing with:

  • Vendor Struggles: Evaluating vendors and aligning the system with their unique needs proved difficult, despite what they were overpromised.
  • Operational Pressures: Managing the change while keeping their busy venues running smoothly was a challenge.
  • A Costly Setback: After 18 months, the project stalled, leaving them without a new system and frustrated by the experience.

After this setback, Foundation Theatres knew they needed a different approach. They wanted expert guidance to help them choose the right HR system and avoid repeating the same challenges. That’s when they reached out to us at Digital Directions.

The Solution: A Tailored Approach to HR Tech

At Digital Directions, we believe every business deserves HR tech that works for them—not against them. From our first conversation with Foundation Theatres, we could see their passion for their work and their commitment to their team. We knew we needed to help them find a solution that would make their HR processes smoother, so they could focus on what they do best—bringing incredible performances to life.

Here’s how we helped:

  1. Understanding Their Needs: We started by getting to know their team, their goals, and the specific challenges they faced, ensuring we had a clear picture of what they needed from their HR system.
  2. Guiding the Vendor Selection Process: We streamlined their vendor evaluation process, helping them choose solutions that met both their functional requirements and their creative, people-focused culture.
  3. Recommending the Right Tools: We suggested three best-in-class HR solutions that worked seamlessly together, creating an efficient ecosystem tailored to their needs.
  4. Supporting a Smooth Implementation: We provided expert guidance to reduce risks and ensure a successful rollout, keeping their busy operations in mind.

Our goal was to take the stress out of the process, so Foundation Theatres could feel confident in their choices and focus on their day-to-day work.

The Outcome: A Modern, Connected HR Ecosystem

Working together, we turned Foundation Theatres’ HR tech challenges into a success story. The new system we helped them implement is modern, integrated, and designed to make their work easier.

Here’s what we achieved:

  • The Right Solutions:We recommended three seamlessly integrated HR solutions, eliminating data silos and manual workarounds, so their team can work smarter, not harder.
  • A Streamlined Process:We simplified the vendor evaluation process, ensuring they chose a system that fit both their operational needs and their creative culture.
  • Improved Efficiency:The new tools enhanced payroll, workforce management, and the overall employee experience, freeing up time for their team to focus on delivering great performances.
  • Lower Risk:With our guidance, Foundation Theatres made informed decisions, reducing the risks of implementation and setting them up for long-term success.

Now, with the right HR technology in place, Foundation Theatres is better equipped to support their people, streamline their operations, and keep the spotlight on delivering unforgettable live entertainment.

A Partnership Built on Trust

We genuinely empathised with the challenges of the previous HR tech-stack implementation and recognised that Digital Directions needed to take a sensitive, fully transparent approach to this process and service. For us at Digital Directions, this project was about more than just technology—it was about partnering with a team we genuinely admire.  Foundation Theatres’ dedication to their craft, their people, and their audiences made this collaboration a pleasure. Together, we created a solution that not only solves their immediate challenges but also supports their growth for years to come.  Foundation Theatres is all about creating magic on stage, and we’re proud to have helped them bring a little of that magic to their HR processes, too.

Insights from Foundation Theatres

Laura to write…

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do—we go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results, ensuring they always feel supported and valued.

Jack Hewitt Founder

Jack Hewitt

Founder

Ready to Transform Your HR Tech?

If Foundation Theatres’ story resonates with you, maybe it’s time to take a fresh look at your own HR tech setup. At Digital Directions, we’re here to help you find solutions that save you time, reduce risks, and support your people—just like we did for Foundation Theatres.

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