In keeping with their philosophy “ignite your life... get into theatre”, JUTE Theatre company is inviting locals who have not attended any theatre productions in the past five years to be part of a focus group.

Established in Cairns in 1992, JUTE Theatre is a theatre company driving the development, co-production, national and international touring of contemporary Australian plays from the region. JUTE passionately engages others in the telling of new stories that stimulate the mind, revitalize the spirit and lift the heart, providing a true sense of belonging. Since 2004 JUTE Theatre has operated from its home at the Centre of Contemporary Arts - a significant regional infrastructure funded by State Government.

In the past, JUTE Theatre has carried out innovative research to work out what prompts and what prevents people going to the theatre. Previous Focus Forum participants were required to come along to each of their plays and give honest feedback about how the experience matched their expectations. The results have proven that theatre has something for everyone, even those who were sure it was not for them.

This research has been based on Rebecca Schollen's PhD thesis 'Building New Theatre Audiences', which found that the main reasons for people not attending the theatre was a lack of familiarity, uncertainty about what to expect and a general feeling that it was 'not for the likes of them'.

At the conclusion of the year's sessions, the group had all become theatre converts, saying overwhelmingly how much they enjoyed the series and how the plays made them think.

JUTE will be running another forum in 2011 and is on the lookout for 2 groups of 12 people to make a commitment to attend each production in exchange for their feedback. If you are one of the lucky 24, you'll get free tickets to each of the five productions in JUTE's 2011 season.

"We want to know more about what inspires people to attend good theatre. We've got broad shoulders and want to listen to the good and bad, to build an accurate picture about how people feel about theatre. We want to inspire people, expand ideas and reignite the thrill and exhilaration of seeing live performances in Cairns," said Suellen Maunder, JUTE's Artistic Director & CEO.

If you want to fit in with your artsy friends, or know of someone who needs to get out more, register your interest by calling Jodie Savina on (07) 4050 9444 or sending her an email.