Drama Queensland

It’s hard to believe we engaged our engines and took flight last week at LIFT OFF 🚀

Day One of conference blasted off with a panel discussion with our wonderful friends Artistic Directors Nelle Lee, Nick Skubij, and Ross Balbuziente joined us for an engaging Q&A celebrating their remarkable 20-year journey in the arts and arts education. Led by our Vice President PD, Lucy Harkin, our delegates heard how friendship and passion have driven creative risk-taking and groundbreaking productions.

Our DQ President, Scott Andrews, then launched us into the journey ahead.

We honoured Adjunct Associate Professor Madonna Stinson by presenting her with the Drama Australia President’s Award. A Life Member of Drama Queensland, Madonna is a leading figure in drama education whose career spans teaching, research, and international advocacy. She has made outstanding contributions through her leadership, extensive publications, and sustained service to Drama Australia.

We also presented our 2026 Robin Thomas Bursary awardees and our Regional Grant recipients. Delegates then enjoyed a practical workshop led by Vice President Finance Stephanie Tudor and Committee Member Tavia Seymour, followed by drinks with our wonderful IPs.

AND this was only Day One! We can’t wait to share more from LIFT OFF 2026 🧡🚀

As ever - we need your advocacy!

The Australian Government is requesting feedback on their National Cultural Policy.

The current National Cultural Policy (Read it here:https://www.arts.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-culturalpolicy-8february2023.pdf ) doesn't have a specific focus on Arts Education.

We need Arts Education to be central to this country's National Cultural Policy.

You can submit a brief statement via the survey to call for the inclusion of strengthening of Arts Education in the National Policy here https://edm.arts.gov.au/survey.php?sid=36562&name=submission-form

Deadline for submissions is 24 May.

This an important opportunity for drama education advocacy at a national level. Every voice and every submission counts.

Page 1 of 7 - Submission form Thank you for participating in the development of a new National Cultural Policy. Your submissions will be used by the Office for the Arts to help better inform a policy that responds to your needs.

The countdown is on! Registration for our 2026 conference must close THIS WEEK!

Some workshops are already full, but there is still time for you to join us as we move past what we know into the rich adventure that is beyond

Remember we need each other to LIFT OFF 🚀

Head to https://dramaqueensland.org.au/pd/conference/conference-program/ now to secure your spot!

Haven’t had a chance in the busy of term 2 to complete your registration? Don’t fear, DQ HAS GOT YOU!

We are excited to announce that we are EXTENDING our LIFT OFF registration for one more week! Join us for an incredible program featuring an exclusive Friday night event with the amazing Artistic Directors Ross, Nick, and Nelle! Dive into 18 dynamic workshops led by inspiring educators and our fabulous Industry Partners, and be part of a powerful leadership panel exploring the impact of the Arts in Education 🎭

There is something for everyone!! So what are you waiting for? Register now for LIFT OFF 🚀🧡
https://dramaqueensland.org.au/pd/conference/

Haven’t had a chance in the busy of term 2 to complete your registration? Don’t fear, DQ HAS GOT YOU!

We are excited to announce that we are EXTENDING our LIFT OFF registration for one more week! Join us for an incredible program featuring an exclusive Friday night event with the amazing Artistic Directors Ross, Nick, and Nelle! Dive into 18 dynamic workshops led by inspiring educators and our fabulous Industry Partners, and be part of a powerful leadership panel exploring the impact of the Arts in Education 🎭

There is something for everyone!! So what are you waiting for? Register now for LIFT OFF 🚀🧡
https://dramaqueensland.org.au/pd/conference/

Drama Queensland was fortunate to attend the Creative Learning launch at QPAC last week. A big congratulations to our own DQ conference manager alumni Katrina Torenbeek along with DQ life member and current co-op committee member Adrianne Jones on their work in crafting a rich and engaging program for our young people. Exciting times ahead!

First day of May and LAST DAY to secure your early bird registration for our 2026 conference LIFT OFF 🚀

Here is what our President, Scott Andrews, has to say about this year’s conference:

“Over the past few years there has been significant change in the drama teaching landscape – particular around curriculum changes, scaling, the fighting for enrolment numbers and job security. In such times are we are in now; we need to look to each other and our wider drama community for support.

LIFT OFF provides a platform for us to take on new ways of thinking and chart a different direction moving forward. As a community, let’s equip ourselves to venture forth in a way where students, educators, government bodies, post school pathway providers and industry can truly thrive together.
As always, the state conference not only represents exceptional value for money but also continues to be our most valuable professional development opportunity.

Booking early ensures that you can secure your place and get access to your first choice of workshops. So please don’t delay. Get that PD application in and I’ll see you in May at LIFT OFF”

Today is your last chance to secure your early bird registration today 🧡🚀

Conference Program | Drama Queensland HomePD News & EventsConferenceConference ProgramBloom 2025 Conference Program Convenors Message - Lucy Harkin A rocket needs a force greater than itself to lift off. Drama Queensland is delighted to launch our full program for LIFT OFF! Our annual conference is an opportunity for us to come togeth.....

Former Drama Queensland Presidents, Professor Sandra Gattenhof (QUT) and Dr John Nicholas Saunders (ACU) continue to advocate for Arts education! Thank you both for your leadership and your ongoing efforts to improve access to The Arts in schools and universities 🧡

Only ONE WEEK left until Early Bird tickets close for the 2026 National Conference hosted by close - don't miss out! Check out the incredible program at a glance here: https://dramawest.com/2026NationalConferencePLAY