AUGATHELLA – HAVE YOU GOT TALENT? AUDITION FOR Q150 ENTERTAINMENT SHED

The talent search is on for artists, performers, story tellers and bands to audition for the Q150 shed touring Queensland in 2009 Acting Premier Paul Lucas said today.

The shed reminiscent of the iconic Australian shearing shed, will tour to more than 10 towns in 2009, including Augathella, with the first tour beginning in June and the second in November.

“Whether it’s spinning a yarn, spruiking a story, strumming a chord or belting out a tune – Queenslanders love to hop up on stage,” Mr Lucas said.

“From old timers who are used to a sing-a-long around the piano to kids who know nothing else but Singstar we want you to come on down.”

“Public auditions will be held in Augathella on 3 March 2009.”

The best performers will go on to perform in their local Q150 shed alongside performers like Raw Dance and they will also have the chance to be selected to perform at the final show in Brisbane in December 2009.

Nominations close 5pm on Thursday 19 February 2009. Nomination forms are available at www.q150.qld.gov.au.

Nominees should submit a completed Expression of Interest with support materials such as an artist biography, performance DVD, music CD, photographs and an activity proposal to: Q150 Shed Tour, PO Box 3943, South Brisbane Qld 4101.

Talent scouts are Lyndon Terracini, Chief Executive of Major Brisbane Festivals and Graeme Potter, Director of the Queensland Government’s Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations Unit.

By day the schools, young people and community groups have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops and exhibits commemorating Queensland’s rich history. But by night, the venue comes alive with entertainment, showcasing music and performances from some of Queensland’s most talented artists such the urban young dancers of Raw Dance.

Mr Terracini said he would love to hear from anyone who would like to be part of the entertainment at the Q150 shed.

“There’s a lot of talented people living in different towns and cities and the bush and I would love to hear from them.

“It’s a chance for them to strut their stuff.

“I remember when I was doing the Bob Cat Dances in Mount Isa and one of the people we ‘discovered’ was Megan Samardin,” he said.

“Megan has gone on to sing at various other events like the Cabaret Festival

“It’s great when you can help someone like that along the way through commemorative events such as Q150. This is really all about celebrating Q150.”

He said he looked forward to the auditions and then selecting the best to be part of the 12 December 2009 show in Brisbane.

Bank of Queensland is presenting the Q150 Shed as it tours the State in 2009.

David Liddy, Managing Director of Bank of Queensland said Bank of Queensland wanted to be involved because it was a fantastic opportunity for Bank of Queensland to strengthen its links with Queensland communities.

"This is a great opportunity to celebrate Queensland and Queenslanders," he said.

"Our bank's history stretches back more than 134 years so we've been around in one form or another from the beginning, growing and building Queensland.

"Today we're the fastest growing retail bank in Australia and that's because we value our customers, our communities and where we came from.

"We are community-minded and to be part of a project which not only commemorates Queensland's 150th anniversary and the achievements along the way, but also has the potential to discover Queensland entertainment talent is very satisfying."

2009 marks Queensland’s 150^th year of separation from New South Wales.

Prospective nominees can contact the Producer, Q150 Tour, info@majorbrisbanefestivals.com.au, (07) 3833 5400 for further information.

2009 Regional Auditions

2 March Blackall

3 March Augathella

4 March Cherbourg

5 March Warwick

6 March Gold Coast

9 March Brisbane

Media inquiries: Premier’s Office 3224 4500.
Lyndon Terracini, Chief Executive, Major Brisbane Festival, 3833 5400.