MATES - the home of community theatre.
MATES Theatre Genesis Inc. provides an avenue for people of all ages to 'have a go' at any or all disciplines of theatre.
From a small, local presence MATES volunteers have been building a reputation attracting patrons from both local and the wider Brisbane community.
Striving to nurture an inclusive performing arts community MATES offers members a myriad of opportunity to participate in all aspects of theatre.
Cast: on stage - acting, singing - Crew: directing, stage managing, sound and lighting, costumes, set building, publicity, front of house, backstage helpers. - Front of House: activities during shows. - Committee: participation on the management committee.
Members of all skill levels are welcomed. Plus there is plenty of scope for learning new skills alongside experienced members.
Activities: 3-4 major productions annually; Workshops; StageworX - Script reading sessions; Theatre Jam Events - a night of skits, poetry, song; Seniors Perform - radio plays behind the scenes antics; Youth Theatre - aimed as boosting confidence, understanding & enjoyment
Meet Your Committee
Paul Bishop our patron
Raised in Wynnum, Paul’s first experience of community theatre was as an audience member in a local theatre under a domestic house.
His Great Uncle, Grandfather and Grandmother used to own and perform songs and music to accompany the silent films at the Wynnum Imperial Theatre years ago.
Paul has since Graduated from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) with an Associate Diploma in the Arts (Theatre) in 1986 and has played leading roles at every major performing arts theatre company in Australia. He has appeared in radio, film, television, short film and new media projects, as well as over 60 professional stage productions and many World Premiere productions.
As a performing artist Paul has received the: 2009 Queensland ‘Glugs of Gosh’ Award for Contribution to Theatre: 2011 Matilda Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role as ‘Edward Gant’ for La Boite (Brisbane) & Sydney Theatre Company, as well as two TV Week Logie Award Nominations for his role as Sgt. Ben Stewart on the Award Winning Drama ‘Blue Heelers’.
In his role mentoring and facilitating the growth of the creative community, Paul was an elected delegate on Actors Equity/MEAA’s ‘National Performer’s Committee’ (2004-2008). Paul has been an Associate Artist with the Queensland Theatre Company – an association he began in 1982 when he commenced youth theatre classes.
Paul is a busy father of four who is an engaging MC; knowledgeable and insightful mentor; an active civic, commercial and community facilitator; social media producer and Division 10 (Birkdale/Thorneside) Redland City Councillor. In January 2014, Paul appeared with Queensland Theatre Company in the surprisingly contentious production ‘Australia Day’ – a political satire by Jonathan Biggins which was performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
Paul is excited by the past, present & future of local story telling in Redland City and is fully supportive of Mates Theatre Genesis Incs' Plans for 2016 and beyond.
