The Queensland Performing Arts Complex (operated by the Queensland Performing Arts Trust) has yet again excelled in being a shining example of exactly why the theatre industry in Queensland may never get to stand on it’s feet and be the success that it could be.

Under instruction from a client, I have been trying to get pricing and availability to mount a production in one of their venues later this year.  With every other venue that I have ever dealt with all over the world – I gather this type of information by making a phone call, sending an email and then awaiting a response. I generally get back a technical specification, along with a schedule of charges – and dates that are still available around the time I was looking.

In the case of Queensland’s Premiere Entertainment Complex… QPAC… it took, 8 phone calls, 6 emails and that is to just find out that it’s $22,000 per week for venue hire and about $200 per night for first aid. I still don’t have availability, or any other schedule of charges.

Time and time again I hear discussions about why we don’t get any of the larger touring shows being mounted at QPAC… I can only assume those production companies experience the same problems I have and come to the same conclusion – stay well away from QPAC.