Out of the Box is without a doubt one of our mostrecognised, most impactful, and most-loved events and we could not be happier that this festival, curated especially for children eight years and under, returns to QPAC in 2025.
As we celebrate QPAC’s 40th birthday this year we’ve been reflecting on QPAC’s remarkable story over the last four decades and there’s no doubt Out of the Box is one of the most important chapters in the story. When we launched the very first Out of the Box back in 1992, we had no idea of the enduring legacy it would have. It fills our hearts to meet parents and carers bringing their children to the festival that they themselves attended when they were young, to see them so passionate about attending because their own love of the arts began at Out of the Box.
One of the key ingredients in the festival’s past success has been the commitment to putting children at its centre. Every step of the Out of the Box journey is taken with children in mind, from the development of new work and the curation of in-theatre productions and workshops through to the thoughtfully adapted onsite experience to ensure a welcoming and child-friendly environment.
The festival is central to inspiring a life-long love of the arts in our community and as parents and carers you continue that commitment beyond our festival. We look forward to welcoming you to QPAC for an arts experience that we hope you and your little ones will remember for the rest of your lives. Out of the Box offers something for every young person, whether it’s seeing their own work displayed in our Tree of Hope project, watching their favourite book come to life on stage, discovering a new First Nations story or exploring a love of music.
I hope this guide helps you plan to see as much as possible at our beloved Out of the Box; I can’t wait to see QPAC overrun with you and your tiny humans!
Rachel Healy Chief Executive, QPAC
Since Out of the Box was launched in 1992, we have welcomed more than a million children and their families, caregivers and teachers to this beloved festival, making precious memories and celebrating the value and importance of the arts in education and life-long learning.
We’re incredibly proud of the national leadership role the festival has played in programming for young children, nurturing creativity and imagination. Our focus for Out of the Box has always been to celebrate and support arts-rich learning and participation, health and wellbeing, inclusivity and belonging, and to inspire hope for children and their families as they learn and grow together.
The success of Out of the Box is because we place children at the centre. We see children as artistic collaborators and experts in imaginative play, discovering the world through song, dance and sharing stories from our First Nations people and other cultures. Our approach is driven by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular the right of children to participate fully in cultural and artistic life.
This year we’ve embraced the theme of hope, not as an aspiration but a necessity, especially so in the lives of our children. To explore this theme, we have created an inclusive and wide-reaching art project called the Tree of Hope that has welcomed the participation of more than a thousand children from across metropolitan, regional and remote Queensland. Manifesting as large-scale installations across the cultural precinct filled with the artworks of children, we invite you to visit our Trees of Hope which share our children’s hopes and dreams for the future.
We gratefully acknowledge the many children, artists, companies and teachers who have collaborated together to create a rich and immersive program of worldpremiere performances, hands-on workshops and free activities, including circus, dance, theatre, music and art-making. They have collectively created inspirational and memorable experiences responding to our festival philosophies, and this year’s remarkable program could not have been achieved without their generous arts practice and imaginations.
We hope you can join us at QPAC to celebrate the return of Out of the Box in 2025 and make new memories with your families as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations.
Katrina Torenbeek Director – Engagement, QPAC
HELLO.
We’re creating a welcoming space where children can share stories, explore new ideas, and dive into the world of imagination. Everyone who attends is invited to experience the festival through the wonder and curiosity of a child – where joy, discovery, and fun are always at the heart of the show.
In our theatres, every experience is crafted with children in mind. The lights will softly dim, never going to complete darkness. Feel free to wiggle, move in your seat, or step in and out of the theatre if you need a break or a toilet stop. Clap, cheer, sing, dance, ask questions – every little bit of excitement is not just welcome, it’s celebrated.
Theatre-goers around you may make sounds, move around, fidget, or use noise-cancelling headphones – and you can do the same. To ensure everyone’s comfort, staff will be on hand, and dedicated Slow Down Zones will be available for those who need them.
We hope you enjoy the performance.
Theatre lights dim, never dark
Take a break if you need it
No Shhhing
Clap, cheer, sing
Ask staff for help
Be comfortable
A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood ...
After sell-out seasons across the world, including London’s West End and Broadway, The Gruffalo returns to QPAC.
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups!
9:30am & 12:30pm 9:30am* & 1:00pm
20 Jun: 9:30am & 12:30pm
21 Jun: 9:30am, 12:30pm~ & 3:30pm
Tactile Tour 11:30am
22 Jun: 9:30am, 12:30pm*^ & 3:30pm
*Auslan Interpreted ~Audio Described ^Relaxed Performance
WHERE Lyric Theatre, QPAC
DURATION 55 minutes (no interval)
Wolfgang in the Stars is a music-fuelled circus space romp of galactic proportions.
Join the boy-genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as he embarks on an interstellar journey to seek inspiration for his beloved early masterpiece “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.
From the internationally acclaimed creators of Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus and Carnival of the Animals, this brand-new show will feature four of Circa’s daredevil ensemble members and live music performed on a wind synthesizer by the indomitable Quincy Grant.
Wolfgang in the Stars is a dazzling delight for audiences of all ages filled with sparkling acrobatics, side-splitting gags, and stunning video projections transporting you to a world where music and imagination collide.
WHEN 18-20 Jun:
21 Jun: 10:00am^ & 1:00pm
22 Jun: 10:00am & 1:00pm~ Tactile Tour 12:00pm ~Audio Described ^Relaxed Performance
WHERE Concert Hall, QPAC DURATION 45 minutes (no interval)
Wolfgang in the Stars is commissioned by QPAC, The Art House Wyong, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre and Riverside Theatres Parramatta.
Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book
QPAC’S OUT OF THE BOX PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH HYMBA YUMBA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
World Premiere
Based on the book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Written for the stage and directed by Eva Di Cesare.
A wild, fun and magical journey to find that elusive green sheep.
Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the beloved children’s book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. We meet the Blue Sheep who loves his blue flowers and the Red Sheep who loves to cartwheel in the fields, the Bath Sheep who loves bubbles and the Bed Sheep who loves to bounce ... But where IS that Green Sheep?
Blending puppetry and animation, this beautiful production invites young audiences to join our three farmers on their quest to find the elusive green sheep. Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, this delightful production integrates their voices as narrators, ensuring the work resonates deeply with young audiences.
Where is the Green Sheep? is a co-production with QPAC’s Out of the Box in association with Arts Centre Melbourne, Sydney Opera House and The Art House, Wyong.
GURRIL
STORM BIRD
“Who’s afraid of the Rainbow Serpent?”
The world premiere of Gurril Storm Bird presents an engaging and educational experience of First Nations storytelling in a contemporary take on an age-old story.
Adapted from the prize-winning children’s picture book by Trevor (Bumi) Fourmile, this immersive new work features traditional song and movement and is created in collaboration with jarjum (child/ren) from
Hymba Yumba Independent School (HYIS), Yidinji Traditional Owners and First Nations creatives.
Celebrating the culture of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people of Cairns, gather around the campfire in the rainforest to hear the story of Gurril, the young boy who came face to face with the rainbow serpent.
WHEN 17 Jun: 12:30pm
18-19 Jun: 9:30am & 12:30pm
20 Jun: 9:30am & 12:30pm*
21 Jun: 9:30am, 12:30pm & 3:30pm
22 Jun: 9:30am & 12:30pm
*Auslan Interpreted
WHERE Playhouse, QPAC
DURATION
45 minutes (no interval)
WHEN 18-20 Jun: 10:30am & 1:30pm
*Auslan Interpreted
21 Jun: 10:30am* & 1:30pm
WHERE Cremorne Theatre, QPAC DURATION 45 minutes (no interval)
Gurril Storm Bird is commissioned by QPAC in association with Hymba Yumba Independent School.
QPAC’S OUT OF THE BOX & QUEENSLAND THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH IMAGINARY THEATRE PRESENT A PUNCHDRUNK ENRICHMENT PRODUCTION
The Lost Lending Library
Spark awe and wonder in this immersive experience for children.
At 314 floors high and with 72 spiral side departments, The Lost Lending Library is the largest collection of books in the world. Books of all sizes and colours are crammed together on its shelves, stories bursting to life from their covers.
The Lost Lending Library leaps from place to place for a very special reason. It only goes where it knows it can find the most precious stories – those written by young people with great imaginations. News of the return of QPAC’s Out of the Box has reached The Lost Lending Library, and a leap to Brisbane is planned for this coming June.
WHEN 17 Jun: 1:30pm
18 Jun: 1:30pm & 2:30pm
20 Jun: 10:30am, 11:30am & 1:30pm
Enter The Lost Lending Library to discover a magical world: a celebration of books, stories and the awe-inspiring journeys they take us on. Creative minds are required to enter its doors and contribute to its collection.
Punchdrunk Enrichment’s The Lost Lending Library was originally produced in Australia for Festival 2018 by Punchdrunk Enrichment and Imaginary Theatre with the support of Circa. Punchdrunk Enrichment in the UK is supported by Arts Council.
QPAC’S OUT OF THE BOX PRESENTS A SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY & SEVEN CIRCLES PRODUCTION
WHERE Playhouse Band Room, QPAC (meet at Playhouse cloakroom)
DURATION 45 minutes (no interval)
Dive into the magical world of Club Origami, in the Queensland premiere of this immersive and interactive dance show inviting family audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving.
Dance, fashion and live music meet the magic of origami to sweep us up on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play.
WHEN 18-22 Jun: 10:00am & 1:00pm
WHERE Tony Gould Gallery, QPAC (enter via Cremorne Theatre foyer)
DURATION 50 minutes (no interval)
Image by Mihaela Bodlovic
WONDERBOX
Curiosity, choice, wonder!
Sensorium Theatre – Australia’s leading theatre company making work specifically designed for young audiences with disability and their friends – invites children to roll the dice and set out along a safe, exhilarating pathway into the unknown.
QPAC’S OUT OF THE BOX PRESENTS
TREE OF HOPE
WHEN 18-21 Jun: 10:00am & 1:00pm
Inside a giant puzzle-box of illusions, kooky-carnival friends with magic in their pockets lead audiences into an immersive multi-sensory wonderland of fantastical large-scale projections, strange tiny delights, and infectious live music. EVERY child’s curiosity is celebrated and rewarded with wondrous surprises.
WHERE Studio 1, QPAC (enter via Playhouse foyer)
DURATION
60 minutes (no interval)
ACCESSIBILITY Specifically designed for young audiences with disability, this show is tailored to each child.
What are you hopeful for?
QPAC’s Out of the Box festival has invited more than a thousand children from across metropolitan, regional and remote Queensland to reflect upon hope and what it means to them. Manifesting as a large-scale installation across the cultural precinct, the Tree of Hope shares their ideas through artworks which hold their hopes and dreams for the future.
Schools and early childhood centres from almost every corner of Queensland are participating in the project, including communities in Far North Queensland (Mabuiag Island – Torres Strait Islands, Cairns, Yarrabah), North Queensland (Mount Isa), Central Queensland (Rockhampton, Longreach), North Coast (Bundaberg), Darling Downs South West (Roma), Metro North (Caboolture), Metro South (Ipswich, Acacia Ridge) and South East (Logan, Currumbin).
The Tree of Hope is part of a long legacy of collaborative arts projects created with children, since the festival’s inception in 1992. Inspired by the work of Researcher, Teacher
and Founder/Collector of the Children’s Art Archive, Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM, this year’s project has been designed by Brisbane artist Lucinda Shaw who has worked with local artists in each participating community to create artworks with children for the Tree of Hope installation developed by award-winning designer Josh McIntosh.
We invite you to venture through the halls, foyers and walkways in and around QPAC to witness the boundless imagination and aspirations of Queensland’s next generation.
FREE ACTIVITY
If you had a magical seed what would you hope would grow? Use your imagination to draw an artwork of something you are hopeful for, then add it to the branches of a growing tree at the State Library!
WHEN 26 Apr - 23 Jun 10:00am - 5:00pm daily
WHERE The Parlour, State Library of Queensland
WHEN 17-20 Jun: 9:00am – 3:00pm and 21-22 Jun: 9:00am – 4:00pm
WHERE Across the festival precinct
4 YrsOld+
BLUEY PUPPETRY WORKSHOP
Hooray! Calling all kiddos (and their grown-ups)
Join us for a fun-filled, hands-on puppetry workshop inspired by everyone’s favourite blue heeler. Kiddos will make their own Bluey inspired puppet and bring them to life in a playful and interactive puppetry demonstration.
It’s the perfect chance to get crafty, and explore creative play and storytelling. Designed for kids 4 Yrs Old+. Parents are strongly encouraged to join the fun!
WHEN
19 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm
20-21 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm & 2:00pm
22 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm & 2:00pm*
*Auslan Interpreted
WHERE Playhouse Balcony Foyer, QPAC
DURATION 60 minutes
QPAC’S OUT OF THE BOX PRESENTS A MONKEY BAA THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
GREEN SHEEP: YOU AND ME WORKSHOP
Deepen your experience of Where is the Green Sheep? in this playful one-to-one workshop
Following your adventure with Green Sheep?, share a playful, hands-on experience designed just for you and your child. This special one-to-one workshop has been designed for one child and one adult guardian to share together, offering a gentle and imaginative journey to explore the mystery of the Green Sheep through movement, sensory play, and creative storytelling.
Guided by our workshop facilitators, you and your child will revisit the whimsical world of the Blue Sheep, Red Sheep, Bath Sheep, and Bed Sheep – discovering new ways to bring their playful spirit to life. This special shared experience is designed for audience members who have attended Where is the Green Sheep? and offers a unique opportunity to deepen your connection to the story through interactive exploration.
An upbeat celebration of music and movement, bringing all ages together in one giant dance party!
Led by Neridah Waters and the team at Common People Dance Project, Let’s Dance! invites children and their adults to lose themselves to dance and learn an epic routine on the transformed Melbourne Street Green dancefloor.
WHEN 17 Jun: 11:00am, 12:00pm & 1:00pm
18 Jun: 11:00am, 12:00pm & 1:00pm*
Common People Dance Project is here to make sure dancing is for everyone, connecting people and communities through body rollin’ moves, great songs and a lot of laughter. They welcome people of all ages and all abilities with no previous dance experience necessary.
19 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:00pm & 1:00pm
20 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:00pm & 1:00pm
21 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:00pm* & 2:30pm
22 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:00pm & 2:30pm
*Auslan Interpreted WHERE Melbourne Street Green,
JARJUM LIFE MUSEUM
In Jarjum Life Museum you won’t see dinosaurs, butterflies, kings’ crowns or queens’ capes.
Step into the QPAC Tunnel and explore the Jarjum Life Museum – a museum like no other, created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, known as jarjum. This unique collection offers an intimate glimpse
into the lives of jarjum, showcasing their stories, creativity, and culture in the here and now.
Curated over an eight-year period, the exhibition features original artworks, songs, stories, and artefacts created and collected by jarjum. Each piece tells a story of identity, community, and what it means to grow up as a jarjum today.
Nhamul PlaySpace
Extend your experience in the Nhamul PlaySpace, located in the Playhouse Lounge. Here, you can read stories from the Jarjum collection, play with puzzles, create your own artworks, and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures alongside friends, family, and community.
Join us to celebrate the vibrant voices and creativity of jarjum, and leave inspired by their world.
WHERE Playhouse Lounge, QPAC
LITTLE CHEFS COOKING WORKSHOP
5 YrsOld+
Get creative in this hands-on cooking adventure designed for children. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about the Food Rainbow and discover new herbs and spices, sparking curiosity about where food comes from, what makes it yummy, and how even little hands can make something tasty.
Led by professional chef Luisa Scrimshaw, this workshop will have Little Chefs rolling up their sleeves to make something delicious for their lunchbox while exploring new flavours, textures, and smells along the way.
With a mix of learning, tasting, and creating, this workshop has the perfect recipe for fun and food-loving curiosity. Let’s get cooking and travel the world - one lunchbox at a time.
Suited for all dietary requirements.
WHEN 17-18 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am & 12:30pm
19 Jun: 9:30am & 11:00am
20 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am & 12:30pm
21 Jun: 9:30am*, 11:00am & 12:30pm
*Auslan Interpreted
WHERE Lyrebird Restaurant, QPAC
DURATION 45 minutes
MINDFUL ME HEALTH & WELLBEING WORKSHOP
4 YrsOld+
Join teacher/artist/performer Lucinda Shaw for a workshop specially designed for children to learn about mindfulness for enjoyment, mental wellbeing and selfregulation. Through playful, age-appropriate exercises, participants will engage all of the senses through soft movement, soothing breath, and sensory attentiveness. Children will learn to connect with their bodies, tune into their emotions, and express themselves freely in a fun and supportive environment.
This session encourages emotional regulation, connection to others, and selfconfidence, giving young people fundamental tools to support a deeper understanding and awareness of their inner world.
Come play, connect, pause, and breathe.
SING ON COUNTRY MUSIC WORKSHOP
6 YrsOld+
Join Aboriginal and Torres Strait Songkeeper, Jessie Lloyd, to learn about our beautifully diverse country through song, language, and dance.
In this fun and engaging workshop, Jessie will share a fresh collection of songs from across the country. Kids will sing about the colours and meanings of our First Nations flags and learn the traditional names of Australia’s capital cities.
Through a newly released Aboriginal and Torres Strait Songbook, Jessie aims for these songs – and many more collected through her Mission Songs and Ailan Songs Project - to build on the songlines of Aboriginal Australia, a body of traditional songs that carries the 60,000-year history of the world’s oldest living culture.
FOR MOTHERS WORKSHOP
Bookings essential
Every morning, mothers can engage in creative practice with their bubs while exploring the importance of connection to country, our ancestors and arts and culture as part of the first 1000 days of their Motherhood journey.
Based in Gimuy / Cairns, For Mothers is presented by Púuna, a creative and cultural project developed by global indigenous artists and mamas Lia Pa’apa’a (Samoan/Luiseño) and Johannah Maza (Yidinji/Mer/Irish) who work to empower mums through design, craft, food and weaving, creating meaningful resources for their babies and families.
Bookings essential
WHEN 17 – 20 Jun: 9:30-11:30am
22 Jun: 9:30-11:30am WHERE Lyric Lounge, QPAC
Púuna Sanctuary - Free Activity
WHEN 17-18 Jun: 9:30am, 11:00am & 1:00pm
19 Jun: 9:30am & 11:00am
20-21 Jun: 9:30am, 11:30am
22 Jun: 9:30am*, 11:30am
*Auslan Interpreted
WHERE Lyric Balcony Foyer, QPAC
DURATION 45 minutes
WHEN 19-21 Jun: 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2:00pm
22 Jun: 10:30am*, 12:30pm & 2:00pm
*Auslan Interpreted
WHERE Concert Hall Balcony Foyer, QPAC
DURATION 45 minutes
Every afternoon, the For Mothers space will transform into a hideaway where mums and bubs can enjoy tummy time, woven sensory play, and connect with other mamas. Translating to “grow in a circle” in Native Luiseno, the Púuna Sanctuary invites mamas to unwind and reflect with each other in a nurturing, supportive environment.
WHEN 17 – 20 Jun: 12:00pm-3:00pm
21 Jun: 10:00am-3:00pm
22 Jun: 12:00pm-3:00pm WHERE Lyric Lounge, QPAC
WELCOME CEREMONY
All ages
Join us for the Welcome Ceremony to open the 2025 Out of the Box Festival.
Led by Gaja Kerry Charlton, an Elder and traditional owner from south-east Queensland with ties to the Gulf, this special event will serve to open the festival with a spirit of honouring the importance of place, story and belonging.
WHEN 17 Jun: 9:30am
VENUE Melbourne Street Green, QPAC
ACCESSIBILITY
FREE
QPAC’S OUT OF THE
TREE OF HOPE
Discover every Tree of Hope around the Cultural Precinct at the below locations:
Lyric Foyer
Bethany Lutheran Primary School, Raceview
Concert Hall Foyer
Carole Park State School, Wacol & Currumbin State School, Currumbin
Minstrel Gallery
Longreach State School, Longreach
Lyric and Concert Hall Staircase
The Murri School, Acacia Ridge
Cremorne Foyer
Yarrabah State School, Yarrabah
Playhouse Stalls Foyer
St Paul’s Primary, Rockhampton & Woodridge State School, Woodridge
Ground-level foyer – Lyric and Concert Hall
Tagai State College, Mabuiag Island, Caboolture State School, Caboolture
Melbourne Street Green
School of Distance Education, Longreach surrounds
C&K White Rock Community Kindergarten, Cairns
C&K Maranoa Community Kindergarten, Roma
C&K Walker Street Community Childcare, Bundaberg
C&K Sunset Community Kindergarten, Mount Isa
You can read more about the Tree of Hope installation on page 13.
Design by Josh McIntosh
STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND SCAVENGER
HUNT
All ages
Are you a keen explorer? Are you a master of puzzles? Then get excited and jump into our scavenger hunt. This interactive onsite experience gets you collecting clues and completing challenges to uncover top secret library spaces, learn remarkable history and culture and explore the incredible artworks unique to our building. Pop into the welcome desk on level 1 to start your adventure.
QAGOMA ART BOX FOR KIDS: MANDY QUADRIO
This exciting new Art Box for Kids invites children to discover the work of Trawlwoolway/Pairabeenee and Laremairremenner artist Mandy Quadrio. Quadrio’s people have been using Tasmanian bull kelp as a material for thousands of years. The kelp is used in many ways, including to make carriers to hold water, food or seeds. As part of this project, you can create your own unique paper carrier to hold your special objects and treasures.
WHEN 17-22 Jun: Drop-in
VENUE State Library of Queensland
ACCESSIBILITY
The creation of cultural objects using customary techniques, including the use of bull kelp to make water carriers, is a practice held by Tasmanian Aboriginal women. In this children’s activity, Trawlwoolway/ Pairabeenee and Laremairremenner artist Mandy Quadrio draws on this practice to share and increase general understandings of Tasmanian Indigenous cultural knowledges more broadly. This project has the endorsement of the Tebrakunna Circle of Elders and the artist’s Trawlwoolway/ Pairabeenee family and community from north-east Tasmania/Lutruwita/Trouwerner.
This family friendly drop-in workshop at QAGOMA invites you to consider a significant moment of wonder in your life, before creating a picture with coloured pencils and watercolour paint in response to a prompt by an exhibiting artist. Selected drawings created during the workshop will be displayed as part of an upcoming exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.
CROWN CRAFTING
Drop in to make magical paper crowns inspired by the forest! Using leaves, twigs, and nature-themed shapes, children design their own woodland headpieces in this imaginative, hands-on art activity.
Create your own woodland crown and rule the forest with creativity!
WHEN 21-22 Jun: Drop-in
VENUE Bodhi Tree Terrace, GOMA ACCESSIBILITY
WISHING WALL THE GROWING SEWING VOICE LAB
Add your dreams to the Wishing Wall! This free activity invites all festivalgoers to write down a personal wish and add it to the live art installation. Watch as hopes from our community grow into a colorful tapestry of imagination, connection, and possibility.
Join beloved Out of the Box artist Sue Loveday, who makes her return to the festival with The Growing Sewing, a cozy sewing circle for children, where they can experiment with stitching and make art using colourful fabrics and thread. This drop-in, hands-on activity encourages creativity and mindfulness, offering an opportunity to become part of a collaborative installation that will grow over the festival.
Sue challenges young artists and their adults to work together to make a cubby house where hopes and dreams rest easy.
Voice Lab is a unique experience for children to share their thoughts and opinions. One at a time, they are invited into a small, beautifully designed, serene dome, featuring an intricate set of headphones. Wearing these, they have a conversation with the space itself –Voice Lab. It asks (and answers) questions, encourages opinions and regards the child as the expert.
Made from canvas and incorporating lighting, sound and concealed technology, Voice Lab is immersive, theatrical and responsive. It provides a safe space for children to have a say about their present and their future.
These are drop-in sessions. Voice Lab conversations are about 5-10 minutes. Depending on the number of people visiting, you may need to wait to speak to Voice Lab.
THE BIG LITTLE CIRCUS WORKSHOP
Roll up and try something new! Flipside Circus’s drop-in workshops are playful, hands-on sessions where kids (and their grown-ups!) can spin a plate, twirl a hoop, or learn a quick trick or two. Led by Flipside’s young performers and experienced trainers, these short, fun-filled sessions run throughout the festival. Perfect for popping in, playing together, and discovering your inner circus star.
Look out for Flipside Pop-Up Circus performed by young artists for young audiences all over the festival. Each surprise performance is a short burst of fun, flips, tricks and wow moments – bringing circus magic close, playful, and personal.
For more information about all the free activities available at Out of the Box visit qpac.com.au/OOTB
ONLINE at qpac.com.au/OOTB
PHONE QTIX on 136 246 between 9am – 8:30pm, Monday to Saturday
IN PERSON
QTIX Box Office, Mezzanine Level, QPAC
SCHOOLS School group bookings are available. Check the website for details on how to book tickets for your school.
For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by giving us a call on 136 246.
You can also find information on access and accessibility at www.qpac.com.au/visit/accessibility
To book the accessibility enhanced performances please call QPAC Group Sales on 07 3840 7466 or email groups@qpac.com.au.
SLOW DOWN ZONES
Need a break from the festival frenzy? Swing by our Slow Down Zones — where tiny art lovers can hang out with fewer crowds and calmer vibes!
Auslan interpreted
WALK From the city across the Victoria Bridge or the Neville Bonner Bridge
BUS To Cultural Centre Busway Station
TRAIN To South Brisbane Station, opposite QPAC on Grey Street
CITY CAT To South Bank Ferry Terminal in South Bank Parklands
TAXI To the set-down and pick-up area on the Grey Street side of QPAC
PARKING Cultural Centre car parks
– enter from Stanley Place Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre – enter from Merivale Street or Grey Street South Bank Parklands – enter from Grey Street
For bus, train and ferry timetable
information call Translink on 13 12 30 or visit translink.com.au
| 2:00pm 9:30am | 11:00am 12:30pm | 2:00pm*
SLOW DOWN ZONES
Need a break from the festival frenzy?
Swing by our Slow Down Zones— where tiny art lovers can hang out with fewer crowds and calmer vibes!
Nhamul PlaySpace [Playhouse Lounge]
Púuna Sanctuary [Lyric Lounge]
Tree of Hope [The Parlour, State Library of Queensland]
The Growing Sewing [Concert Hall Foyer]
Voice Lab [Concert Hall Mezzanine]
Crown Crafting [Cascade Court]
WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
Connect with the wonder, hope and joy of childhood.
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
At C&K, we’ve been cheering on QPAC’s Out of the Box festival since 1992. And like the festival, we believe in the magic that happens when children get creative. As a not-forprofit with over 115 years of experience, we know how powerful imagination can be.
We're thrilled to partner with QPAC again this year! Out of the Box celebrates the wonder of childhood—just like we do every day at C&K. From painting to storytelling and music, and through joyful play, our educators help children grow big life skills like confidence, empathy, and communication.
Across Queensland, C&K centres are warm, welcoming places where curiosity leads the way. That's why families love C&K. We're all about helping children grow, learn, and shine in their own unique way.
Come and experience the joy at C&K where play is powerful, learning is purposeful, creativity is embraced, and every child is celebrated.
Find your nearest centre at candk.asn.au
CULTURAL PRECINCT PARTNERS
PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS
Thank you also to our generous donors who have supported Out of the Box, and our Care for a Class Circle of supporters.
Alicia Mellor, Rachael Nolan, Tom Pritchard, Bec Redsell, Aidan Rowlingson, Julia Solomon
Digital Content Producer
Simon Woods
Education Manager
Adrianne Jones
Early Years Education Consultant & Writer
Professor Julie Dunn
Writers – Learning Resources
Lucy Drew, Adrianne Jones, Renee Place
Production and Festival Operations Manager
Kylie Mitchell
Production Manager
Jason Organ
Production Coordinators
Caileigh Lutzke, Brooklyn Pace
Festival Site Designer
Josh McIntosh
Curatorial Operations Manager
Peta Winters
Volunteer Coordinator
Rochelle Manderson
Project Officers
Tahlia Stevenson, Jill Tuckwood
Administrative Support Staff
Katherine Croker, Andrea McKenzie, Braidy Sutton
Campaign Manager
John Sullivan
Publicity Managers
Sarah Sweeney, Cindy Ullrich
Marketing Leads
Sarah Bond, Emily Faulkner, Andrea Huynh, Brandon Le Gallez, Phoebe Wowor
Head of Marketing Strategy
Megan Stalley
Head of Digital
Kim Harper
Digital Project Manager
Katrin Potthast
Digital Campaign Coordinator
Catherine Sturk
Publicity and Content Manager
Rachel Churchland
QPAC Graphic Designers
Liz Wilson, Stella Danalis
Head of Client Services – Ticketing
Robyn Gander
Manager – Ticketing
Dimity Vowles
Senior Group Sales Coordinator
Jan Murphy
Manager – Visitor Services and Security
Kim Davis
Front of House Services Manager
Tracey Nicklin
Head of Partnerships
Merryn Csinsci
Development Coordinator
Marina de Jager
Head of Philanthropy
Simon Buchanan
Philanthropy Manager
Sara-Jane Dean
Philanthropy Coordinator
Marie-Claire Hargreaves
Food and Beverage Manager
Jonathan Simpson
Executive Chef
Joshua Wilby
Production Services Manager
Chris Philippi
Safety Manager
Sonya Curry
Business Analyst
Avery Hong
Manager – Information, Communication & Technology
Neil Coulson Interns
Nathan McMillan, Charlie Graham
QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
PO Box 3567, South Bank, Queensland 4101 T: (07) 3840 7444 W: qpac.com.au
C HAIR Professor Peter Coaldrake AO
DEPUTY CHAIR Leigh Tabrett PSM
TRUST MEMBERS
Leanne Coddington, Julian Myers, Georgina Richters, Susan Rix AM
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Chief Executive: Rachel Healy
Executive Director – Visitor Experience: Jackie Branch
Executive Director – Philanthropy and Partnerships: Zoë Connolly
Executive Director – People and Culture: Gemma Davidson
Executive Director – Marketing and Ticketing: Roxanne Hopkins
Executive Director – Venue Infrastructure and Production Services: Bill Jessop
Executive Director – Curatorial: Jono Perry
Executive Director – Business Performance: Kieron Roost
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Queensland Performing Arts Trust is a statutory body of the State of Queensland and is partially funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts
Sharon Schimming, Acting Director-General, Department of Education
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
QPAC warmly thanks our key donors who help us engage broadly across the state and continue enriching lives through performing arts.
Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax AC, Dr Lee and Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, Leigh Tabrett PSM, Susan Rix AM, Julian Myers, Dr Sally Pitkin AO, Dare Power, Dr Cathryn Mittelheuser AM, Sandi Hoskins, Lance and Suzanne Hockridge, Leigh Wheeler, Judith Musgrave Family Foundation, Queensland Community Foundation, de Groots Charitable Fund, Joachim and Paula Erpf, Dr Colin and Mrs Noela Kratzing, Barbara Snelling, Frank and Karen Alpert, Dr Ailbhe and Dr Frank Cunningham, Jenny Morton, Klaus Beckmann and several donors who wish to remain anonymous.
We give heartfelt thanks to QPAC’s Principal Partners Hyundai and MinterEllison.
