If you have never been to live theatre before, you’re aged between 18 and 55, and you’d like some free tickets to shows, then the Pilbeam Theatre would like to hear from you.

The theatre is looking for 24 people who have never set foot in the Pilbeam Theatre before to be part of a statewide survey to determine the habits of non- theatergoers.

The study, titled Talking Theatre, aims to determine the entertainment, cultural and creative needs of non-theatregoers, and assist theatre management to build new theatre audiences.

Those selected for the project will receive free tickets to three theatre shows in 2005. They will take part in focus group discussions after each show.

The Talking Theatre project is being conducted by Rebecca Scollen from QUT, with assistance from the Federal Government, Arts Queensland, the Qld University of Technology and venues of the Northern Australian Regional Performing Arts Centres Association.

Rockhampton Venes and Events Manager Peter Owens said the survey results would help shape live theatre in the regions for years to come.

“We already have a reasonable knowledge of the habits of theatregoers, but this survey will help us discover the needs of those who don’t regularly come to the theatre.

“This way we can determine what aspects of going to a live performance we need to take into account when promoting our venue to people who aren’t regular theatregoers.”.

Anyone interested in volunteering to be considered for the project should contact the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office on 4927 4111 or email peter.mackay@venuesandevents.com.au