Some of the best shows often are small productions in intimate spaces. They are sometimes from theatre makers just starting out or smaller independent outfits.

Queensland Theatre knows that is the case and is opening its iconic studio doors for a series of three productions of local theatre works in an exciting initiative called DOOR 3, aiming to give more Queensland creatives a space to tell stories — on their terms, in their voice, their way.

Through an open expression of interest, this year’s pilot program will select the three independent theatre works from local creatives who have a story that is burning to be told in 2024, providing them with access to Queensland Theatre’s up-close and intimate venue, the Diane Cilento Studio.

This is an intimate space named after one of Queensland’s most famous thespians. The last production I saw there was Belloo Creative’s brilliant Boy, Lost!, a stage adaptation of Kristina Olsson’s engaging and heart-breaking memoir. A local story, in a small space where the actors and their craft are up close and personal. It’s a great way to experience theatre.

QT’s new initiative aims to empower creatives by providing the DOOR 3 companies with a $5000 cash contribution to fund their production ahead of 100 per cent of box office takings. This, along with administrative, production and marketing support, allows these theatre makers to focus on what they do best – making theatre.

The program will provide the successful companies with six weeks of access to QT’s spaces, the company’s expansive furniture, prop and wardrobe store, along with copious support from rehearsal to production.

Queensland Theatre’s associate artist Daniel Evans (Vietgone, Drizzle Boy, The Almighty Sometimes) says that this new program — named after the door that marks the entrance to the Diane Cilento Studio — honours the incredible lineage of independent theatre-making in this state.

“Queensland is home to some of the most exciting indie theatre companies in the country – Matrix, Polytoxic, Dead Puppet Society, Belloo Creative, Grin & Tonic, Counterpilot and Shock Therapy, to name a few,” Evans says. “They have all created trail-blazing work that started here in Queensland and found their audiences across the nation and overseas.

“Audiences love independent theatre in Queensland because it’s where the most exciting work is happening. Our indie artists in this state are as fearless as they are rigorous and, as a result, the productions beat with a loud, audacious heart.

“Working with Queensland Theatre to develop this program over the past year, we’ve thought about how generous we can make this invitation, how we can lighten the load and allow makers to spend as much time in the room where the magic happens to create stunning, immediate and daring work for audiences.”

QT artistic director Lee Lewis says DOOR 3 acknowledges the enormous effort it takes to move a work from page to stage.

“Theatre creatives across all stages of their career know that getting a show up, in front of an audience, is a process that has many hurdles,” Lewis says. “We want to throw as many of these hurdles out the window with DOOR 3 and give more Queensland creatives the space, infrastructure and support needed to bring their stories to life.”

QT’s executive director Criena Gehrke says that this program now, more than ever, is an important addition to the local arts ecology.

“As the state theatre company, we have a deep responsibility to support a strong theatre ecosystem in Queensland,” Gehrke says. “DOOR 3 is a way for us to provide not only assistance and resources to our independent theatre makers but to champion Queensland artists on Queensland stages. We are also very grateful to the The Jelley Family Foundation, whose support for this initiative has made DOOR 3 possible.”

Applications are now open for the DOOR 3 program, with Queensland-based theatre makers, collectives and individuals with work ready to hit the rehearsal room and in need of an audience encouraged to apply.

Door 3 applications and expressions of interest close February 4.

queenslandtheatre.com.au/door-3

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