Behind Empire’s curtain

SONNY HILLMAN

“I WORK in the events department here at the Empire Theatre.

“So that means I look after all of the events and functions we have with our shows here.

“I love the events we have and the arts is a part of Toowoomba that’s growing.

“It’s good to be a part of that and keep it strong.

“I’ve been working here since March, 2016 and I just love it.

“People just come and do their thing and we make it as easy as possible for them to do that.

“We get so many thank yous, it’s lovely.

“It’s really cool to see everyone’s rituals before they get out on stage.

“We can make most things happen.”

CLAIRE BOURKE

“I WORK in the Empire Theatre box office.

“That means I spend my day selling tickets and smiling.

“I’ve worked here for about a year-and-a-half and I love my job because it’s different every day and I get to meet so many different people and hopefully send them away happy.

“I really like the people who work here at the theatre.”

BEN HUNT

“I’M the head of lighting here. “That means I oversee the day-to-day operations of lighting in the theatre.

“That includes maintaining equipment and implementing clients’ needs for shows.

“Some tours and shows are very specific about the lighting that they need.

“I’ve been working in lighting for 10 years now and have been employed by the Empire here for seven.

“I really like the variety of my job.

“Entertainment has a very unique set of challenges when it comes to lighting and you have to meet very tight deadlines.

“You’re dealing with live shows so, as they say, the show must go on.

“There’s nothing like working here in this theatre and in this room (in the auditorium).

“I’ve been and worked in other theatres around the country but none of them look like this.

“I like the people who I work with too.”

MARCUS OBORN

“I’M the youth arts support officer for the Empire Theatre.

“That means I look after the programs and youth programs we have here, giving administrative and practical support.

“The biggest part of my job though is helping Ari Palani, the youth arts director with arts classes in town, at the theatre and at different schools.

“We go out to all of the regional centres as well. I think it’s important for regional centres to have a place like this for professionals to perfect their craft.

“I also do acting coaching for select students who come to me and ask for it and I’m a freelance actor and voice actor.

“I started working at the Empire Theatre in 2014, just as a casual, but in the past 12 months I’ve moved into a more permanent role.