The Company was set up by the Arts Council in 1972 with Barbara Manning appointed as Youth Activities Officer. Known as the Theatre in Education (TIE) Company it was part of the Tasmanian Theatre Company. There was significant support in these early years from the Education Department since the Company's purpose was primarily to work in Tasmanian schools. In 1975 the Company separated from the Tasmanian Theatre Company and became a separate limited company with its own board of directors. It was established at Salamanca Place and became the Salamanca Theatre in Education Company, which soon became the Salamanca Theatre Company. Tours were also conducted overseas. A reduction in funding in 1991 led the Company to charge for performances, and as result the Education Department had to cease its support. In 1998 the Company celebrated 25 years. From about this time the Company released previews of its shows to accommodate schools' planning needs each year. In March 2002 the Company was renamed Is Theatre Ltd. By now it was performing in theatres, colleges, festivals and street venues locally, nationally and overseas. The performance focus was no longer schools. The Company also ran various workshops and programs including the Barbara Manning Regional Development Program and Emerging Artists Tasmania. In May 2008 the Board and the Artistic Director Charles Parkinson changed the Company's name to the Tasmanian Theatre Company, focussing on text-based theatre for adult audiences.;;