Overview
Introducing the Friends of QPAC membership for 2024, specially curated to place you at the heart of QPAC and celebrate our shared love of live performance.
We are pleased to introduce opportunities that offer a deeper connection to QPAC and a peek behind the curtain at what it takes to create pure entertainment, connection, and deeper understanding for audiences.
As a Friend of QPAC you will receive the following benefits and opportunities throughout the 2024 calendar year:
- Priority Access: You’re invited to be amongst the first to access priority booking periods for most major QPAC events.
- Special Events: In these intimate events you will hear from industry insiders on some big issues in live performance and the behind-the-scenes magic it takes to bring live performance to audiences. From blockbuster musicals to new creative developments, dive into the world of performing arts like never before. In 2024 you are invited to attend special events for Prospero Arts Concert Series – Jersey Boys, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, and Round the Twist the Musical. (Booking required. Subject to venue schedules and availability)
- Open House: Join us at QPAC for a members only guided tour and discover what happens behind the scenes to present some of the world’s most famous shows and artists. (Booking required. One only per year. Subject to venue schedules and availability)
- Drink Vouchers: Two vouchers for a complimentary drink of your choice – select from a glass of house wine, a coffee or tea, a local beer, or a soft drink at our foyer bars.
- Members’ Line: Take advantage of the dedicated Members’ phone line and have your call prioritised in the queue when making your next booking.
- Save on Concerts: 10% off Adult and Concession A and B Reserve tickets for Queensland Symphony Orchestra in the Concert Hall, QPAC and the Conservatorium Theatre, Griffith University.
- Bonus Rewards: As a Friend of QPAC you will also receive bonus rewards that will include discounts, special offers and VIP invitations.
Join us on this incredible journey as we approach our 40th birthday in 2025. Become a Friend of QPAC to share in the celebration of performing arts in Queensland.
Special Events
Upcoming: Round the Twist the Musical
Full details to be announced.
Past event: Behind The Curtain: Unveiling The Magic Of Stage Production
Friends of QPAC Backstage Tour
Behind every live performance is a dedicated team of technical and production experts.
Join us for an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes tour of QPAC, guided by our passionate Production Services team. Designed exclusively for Friends of QPAC, this tour offers a rare insight into the bustling theatre environment.
Embark on an adventure through backstage areas, witnessing the intricate stage mechanics and meticulous planning that bring each performance to life. Experience the team in action as they prepare for the evening’s performance of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical in the Lyric Theatre, carry out a stage change in the Concert Hall in preparation for an evening performance of Elvis The Legendary Performer and deliver TechConnect, an industry training session for young people in the arts sector in the Playhouse.
You’ll stroll through bustling corridors where costumes are thoroughly maintained and visit the scenery dock where the bump‑in begins. Step inside artist dressing rooms where the greats transform and prepare to perform amidst the energy and excitement backstage.
Friends of QPAC will receive an email invitation to reserve their spot.
Past event: TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
Join us for a special Friends of QPAC event on the Concert Hall Stage celebrating the upcoming season of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical and the power of the female voice.
This musical, celebrating the life and career of the irrepressible Tina Turner, will roll into Brisbane from 29 June and as a Friend of QPAC we invite you to an exclusive panel discussion inspired by the trail she blazed on stages across the world.
Join Leanne de Souza, a highly respected veteran of the Australian music industry, as we recognise Australia’s own rich legacy of powerful front women in music.
Leanne will welcome the talented Ruva Ngwenya, who stars as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll herself in the Australian production of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, alongside a panel of musicians, vocalists, and industry legends. Together, they will explore how these iconic performers prepare to deliver unforgettable vocal performances that have the power to move us to tears, inspire immense joy, and heal the soul.
Bust out the sequins, tease the hair, and bring a friend along to simply the best night out at QPAC this year.
Friends of QPAC will receive an email invitation to reserve their seat.
Meet the Panel below:
Ruva Ngwenya – Panel Member
Ruva has been gracing Australian stages since her early years playing the Melbourne jazz bar circuit at the age of 16. Her professional musical theatre debut came in 2013 as Shenzi in The Lion King.
Ruva’s intrinsic musical instincts pay homage to her Zimbabwean heritage. No stranger to perfecting her gift, Ruva is a celebrated alumni of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) and has studied a Bachelor of Music Performance at Melbourne University’s Victorian College of the Arts.
On completion of The Lion King, a string of successful musicals followed, including We Will Rock You, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ragtime and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, solidifying Ruva as one of musical theatre’s most sought-after performers.
Ruva enjoys self-expression and art exploration through the release of her original music. The release of E.P. Humble Brag, a vibrant body of work encompassing pop, RnB and afrobeat influences, was released in 2018. Lead single "S.W.E.A.T." was a featured work during the 2021 Australian Open channel 9 Broadcast. You can find Ruva’s music on all streaming platforms.
An accomplished and versatile live performer, Ruva is sought out for corporate events, cabaret shows and private functions. With acting credits on Neighbours, Ruva has proven to be a triple threat with a strong presence and future in the Australian entertainment industry. She is breaking down barriers for performers of diverse backgrounds and showcasing a new and fresh take on what it means to entertain.
Sarah McLeod – Panel Member
Sarah McLeod is a founding member of the 3-time Aria award winning band The Superjesus. With a successful career spanning over two decades, Sarah is an inductee into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame. Sarah has released 3 Albums with The Superjesus and 3 albums as a solo artist.
Over recent years McLeod has expanded her creative enterprises to include treading the boards in Green Day’s critically acclaimed American Idiot, alongside Grinspoons Phil Jamieson and Magic Dirt’s Adalita.
In 2022 Sarah embarked on a national tour with Shake & Stir’s powerful adaptation of Jane Eyre. McLeod composed the sound track, performed it live on stage on piano, whilst also testing her acting skills again, performing a host of dark and diverse characters.
Currently in the roll out of a new Superjesus album and tour, Sarah is also gearing up to record her 3rd solo studio offering.
With her strong work ethic and raw talent, Sarah is known for consistently delivering professional and vibrant work.
Alison St Ledger – Panel Member
Alison St Ledger is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, director, producer, and author, renowned for her performances in Women in Voice alongside Australia’s leading female talents. Over two decades, she has gained a formidable reputation in Brisbane’s performing arts scene, served as artistic director for the Brisbane Cabaret Festival, and worked with bands like Spiritualized and Powderfinger.
Leanne De Souza – Facilitator
Leanne de Souza is a highly respected veteran of the Australian music industry. With 25 years’ experience working in artist management and events she has represented various high profile, award winning, commercially successful, and critically acclaimed contemporary musicians.
A long-standing champion and advocate for contemporary music Leanne is an honorary life member of the Queensland Music Network (Q Music), Executive Director role for the Association of Artist Managers (AAM), a former Trustee of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and founder of the Rock and Roll Writers Festival
Currently she is writing her memoir, completing her Masters (Museum Studies) at the University of Queensland and volunteering at Communify Queensland.
Past event: Director’s Cut – Inside Jersey Boys with Martin Croft
Join us as renowned director, Martin Croft delves into the magic that goes into restaging the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Jersey Boys. This behind-the-scenes journey provides insight into the creative vision and directorial brilliance shaping this iconic production.
Hosted by Hayley Johnson, Managing Director of Brisbane-based Prospero Arts, a production company providing local and national musical theatre stars an opportunity to work in their own backyard on exceptional semi-staged musical productions.
Friends of QPAC will receive an email invitation to reserve their seat.
Martin Croft
Martin Croft, a luminary in music theatre and opera, embarked on a distinguished career at 17 with TV roles in Melbourne. Martin has starred in most of the major shows of the last 25 years in Australia, the U.K. and USA including Les Miserables, Godspell, Cats, Miss Saigon, and The Phantom of the Opera. He seamlessly transitioned into directing, guiding hit productions such as Jersey Boys (New Theatricals Australasian Production), Les Misérables (Asia/South Africa Tour), The Boy From Oz (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth) and Oliver (Cameron Mackintosh Australia/Singapore). He has also directed numerous award ceremonies, concerts, workshops, cabarets and plays in Australia and overseas. Currently serving as Vice President of Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Martin is distinguished with 1 Mo Award and 2 Green Room Awards, underscoring his enduring contributions to the performing arts.
Hayley Johnson
Hayley Johnson, Producer and Managing Director of Prospero Arts is a QUT music graduate and WAAPA music theatre alum. Hayley transitioned from a successful career as a musical theatre/cabaret artist in Australia, Japan, and the USA to become a producer. As a Musical Director, she worked with Universal Studios Japan and Off-Off Broadway in NYC. A dedicated educator for two decades, Hayley blended her family's business background with her artistic connections to co-found Power Arts, supporting various performing arts projects. Her passion led to Prospero Arts Production Company, aiming to foster local talents. Hayley served on the Brisbane Powerhouse Board (2013-2022) and Q Music Board (2021-2023). Balancing roles in Power Family, BMD, Power Arts, Prospero Arts, and her family, she is a wife and mother of three.
Past event: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Join us for an exclusive insider’s view into the world of live performance. Come and explore the magic of staging Beauty and the Beast the Musical with us. Gain unique insights from industry experts and creatives as we delve into the intricacies of bringing this timeless classic to life.
This captivating event will feature a panel of esteemed guests who have been instrumental in the production and will share their experiences and secrets of bringing Beauty and the Beast to life on QPAC’s Lyric Theatre stage.
Whether you’ve seen the show once or a thousand times, this event promises to deepen your appreciation of the artistry and craftsmanship involved in this spectacular production.
Friends of QPAC will receive an email invitation to reserve their seat.
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