We make extra-ordinary theatre
An observatory is a place to dream, imagine and create.
Since we started in 2021, Observatory Theatre has been all about creating space for up-and-coming artists to thrive. We champion new work and bring together emerging and established theatre-makers to collaborate, learn and grow. More than just putting on shows, we build a community where creativity and transformative storytelling take centre stage.
Our programming is driven by a desire for daring, adventurous and imaginative theatre that investigates our complicated world. We embrace ideas that challenge and inspire, ensuring that we resonate with contemporary audiences in fresh and meaningful ways.
Over the past five years, we’ve tackled big themes: evolution and anthropology in Octopolis (2025), climate change in The Turquoise Elephant (2023), ancient folklore through a feminist lens in Destiny Doomed (2022), and AI-driven robotic futures in Control (2022).
We’re locked in to boost opportunities for local artists and support the creation of new work. Our flagship initiative is the Telescope New Writing Program, which provides essential opportunities for emerging playwrights to bring their big and burning ideas to life on stage. We encourage imagination and experimentation, supporting playwrights through dedicated support, workshopping and development, all the way to production.
"It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly" - Monet
The Team
Artistic Director & Producer
Lachlan Driscoll
Lachlan is a theatre director, dramaturg and producer. Credits include: As Director: DISNEY OFF ICE, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, THE TURQUOISE ELEPHANT and PORTRAITS (all for Observatory Theatre); AS TOLD BY THE BOYS WHO FED ME APPLES (Anywhere Festival, Nominated for the 2024 Anywhere Award for Theatre); WRITER’S BLOCK and AGE IS JUST A NUMBER (PIP Theatre Toucan Club); MIDNIGHT AT THE CEMETERY (Blue Roo Theatre Company); As Devisor: HANDLE WITH CARE (Ad Astra).
Lachlan has produced shows at Wynnum Fringe, Anywhere Festival and Backbone Festival. His 2021 show UTOPIA! was supported by Moreton Bay Regional Council and performed at the Redcliffe Museum.
Lachlan is passionate about new plays and performance work, and is involved in their development as a dramaturg and creative producer. Other experience includes: Member of Australian Theatre for Young People “Yabbies” (Youth Advisory Board), Residency at Lighthouse Arts, Festival Director Internship at Anywhere Festival, and Regional Arts Australia National Assessor Pool '25-'27.
Associate Producer & Marketing Coordinator
Imogen Meehan
Imogen is an actor, writer and theatre-maker. In 2020, she graduated from University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Acting & Performance and subsequently her Honours degree in Arts & Design in 2021 where she wrote, directed and performed in her play DESCENT.
She has worked both onstage and behind with companies including Vena Cava Productions, Underground Theatre Company, Anywhere Festival, and Observatory Theatre since 2022 collaborating as an associate artist in their Telescope New Writing Program and as Voice & Text Coach and Production Assistant on DISNEY OFF ICE (2024).
Imogen is excited about new work and ideas that are larger-than-life, bold, and thought-provoking. She’s all about embracing challenges and seizing opportunities to grow creatively.
Artistic Associate
Emma Churchland
Emma is a Brisbane-based theatre maker, educator and dramaturg working at the intersection of immersive performance, contemporary theatre and arts education. She is the co-founder of IMRSE, a theatre company specialising intimate immersive experiences and was previously an Artist in Residence at Metro Arts (2024), where her work centres on audience agency, embodied learning and human connection.
Emma’s recent projects include CAKE (Metro Arts, 2023 & 2024), which she co-created, directed and produced. The work was nominated for three Matilda Awards and presented to sold-out audiences across two seasons, exemplifying her commitment to bold, participatory theatre that invites audiences into complex emotional and social landscapes.
Alongside her independent practice, Emma is a Drama teacher and Coordinator of Co-Curricular Drama at Brisbane Girls Grammar School and previously a Sessional Academic at Queensland University of Technology and Education Manager at Shock Therapy Arts. She continues to mentor emerging artists and supports students in developing sustainable, rigorous creative practices. Emma's work consistently bridges professional theatre-making and curriculum-aligned education, with a strong focus on embodied learning, collaboration and critical thinking.
As a dramaturg, Emma works closely with Queensland playwrights and various theatre companies, offering detailed development support to refine structure, form and audience experience. She is a Drama Queensland Committee Member (elected 2025) and remains deeply connected to the state’s theatre and education sectors through professional learning, mentoring and sector advocacy.
Values Statement
Observatory Theatre is all about collaboration, adventurous ideas, and pushing artistic boundaries. We believe theatre has the power to change lives, challenge perspectives, and spark conversation - for both the audience and the artists. Our work is designed to be impactful, thought-provoking and inspiring to the imagination. We aim for professional quality while embracing the freedom of an independent spirit, turning limitations into creative opportunities. Every project we take on is fueled by passion and a commitment to making great theatre. At the heart of it all, we’re dedicated to creating a space where artists feel safe, supported, and inspired to take risks. We encourage experimentation, exploration, and fearless creativity, because that’s where the magic happens.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
We’re here to make a real impact on Brisbane’s theatre scene. For us, that starts with inclusion and collaboration. The more diverse voices and perspectives we bring into our work, the richer and more meaningful our stories become. At Observatory Theatre, there’s always room at the table. We welcome artists from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life to come and create with us. This is a space to play, explore, listen, share, experiment, and take risks. To try, fail, and try again, not just in spite of our differences, but because of them.
