OUR STORY
Like the PIP for which it’s named, one little throwaway comment planted the seed for a big idea.
Amateur actor, student and passionate theatre producer Deidre Grace was seeking more professional work when she was told: “You have to create your own opportunities, no one is going to offer you roles.”
However, in March 2020, all live performance venues across Queensland closed their doors in response to restrictions on public gatherings amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the lockdowns, it was creatives and theatre-goers alike who reflected on the value of the arts to entertain, connect as a wider community, and share stories.
It is only now that Queensland is in full operation and reopening the entertainment and arts sector. Creative Director and Founder of PIP Theatre Deidre Grace rekindled her plan to give back to the community, amongst the frenzy to rebuild Brisbane’s vibrant entertainment scene.
Deidre approached dozens of Brisbane performing arts venues to stage her own production. only to discover most were booked out 18 months in advance and opportunities were slim. She quickly changed tactics and realized to stage her own productions, she needed her own venue.
The result is PIP Theatre, the newest addition to Brisbane’s vibrant performing arts sector. Sponsoring the start-up of a new independent live theatre performance hub for Brisbane is People in Plastic Industrial Wholesale (run by Deidre and her husband), as a ten-year pledge to give back to the community.
The 100-seat purpose-designed performance space opens in May 2022 at 20 Park Road, with social issues at the heart of each production and a portion of all ticket sales donated to an aligned charity or not-for-profit organisation.
The new theatre sprawls across the top level of a spectacularly converted former office block, its boutique size allowing for the nimble customisation of staging and seating to suit each production.
Across a lower floor are rehearsal and creative spaces for artists to develop and workshop performance pieces as well as a pop-up bar and alfresco mezzanine area with views across inner Brisbane that opens on performance nights.
“At the end of the day, PIP Theatre is all about supporting people and helping them grow – whether that’s an emerging actor cast in their first professional role, a playwright debuting their new original work or a local charity championing an important social issue.”
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