LA BOITE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS BY INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN THEATRE THROUGH ASSEMBLY+

As La Boite Theatre marks 100 years of artistic innovation and cultural leadership in 2025, the company is proud to unveil a bold evolution of its flagship artist development initiative: ASSEMBLY+. 

This supercharged six-month program supports the next generation of Queensland’s storytellers, inviting nine early-career writers, nine directors and eighteen actors (all within their first five years of professional practice) to collaborate in the creation of original short works for the stage.

While the program culminates in two public showcases at the iconic Roundhouse Theatre in June 2025, ASSEMBLY+ is first and foremost an artist-first, process-driven development platform. Participants will be immersed in a carefully crafted program of masterclasses, creative workshops and industry mentorship, designed to deepen their practice and foster long-term, sustainable careers in the arts.

La Boite Artistic Director, Courtney Stewart said, "We have an incredible opportunity on the horizon with the 2032 Olympics, an unprecedented chance to showcase Queensland as a mature, creative state."

"But to be match fit for the world stage, we need to be investing now in opportunities that nurture our next generation of storytellers. ASSEMBLY+ is La Boite’s contribution to building pathways for artists in Queensland."

Each small creative unit, comprising a writer, director and two actors, will be guided by leading Queensland theatre-makers, including Steve Pirie (writing mentor), Michelle Miall (directing mentor), Emily Burton (acting mentor) and program dramaturg Alex Macdonald, with the program facilitated by Senior Producer Jess Bunz.

“We need to redefine what success looks like in the arts,” continued Stewart. 

“It must be expansive, inclusive and artist-led. ASSEMBLY+ ensures that creative development is underpinned by genuine collaboration and the dismantling of traditional gatekeeping.”

“Creating genuine pathways for artists means removing barriers, not just shifting them,” added Jess Bunz.

“It’s about building bridges that last, not just doors that open once. ASSEMBLY+ is the only program of its kind in the country. Past participants have progressed to mainstage productions, been accepted into prestigious programs, been selected for PlayLab’s 2025 Incubator for writers, and developed works that began here for independent seasons, including shows like Edna Gy at the upcoming Anywhere Festival.” 

"In a cultural moment where storytelling is more vital than ever, ASSEMBLY+ champions the power of shared, live experiences to help us understand ourselves and each other."

“We’re all storytelling beasts,” Stewart reflected. 

“Live performance is transcendental. It connects us in ways that are timeless. Cultivating those voices is how we continue to grow as a creative state.”

As La Boite looks ahead to the next 100 years, ASSEMBLY+ affirms its commitment to developing the artists who will shape the stories and stages of the future.