New Brolga Theatre performance space given Wicked workout

The dust didn’t have time to settle on the floor of the Brolga’s new workshop and theatre space before Wicked things started happening.

Actors, set builders and costume designers for the local production of Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, moved in.

The timing was perfect, the producer of Wicked, Robert Haigh, said.

“Any production with a large set requires a good deal of space for the set to stay when not in use and the theatre continues to operate,” he said.

“The new facility provides exactly that. 

“Previously our volunteers and crew had limited access to the theatre to paint the build sets and had to wait for times when no other productions or groups were using the theatre.

“The limited access increased the pressure and stress on them as time ran short.

“For many touring productions, more than 50% of their equipment is carried in storage boxes and packaging designed to protect it.

“The new, large scenery dock within the workshop and theatre space will assist with the storage of these items; and provide space for repairs to be undertaken if needed.

“Currently many areas that are required by performers are also used for storage which limits the use of the theatre by larger community groups such as dance schools and eisteddfods.

“Having appropriate space to store resources will improve the client experience as well as streamline the work required to prepare for events and shows.”

The $500,000 project to build the new workshop and theatre space was funded under Round 3 of the Queensland Government – Works for Queensland program and built by local company WIN Constructions.

The new space was important for local productions and to attract touring shows, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

“Council is very focussed on ensuring we attract touring shows to the Brolga to inspire local artists, provide us with a cultural outlet and entertain us,” he said.

“The touring productions also have an economic benefit and help attract visitors to the Fraser Coast.”

The new space provides a larger loading dock which can also be used for short-term storage of the travel cases used by touring productions, storage for large theatrical equipment such as sets and double as a performance workshop area.

“The extra space improves the versatility of the theatre and convention centre by allowing staff to prepare for upcoming shows without interrupting performances and conferences that are underway,” Cr Seymour said.

The Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, was very proud of the Works for Queensland program which has delivered more than $40 million to the Fraser Coast Regional Council to ensure infrastructure and maintenance programs can occur, while creating and maintaining jobs in these COVID-19 times.

“This project will ensure that the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre maintains its reputation as a premier regional facility and will have cultural and economic benefits for the region,” he said.

“I cannot wait to see Wicked next month. It is a pity I was unable to audition due to work commitments.”

‘Wicked’ will provide a high level of community participation and skills development with a cast of seven principal characters, 22 supporting characters within an ensemble of 30 to 40 members, Cr Seymour said.

“After our stage and dressing rooms were left bare for months because of COVID-19, I hope audiences embrace the return of performances at the Brolga Theatre this year,” he said.

‘Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz!’ looks at what happened in the Land of Oz long before Dorothy arrived. It tells the story of two unlikely friends and how they become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

There will be three shows on 18 and 19 June 2021 with tickets on sale now via the Brolga Theatre’s website at https://brolga.ourfrasercoast.com.au/events/event/379/wicked-the-untold-story-of-the-witches-of-oz