FAB way to find theatre friends
FINDING friendship and feeling fantastic are just two of the benefits of a new group in the Dubbo cultural scene.
The Friends And Buddies (FAB) Club at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) is all about enjoying a show but not being self-conscious about solo attendance.
DRTCC manager Linda Christof said the idea came from audience feedback.
“A lot of people comment they would like to see a show but had no-one to go with or they had recently moved to the region and didn’t know anyone,” she said.
“We launched it when we launched our season program, we have already had loads of interest.”
Although new to Dubbo, the concept has been tested elsewhere.
“There is one other theatre in Queensland doing it. Theirs is called Plus One,” Linda explained.
Other theatres are quickly picking up on the idea now as well, with DRTCC’S phone running hot with enquiries.
“They are interested and have been contacting me.”
While the FAB Club has not yet received any memberships, Linda expects it will happen quickly once word spreads.
“I think there’s definitely a need for this. You plant the seed and it takes off. It’s quite organic. Once it takes off, there will be other people. It has already happened to a degree. This is just helping them.”
Linda said a lot of people don’t have a problem with going to the theatre alone.
“But there are those who say they would have loved to go but didn’t have anyone to go with.”
Making friends:
Karen Hagan from Western Plains Cultural Centre and Linda Christof from Dubbo Regional Theatre are both keen to see local theatre-lovers joining the new FAB Club. PHOTO: DARCEE NIXON.
Not only will the FAB Club have new theatre buddies to sit with, but they already have that common interest for post-show discussion and future friendships.
“The FAB Club will be a new group of friends. And it’s about the full theatre experience. It’s the dialogue that the show creates that you don’t want to miss.”
Linda hopes the group will be able to form long-term friendships – maybe even relationships – by becoming FAB members.
“It has the potential to evolve into a lovely little social group that may get together to attend other shows and events around the region. It’s not a dating service, but people might find friends. There’s no pressure, no obligation and there’s no formal membership.
“The FAB Club is just getting back to the basics of having a chat and you are both there because you like the theatre.”
For more information about the FAB Club, contact DRTCC on 6801 4378 or visit drtcc.com.au.
Western NSW Alumni’s annual cocktail reception
DUBBO-BASED nephrologist Dr Colin Mcclintock will be the keynote speaker at the University of Sydney Western NSW Network annual cocktail reception on March 9.
In 2002 Colin immigrated to Australia and underwent specialist training in renal medicine and has played a central role in the expansion of Dubbo Base Hospital, working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care.
Tickets are $30. Call Helen Peacocke at the School of Rural Health on 5809 9400 for more details.