Almost ten years ago, the Prior family were swiftly and enthusiastically immersed in the world of theatre. One of Liz Prior’s children, Nic, was studying acting and music at the Queensland Academy of Creative Industries in Kelvin Grove, and successfully auditioned to become part of the Young Artists’ Ensembles at Queensland Theatre. During Year 11 and 12, Nic trained at QT after school during the term, and attend Theatre Residency Week (TRW) in the September school holidays.
“In Nic’s first year at TRW, they decided to study puppetry with David Morton from Dead Puppet Society. In one week, their group had created puppets with only brown paper and tape, learned to be puppeteers, and written an entire performance. We were astounded at the show… and have never forgotten the experience. At that point we realised the breadth of experience and the incredible industry contacts Nic was making, and we wanted to help ensure that others would have the same access that Nic did.
“My husband and I are particularly interested in supporting the Education and Youth programs as we recognise what an impact they can have on students’ lives as they follow their dreams. Supporting the refurbishment of the Diane Cilento Studio last year was important to us in this regard, as young artists deserve to have the best facilities and performance spaces available to them.
Being donors to the Arts, and Queensland Theatre specifically, has been transforming. From the day we made our first donation we felt very connected to the organisation… Every time we see a new show we almost feel part of it as we know the impact we and all the other donors are making.”
We feel very fortunate to have known Liz Prior and family for many years now, and to have watched the pivotal role they’ve played in encouraging Nic’s — and many other students’ — creative careers. We thank the Priors for their ongoing support of our Education and Youth programs, and for sharing their giving story with the Queensland Theatre community.
“The life of live theatre depends a great deal on donors, especially for school and other outward looking programs.” – Fred and Margaret Leditschke
If you sit behind row J in the centre bank of the Bille Brown Theatre, you’ll be looking upon dedications from two of Queensland Theatre’s most devoted donors, Fred and Margaret Leditschke.
Season Ticket holders since 1978, Fred and Margaret have experienced the influence of all eight Artistic Directors across the five-plus decades of the Company. Each and every year they’ve experienced the breadth and depth of artistic approaches to classic and contemporary works, the growth of our training programs for young artists, and the diversity of voices found in our playwriting commissions. Inspired by all that the Company has achieved over so many years, they decided to commemorate their family’s love for the theatre with two seats in the Bille Brown Theatre.
Donating to Queensland Theatre has enabled them to fulfil their “desire to support live theatre in a practical way, particularly for productions which involve young Queenslanders. The life of live theatre depends a great deal on donors, especially for school and other outward looking programs.”
We are so grateful to have this generous pair as part of our Visionaries program. We thank Fred and Margaret Leditschke for their passionate support for the Company, and for sharing their giving story with the Queensland Theatre community.
Phoebe Stephens, take a bow for your recent burst of exquisite and celebratory floral creativity, photographed here sharing the stage with Lee Lewis to launch our 2021 Season!
For over 20 years, Phoebe Stephens has supported Queensland Theatre by generously gifting spectacular flowers to adorn our foyers for opening nights and special events. A renowned florist, Phoebe is a celebrated artist in her own right, and extends her love for the creative from the florist bench to theatre foyers, for the enjoyment of our whole QT family - artists, staff and loyal audiences. Playful and adventurous, we love to discover what Phoebe has in store for each of our productions.
Thank you Phoebe and team for your passionate and ongoing support, and for allowing us to share your giving story with the Queensland Theatre community. It is a genuine pleasure to work with a local Brisbane business held in such high esteem.
“I have always maintained that theatre is a major part of education, and one of the motives for my benefaction is to ensure that live theatre remains available to all in our society.”
When John Casey retired to Brisbane in 2012 from Sydney — where he frequented Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir St Theatre and Bell Shakespeare — it was only a matter of time before he attended Queensland Theatre. Libby Munro’s performance in Venus in Fur was particularly memorable, convincing him to become a regular patron and to add his support to his new local theatre.
After many enjoyable years as a patron, John was pleased to become a donor to Queensland Theatre during our ‘Foundations for the Future’ campaign to support the redevelopment of the Bille Brown Theatre. In his words, “Nearer the Gods and Antigone alone would have justified the expense!”
We thank our Visionary Dr John Casey for his passionate support, and for sharing his giving story with the Queensland Theatre community.