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 theatre-makers 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 bold 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 passionate and versatile theatre educator, dramaturg, and practitioner dedicated to fostering creativity, connection, and community in the arts. As the co-founder of IMRSE, a theatre company specialising in immersive experiences, Emma creates bold, transformative work that captivates audiences and challenges perceptions. IMRSE is proudly the Company in Residence at Metro Arts for 2024/2025.
Emma’s projects include CAKE, which she co-created and produced. Nominated for three Matilda Awards and presented twice to sold-out audiences, CAKE exemplifies Emma’s ability to craft compelling and immersive theatrical experiences. She is equally passionate about merging theatre and education, believing in their power to inspire and transform.
Emma teaches at Queensland University of Technology, where she mentors emerging artists and collaborates with students on innovative projects. As a dramaturg, Emma collaborates with Brisbane playwrights, offering guidance to refine and elevate their work. She currently works as Education Manager for Shock Therapy Arts and has been elected to the Drama Queensland Committee in 2025.
Committed to building communities, Emma shares her expertise with independent theatre makers and emerging artists, ensuring that theatre remains a vital and transformative force in education and cultural engagement.
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.
