$500K Brolga expansion gets a Wicked workout

The new community production will be one of the biggest the Fraser Coast has seen

The timing of the expansion was perfect, the producer of Wicked, Robert Haigh, said. He is pictured with set artist Willie Paes and Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour.

A $500,000 expansion of Maryborough’s Brolga Theatre couldn’t have come at a better time.

With more space to work in, one of the biggest community productions the Fraser Coast has seen was able to go ahead, while still allowing for other performers to visit the Brolga Theatre.

The 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.

Once it was complete, 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.”

Artist Willie Paes is helping to create the sets and scenery for Wicked.

A $500,000 expansion of Maryborough's Brolga Theatre couldn't have come at a better time.

He said it was great to be part of the production and to have a larger space to work in.

The new space would also be vital in attracting touring shows, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

“Council is very focused 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.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders was proud of the Works for Queensland program which had delivered more than $40 million to the Fraser Coast Regional Council to ensure infrastructure and maintenance programs could 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 between June 18 and 19 with, tickets on sale now via the Brolga Theatre’s website here.