The 80-year-old company acting as Brisbane's gateway to theatre for decades is ramping up its operations to become a semi-professional theatre group.
Brisbane Arts Theatre on Petrie Terrace will make the big transition next year, going hand-in-hand with their upcoming renovations that will see a new bar, box office and more.
Carol Burns, Michael Caton, Barry Otto and Judith McGrath are all alumni of the theatre, and have become household names of the Australian arts scene over the years.
The Arts Theatre has described themselves as "the Brisbane home of Avenue Q." © Karen HuttSo what does the jump to semi-professional mean for the company? Artistic Director John Boyce says it will do more for the theatre than just adding a shiny new label. “We'll be expanding and refining our opportunities for future arts professionals to train and develop,” he says. “We are re-establishing the Arts Theatre's place as one of Australia's most prolific and iconic theatre companies.”
Don't expect a rise in prices though; the Arts Theatre's main goal is to continue to provide accessible theatre for every thespian stepping through the doors of the iconic 50-year-old venue.
Auditions for 2017 shows are currently open, and it's safe to expect big things for the once little Arts Theatre over the next year.
