Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre general manager Giuliana Bonel named one of Qld’s 40 Under 40 at awards gala

After a remarkable first 12 months in the job that included the venue’s most successful production in years, the head of Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre has been named one of Queensland’s rising stars.

Empire Theatre general manager Giuliana Bonel has capped off a remarkable first 12 months in the job by being named one of Queensland’s rising young stars.

Ms Bonel, who took over as head of Toowoomba’s premiere venue in July last year, has been included in InQueensland’s 40 Under 40 program for 2024.

Empire Theatre general manager Giuliana Bonel, pictured with Advance Queensland's Sarah Smith, has been named one of Queensland's 40 Under 40 for 2024 by InQueensland and The Weekend Edition. Picture: Shirley Lam

The award, which was held at a gala night last week, celebrates “the young business world, the groundbreakers, the visionaries, the quiet achievers, the game changers and the inspiring young Queenslanders” according to organisers.

Ms Bonel was named for her work in delivering the Empire Theatre’s 2024 production Cinderella, which injected more than $350,000 into the Toowoomba economy and involved more than 27 local businesses to help promote it.

She said her inclusion on the list was “such an honour”.

“I’m feeling incredibly honoured and proud (but) I don’t like to talk about myself,” Ms Bonel said.

“(The awards are) really about that recognition and the ability to acknowledge the next young leaders so that’s heartwarming to be recognised.

“For me, it’s about opportunities for artists and putting art on stage — the work around Cinderella, its success and the overwhelming community support … was a game-changer and you could feel that community pride.

“It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced like that before, even compared to the Powerhouse (in Brisbane, her previous role).”

Empire Theatre – Cinderella. Picture: Justin Nicholas

With Cinderella now in the rear view, Ms Bonel said she and her team were close to announcing the Empire’s major production for 2025.

“We have only just yesterday put expressions of interest in for our major production in 2025,” she said.

“EOIs have opened and will do for the next two weeks and that will be the first step in the lead-up to the next major production.”