The season kicks off with The Sapphire’s by Tony Briggs and sets out to show regional audiences themes of prejudice and acceptance, politics and power, love and desire and more. 

DRTCC manager Linda Christof said the company were “extremely excited” with the artistic program.

“We have a slight change in direction, we’re finding we’re being offered more rigorous, challenging works and I think our audiences are definitely ready to explore other genres and other topics,” Ms Christof said.

She said the program ensured there was something for everyone. 

“As you can see by our line-up of shows we’re catering for two-year-old’s and older, we have a diverse program,” Ms Christof said.

“We have such a strong program for family and youth that gets the kids in at a school age, and we find once they’ve experienced the live theatre, they’re hooked.”

She said while entertaining the region was the highlight, it was important for regional development. 

“It’s important for a regional centre to program a high calibre of works that are not just the popular tribute shows but are really gutsy plays and works with integrity similar to what they would see in a capital city,” Ms Christof said. 

“We want to offer regional audiences the same high level program that you would get in metropolitan areas.

“Without a doubt i think this is our strongest season of shows, there’s great diversity and also we’re taking the audience on a journey to extend their pallet for live theatre to have a few more risky and topical shows.”

Dubbo regional council CEO Michael McMahon thanked Ms Christof for the “fantastic launch” and season ahead.

“Linda has done a fantastic job putting together the various events for next year’s schedule,” Mr McMahon said.

He said the facility brought more than just entertainment to the city and its surrounds.

“I could imagine there would be multi-million dollars worth of business that comes to Dubbo as a result of this production.” 

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