Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance

The Indee at Eumundi



  A POTTED HISTORY
The History of the Indee at Eumundi Theatre

The Independent Theatre was founded in 1994 by the late Philip Chappell and John and Carol Burls.  Initially, to get it off the ground, it was funded by the trio.  Its first production, TV Signals, a drama written by John Burls and directed by Philip Chappell, did a packed two weeks in Noosa.  The script later made the initial shortlist of the QTC’s George Landen Dann competition (when it was an open event).

After 15 months of hiring various venues to stage four plays and the first of its topical revues,  it was realised that the theatre wasn’t flying under its own flag and set about establishing headquarters in Eumundi. 

It opened at the School of Arts Theatre on April 12th, 1996 with A Man For All Seasons,
directed by Philip Chappell and drew audiences from right across the Coast.

In the ensuing 12 years it has gone from strength to strength by following its policy of maintaining the highest quality possible by combining fine amateur actors with largely professional directors.
The programming is a mix of classical and contemporary works along with in-house plays by writer in residence, John Burls. Three mainstay seasons each year provide “The Indee” with a solid financial base.  They are the January pantomime, the June-July production of Comedy & Consomme (now in its 13th season and Australia’s longest running topical revue, Up Eumundi Road.
These three staples allow for professional directors to head up other plays.

Just a few of the Indee highlights include Playing Sinatra, Home, President Elect, The Lady’s Not For Burning, Bronhill, The Holy Terror, Veronica’s Room, Pygmalion, Hart – The Musical, Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell, Death of a Salesman, The Exorcism, The Sunshine Boys, Nancy, Stones In His Pockets, Dealer’s Choice, Educating Rita and The Philadelphia Story.

ABOUT YOUR VENUE

This is a Heritage listed building of great charm and is administered by the Eumundi and District Historical Association (EDHA), which runs the famous Eumundi markets.

The Indee has been the major tenant for over twelve years and for its input into hall facilities, running into many thousands of dollars and its cultural significance, it was rewarded in 2006 with a ten years lease to provide it with a sense of permanency.

As a Heritage listed building great care must be taken with any improvements to the School of Arts building to ensure its remaining as an icon.

In October 1999 work was commenced to provide a back section housing modern dressing rooms, a work-shop, a mezzanine wardrobe area and doubling the size of the stage plus installing a cyc wall. This was financed by the EDHA.  

The EDHA and The Indee combined financially to install air-conditioning.  The Indee upgraded the bar, completely refurbishing it and installing a large commercial drinks fridge and a commercial glass-washer. It installed auditorium wall-lights along with new lighting in the foyer area.  Repainting has also taken place and much technical theatre equipment introduced.

With a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to the EDHA an elevated bio-box is being built along the rear wall to house sound and lighting desks.  

THE INDEE YOUNG PERFORMERS' TROUPE

For the past 7 years the theatre has been training young talents in the 7 to13 and 14 to 18 groups.  In its various forays into competition via the Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival it has done extremely well, winning quite a number of awards.

The Young Performers Troupe is generally limited to ensure individual attention.  Acting classes are held each Monday afternoon from 4-6pm at the theatre, under the direction of noted actor and drama teacher, Luke Lanham.  These young folk combine Monday classes with Thursday rehearsals for 3 projects each year.  On Thursdays they concentrate on Performance Theatre, involving dialogue, dance movement and singing.  Thursdays are under the tutelage of choreographer Gloria Gray, theatre manager, Carol Burls and writer John Burls. The 3 projects are The Mother’s Day Super Concert in May, the Theatre Festival in August and the annual pantomime in January.
The theatre also provides on-site technical experience for high school students in their final years who are studying Drama.  Working with The Indee adds to their points tally at the end of the year and enables them to work on 5 to 6 widely varied shows throughout the year as well as their school productions.

TWO GREAT WAYS TO SEE GREAT SHOWS AT THE INDEE.

Become a subscriber.*** Your yearly subscription of $95 covers all five major productions and one add-on show. As well as covering your seat costs your subscription also entitles you to a drink from the Bio-Box Bar on arrival and a souvenir program (The award-winning Indee programs are always worthy of being called souvenirs).

Purchase a 1-2-3 (Threebie) ticket***. For just $42 you can choose any three shows in any order. There are no restrictions. You pay - you choose.

***Please note that subscribers and 1-2-3 ticket holders do have to pay additional dinner costs for shows such as Comedy & Consomme and Up Eumundi Road.