Welcome to Goat Track Theatre’s Year of Fun
At Goat Track Theatre, we’ve always believed that creativity is at its peak when fuelled by passion and a spark of play. This year, we’re taking that philosophy to a whole new level with our Year of Fun! That’s right, an entire year dedicated to the enriching, energizing, and downright joyous power of fun.
But why make fun the focus of an entire year? Because fun isn’t just an extra—it’s essential. Storytelling and the performing arts come alive when infused with joy, and we're on a mission to nurture artists who radiate that same energy in their work and their lives. Here’s why we’ve chosen to celebrate fun, and how it’s shaping every aspect of our program this year.
Why Fun Matters
1.Fun Fuels Creativity
Ask any artist about their most inspired work, and chances are, it began when they were experimenting, feeling free, and having fun. Creativity thrives when we’re playful. It’s in those moments of light-hearted exploration that we stumble upon fresh ideas and bold choices.
At Goat Track Theatre, we know the pressure to “get it right” can sometimes feel overwhelming for performers. Fun shakes loose that weight, opening up space to imagine, take risks, and create with freedom. After all, if the work of acting itself is play, shouldn’t our approach to it reflect that same spirit?
2.Fun Builds Resilience
The creative world, while thrilling, can also be challenging. Rejection, tough auditions, and the grind of the industry can chip away at even the most dedicated artist. That’s why fun is more than a break—it’s a lifeline.
Fun acts as a reset. It reminds us that life doesn’t have to be all about the hustle—that we deserve moments of laughter, levity, and joy. Through fun, we learn how to dust ourselves off after a stumble and keep going. It strengthens our ability to bounce back, face challenges with optimism, and continue pursuing the dreams that set our souls on fire. There’s a reason for the saying “Laughter is the best medicine.”
3. Fun Fosters Connection
Storytelling is an act of connection. Whether you’re performing on stage, directing behind the scenes, or collaborating in a class, the strongest, most memorable moments happen when people work together joyfully. Fun allows walls to come down, and it invites collaboration over competition.
At Goat Track Theatre, we believe in building a community where every actor, writer, and creative feels surrounded by support, encouragement, and shared laughter. When we play together, we create bonds that last long after the final curtain call.
How Fun Comes to Life in 2025
Our Year of Fun isn’t just a theme—it’s a guiding principle that will infuse everything we do. Here’s a peek at how we’re weaving fun into our programs this year:
Playful Workshops
We’re crafting workshops designed to reignite your sense of imagination. For our primary program think improv sessions that challenge you to say “yes, and” to the unexpected, mask work that creates playful opportunities for comedy whilst unlocking uninhibited expression, not to mention the creation of some new crazy characters that bring a room alive with laughter.Performance Seasons
From outdoor pop-up performances to playful short film challenges we’re introducing projects that are all about bringing joy to the world. We are also creating a full children’s festival by young people for children called The Story Tree, which will be performed at our very own black box theatre in Burleigh Heads. These are just a couple of the amazing shows coming your way!Joyful Community Events
This year, we’re hosting events designed to celebrate the joy that art brings to our lives. Expect some open nights, themed parties, and “joy sessions” where the focus is simple—show up, have fun, and share in the magic of community.Celebrating the Flaws
Not every take will be an award-winning one, and that’s okay. We’re creating opportunities to learn, laugh, and grow from mistakes. Whether it’s a blooper reel competition or moments of reflection on what we’ve learned through creative missteps, we’re giving participants permission to fail forward and laugh at ourselves.Spotlights on Fun in the Industry
Throughout the year, we’ll share inspiring stories and insights from industry professionals who know the value of keeping their craft playful. Actors, directors, and creators will join us to challenge the idea that seriousness always equals success.
The Benefits of Fun
We know dedicating a year to fun will have lasting ripple effects for everyone involved. Participants will rediscover the passion that drew them to the performing arts in the first place. They’ll experiment more freely, support one another more openly, and see challenges not as walls but as hurdles they can leap over with excitement.
When joy is at the forefront, we’re giving ourselves permission to shine—not just during the big performances, but in the everyday moments that make up the life of an artist.
A Year to Transform Our Craft
This Year of Fun ties directly to Goat Track Theatre’s mission of growing the greatness of children and young people by having some serious fun. By making fun a priority, we’re giving our participants the tools, mindset, and community they need to tell stories that resonate deeply and genuinely.
Because when fun meets dedication, something magical happens. The work becomes alive. The stories become unforgettable. And the artists? They become unstoppable.
Bertolt Brecht once said, that “a theatre not to be laughed in, is a theatre to be laughed at” I love this quote as it affirms the power and importance of us all playing and laughing and the reason we’re all here. We’re here for a good time, not a long time so let’s get this show on the road.
Join the Fun
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone just starting to dream about stepping onto that stage, we invite you to be part of Goat Track Theatre’s Year of Fun. Together, we’ll rediscover the joy, wonder, and playfulness that makes the arts such a powerful force in the world.
After all, fun isn’t just an extra—it’s the heart of who we are and everything we do. We can’t wait to share this extraordinary year with you.
Are you ready to have some serious fun? We are.
Let’s play!
Andrew “Let the Good Times Roll” Wright